therapy question - Mental Health Message Board

just raine · 10-10-2003, 09:21 AM

i'm looking into the possibility of going to a therapist for some self esteem, paranoia, and possible depression issues, but i've heard something that concerns me, and i need to find out the truth before i proceed...
is it true that if you tell your therapist that you've had suicidal thoughts, that they can have you committed to a mental institution involuntarily?

fallen · 10-10-2003, 03:45 PM

Hey there, ummm well i'm seeing a psychiatrist and everytime i see him he asks that lovely question 'have you had any suicidal thoughts (ideation)' and i said yes at a couple different appointments i had because it was the truth but i was never committed..on the other hand though..when you start seeing a therapist they do advise you that if you threaten suicide or say you are planning it or really thinking about doing it they can and probobly will have you committed..i think by law they are not allowed to ignore a suicide threat..but actually planning to do it and just having the thought run through your head are 2 different stories..o.k i'm yapping a lot here but i hope that helped a little.Take care of yourself and don't let that scare you into not going.Bye!

Rick7799 · 10-11-2003, 08:47 AM

Don't worry. You said the words suicidal thoughts. I agree with the last post from Fallen. They may say you are passively suicidal, which means the though has run through your head, but you are not committed. I can understand your fear but it is best to be as open with your therapist as possible to get the help you need.

[This message has been edited by Rick7799 (edited 10-11-2003).]

mossimo · 10-11-2003, 05:09 PM

If you give any indication to the therapist that you are a threat to yourself, the therapist is required to take action because if you do end up hurting yourself, they can be held responsible. What they will usually do though is have you sign a suicide pact, where you promise not to harm yourself. They wont have you committed. But if you are thinking about suicide you really should go seek therapy...

[This message has been edited by mossimo (edited 10-11-2003).]