Afraid to see a therapist

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Hi All

I'm sure others have been in this situation, reluctant to seek therapy due to possible stigma and possibly jeopardizing their license.

I won't get into detail, but what do you do? Seek help confindentially? As a Jane/John Doe?

Just throwing it out there, I'm curious what you guys have to say.

Thanks in advance.

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Specializes in ICU.

I would go as self-pay (though may be harder to find a provider), and never, ever, ever use my employer's "confidential" EAP services. Use a nickname or alias if what you intend to disclose is potentially damaging to your career and/or licensure. Maybe seems like overkill, but I've tended over the years to default to the Fox Mulder school of thought: trust no one.

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I'm curious, as I'm just starting school-can going to a therapist really impact your nursing license? Like, if you went in to get meds or counseling for depression or anxiety or adhd, or any other common type of issue, is that something a person should be concerned about or hide?

I know the mental health stigma in this country is strong, but it seems really strange to me that a person couldn't seek help if they need it.

Or is this concerning things that are criminalized? Either way, I think it's insane to punish someone for seeking help for any issue (but that'a whole other tangent I'll try to avoid).

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).

NewRN16, I have received services from self-pay art therapist after suffering from PTSD symptoms from being stabbed by a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia. I have also received services from an EAP counselor regarding work related stress.

I am upfront and as honest and forthright as possible about myself and the situations and people involved. I found both therapy experiences extremely beneficial and therapeutic.

I wish you the very best to you on your endeavor, NewRN16!

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I must need a therapist because I must be crazy.

How could a State Board of Nursing know you were seeing a therapist? I'm certain there is client patient confidentiality.

I guess if you're admitted to a psych facility danger to self and others maybe it has to be reported? Or if you have to pee in a bottle and the drug shows up but then you have a doctor's order?

I've seen therapists and psychiatrists, never gave it a second thought, never came up in any situation. I don't remember ever being asked about it when applying for a job?

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As far as I know no BON would discourage a nurse from seeking therapy. Therapy is a great tool to improve our mental health. Unless you're going to a therapist because you worry you are a harm to your patients or coworkers I wouldn't be concerned. I've sought therapy while holding a nursing license. My therapist kept everything confidential as is required by law (as I was not a harm to self or others). My employer didn't need to know.

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

Getting therapy and/or taking meds for mental illness won't jeopardize your license. In a few states, nurses might have to go through a monitoring program, but about the only way the BON finds out about it is if you tell them. I wouldn't, unless your state asks directly if you have a physical or mental health issue that impairs or may impair your ability to be a safe practitioner.

My feeling on this is, if you suspect you MIGHT need help, you already do. Good luck!

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Specializes in Flight, ER, Transport, ICU/Critical Care.

Are you considering self harm?

Are you considering harming others?

Are you alert and orientated and can task focus?

Then it's NOT an issue for the BON. Never be afraid to get help. Don't focus on your nursing (unless, of course it's a problem) and proceed.

I don't really have an issue with using your health insurance through your employer to get counseling (avoid EAP unless it's a work mandated issue) - just DO NOT discuss the matter with coworkers, friends and associates (manager). Don't take off work if you can help it and don't disclose what provider you are seeing if you do.

It's not anyone's business. I 100% mean this.

The biggest issue I see in current society is the need to share private information.

Please care for yourself. You deserve to feel better. No BON issue or reporting unless a harm issue is present.

No, you also do not have to disclose psych meds to anyone (employer) unless they are schedule and would show up in a tox screen and then it's the Medical Review Officer ONLY. Not your MANAGER. Still NO DISCUSSION REQUIRED.

Good luck. Be safe.

:angel:

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