Seeing Psychiatrist hurt job chances in this market

[Summers_Off]

Hello. I am having some martial problems and my hubby is finally willing to see a counselor, but he has insisted that we see a psychiatrist "in case someone needs medication". Ok, whatever. Currently, I am only a student, but I am concerned that this could haunt me. I know that things are supposed to be confidential in the business world that I am used to, but aren't things different in the medical field. Could this somehow mess me up? I know employers check credit reports and criminal backgrounds. Can they ask if you have ever been treated by a Psychiatrist? Is something like that fair game? Please don't beat me up about not knowing enough about HIPAA (pretty please w/ sugar on top, I'm just in A&P1 ). I am asking for the insider real deal. There are loopholes for everything and I guess my question is are there healthcare provider loopholes that would make that information accessible to future employers.

Thanks!

[feisty_lpn, LPN]

It is no one's business but you, your husband, and your psychiatrist. No one will know unless you tell them. And yes, it's illegal for them to ask you that question or any other health question. That being said, your BON may ask you at some point if you have been dx with a serious mental illness (Bipolar, Schizophrenia, etc). Depression/anxiety are not generally 'red flags' for BONs (as far as I know). So... relax. Concentrate on school and your family. :)

[Hospice Nurse LPN, BSN, RN]

So sorry to hear about your problems! *BIG HUGS* Glad to hear you and DH are trying to work things out. I'm a student also and one of the questions we are asked is if we've ever been treated for any type of mental illness. If so, your doc has to write a letter stating that you are mentally capable of clinicals and taking care of pts. Yes, this is also reported to the BON. I don't see how getting help for mariage problems would be considered a "mental illness", though.

[whodatnurse]

I just wanted to say that you don't 'have' to see a psychiatrist rather than a psychologist or LCSW if medication might be needed for either of you. If one or both of you are suffering from depression, medication can be prescribed by your primary care physician, who would also likely encourage you to consider therapy as well.

[canesdukegirl, BSN, RN]

I don't think that marriage counseling falls under the same concerns that the BON would consider "mental illness". Just my two cents. I hope everything works out for you both! HUGS!

[lifelearningrn, BSN, RN]

I've wondered about this myself. If they can not ask about your psychological history, can they find out by other means, like the standard drug test?

I guess what I mean, is if you have a prescription for anti-depressants/anxiety medication won't the drug test tell them that, and if so, would that affect your chances (even though you have a prescription?) Does the potential employer see your prescription list, or is that for the independent testing center only to determine if you pass/fail?

[mustlovepoodles, RN]

NO, they can't share the details of your doctor visits, no matter what kind of doctor you go to. Your healthcare info is protected. That said, don't go sharing information with your friends and coworkers. No reason to invite scrutiny. I see a psychiatrist regularly for a mood disorder. I've been a nurse for 34 yrs, even been hospitalized (twice!) for depression. The only time I ever shared my illness was when I had a breakdown at work and had to go straight to the hospital. My history of depression hasn't caused me any problems. However, I have not shared with anyone at my new job and I don't intend to. They would be thunderstruck if they knew. No reason to invite stigma to the table, ya know?

[regularRN]

Marriage counseling may be better addressed by a psychologist or LCSW; psychiatrists spend very little time counseling - more prescribing. PCPs prescribe antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds without the need of psychiatrist involvement. The latter - in my opinion - are mainly interested in major psychotic illnesses. Psychologists and LCSWs will listen for an hour or so... psychiatrists, maybe two minutes. PCPs a little longer...

I know many nurses who take various pysch meds... antidepressants will not show up in a urine test, but ativan and valium will, as will some drugs that treat ADD etc. As long as you have a legal prescription, then you do not need to worry.

[himilayaneyes]

Your job will not ask you if you're being seen by any doctor. Any medication you have, you better have a legal prescription that's all. Good luck.

[Neveranurseagain, RN]

I'm in awe that you are "only a student" and know that it's HIPAA, not HIPPA!

[ktwlpn, LPN]

NO, they can't share the details of your doctor visits, no matter what kind of doctor you go to. Your healthcare info is protected. That said, don't go sharing information with your friends and coworkers. No reason to invite scrutiny. I see a psychiatrist regularly for a mood disorder. I've been a nurse for 34 yrs, even been hospitalized (twice!) for depression. The only time I ever shared my illness was when I had a breakdown at work and had to go straight to the hospital. My history of depression hasn't caused me any problems. However, I have not shared with anyone at my new job and I don't intend to. They would be thunderstruck if they knew. No reason to invite stigma to the table, ya know?

Good for you-I worked with a bi-polar nurse for a few years.She was non-compliant with her meds and a real loose cannon. People like that give the rest a bad name.I have learned over the years ,in confidence,about a few more and they take their meds and keep their business to themselves.

[VioletKaliLPN, LPN]

Nursing schools require a health history, which does include medications you are taking, whether you are mentally healthy, vaccinated, etc.

I do not 'suffer' from a mental illness, I do have a mental illness which is currently under control with medication and monitoring by my doc. The director of my program, who also teaches, knows this, and I have not been treated any differently.