Can going to a psychologist ruin your career?

[Strawbeerty7]

[ChrisMaster69]

Not really no.

the attitude towards mental health is gradually changing,

employers and the government here in the UK is recognising that early treatment / counselling greatly helps mental health issues.

it does however depend on what exactly the counselling was for.

I've both been to counselling and works as a volunteer at a counselling centre.

Over that time I’ve served in the Air Force and have a relatively senior role at current employers, all were aware of all my previous mental health issues lol.

[Anonymous]

Yes it can especially if you’re in law-enforcement. If it get out you see a shirk you’re fucked. I went and I regretted it. The humiliation and feelings of despair. I know I’ll never be able to work the job I want to because of it. So I basically am going to give up on life once I’m done with college. I’m going to trade stocks to see if I get rich, but if I fail I’m just going to be homeless and just wait to die. I’ll never beg for anyone’s help again.

[Strawbeerty7]

Are u sure?

[Opinion Owner]

Sure about what? They won’t say they’re not hiring because of your mental illness. They’re not stupid they know they’ll get sued if they said that’s the reason why. but they’ll look for any other reason not to hire you. If they find out. Why are you going to a therapist?

[Strawbeerty7]

Yh but it wasby accident

[Opinion Owner]

Same here. I’m not going to say how. Don’t worry too much about it you can still get a job. You’re smart. Just don’t do any jobs where they have a health background check. Like the police. Well, I’m fucked but you still have a chance.

[Strawbeerty7]

I do management

[Opinion Owner]

Yeah then you’re fine. Don’t worry about it. Damn I wish I was you. But good luck to you. And never tell anyone about it. Not even your boyfriend because he can say you’re try to get custody of your kids.

[Strawbeerty7]

My sister knows it and told everyone

[Opinion Owner]

She did in a spiteful way or was it because she was concerned about you?

[Strawbeerty7]

Spiteful

[Opinion Owner]

Damn what a bitch. And she calls herself your sister. That’s awful. But it happen to me too. A guy from my group therapy told everyone. Even though he’s not allowed to.

[xHoneyxBeex]

No, why would that ruin your career? Mental health is just as important as physical health. Also, your health care information is private due to HIPAA laws (which do apply to mental health services as well) so your employer wouldn't even know unless you told them yourself or signed a consent form for your psychologist to share information with them.

[Strawbeerty7]

Because people might think ur crazy and are not able to do the job

[xHoneyxBeex]

More importance is being placed on mental health these days, especially with the recent pandemic. There's so much awareness about taking care of ourselves mentally now than there was even 5 years ago so I doubt most people would think that. And again, due to HIPAA, no one would even know if you seek mental health services unless you tell them yourself. Feel free to read more about your rights here. www.hhs.gov/.../index.html

[OlderAndWiser]

@msc545 Do you have any stories on this topic?

[msc545]

I get asked this a lot. In my work with veterans, I see police, prison guards, secret service agents, FBI agents, and all manner of people in law enforcement and the military who are worried that seeing me might ruin their career. It has never happened because I am absolutely prohibited from ever revealing any identifiable information regarding anyone, and I take that very seriously since I can lose my license and go to prison if I do, not to mention being sued.

I am not saying it never happens, but I personally do not know of any mental health professional who has done this, and such an extreme breach of ethics would be made public very quickly.

There is some risk involved, but I think the probability is miniscule.

[In_Trance]

you asked this already