|
MIT Students' Frequently Asked Questions about Mental Health Services (MHS)
FAQ Major Topics:
Confidentiality
Does information about mental health appointments go in my medical record?
Separate mental health medical records are kept in MHS. Copies of prescriptions written by mental health providers go into the general medical record so that internist and other providers know what medications you are taking.
Is everything in a mental health visit really 100% confidential?
Everything that you tell a mental health clinician is privileged information. This means that the information about you cannot be given to any other person without your permission. There are a few exceptions: 1) if you are in serious danger of harming yourself or someone else, then your clinician can notify other people in order to keep you from harming yourself or anyone else; 2) if someone else is in danger, then that person can be informed; 3) if you are involved in the abuse or neglect of a child or an elderly person, then your clinician is mandated to inform the appropriate agency.
I am applying for a job and the application asks if I have ever been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. Does seeing someone at MHS mean I have to answer yes to this question?
Not necessarily. Many people are seen at MHS for things other than "psychiatric disorders."
It is also important to remember that for most jobs a "yes" answer to that question usually just leads to a few more questions and the prospective employer possibly contacting the clinician at MHS.
I am applying for a job that requires a security clearance. Will the fact that I have been seen at MHS have an impact on my clearance?
This is an issue that comes up frequently. Usually the agency that is doing the clearance contacts MHS after notifying you (we need your permission to release information; usually the agency has already asked you to sign something to this effect). The agency will ask your clinician for his or her professional opinion as to whether you are a risk to security. They are generally more interested in the clinician's overall assessment regarding your potential risk to security than in the details of your medical record.
The above was prepared by the mental health work group of the MIT Student Health Advisory Council with input from the staff of the mental health service at MIT Medical. This source should be acknowledged if the material is used.
|
