Postal Letter

Would seeing a psychologist negatively affect one's future employment opportunities?

Just a clinical psychologist for stress related issues, nothing involving medication or mental illness. I often read/hear that companies/military will not hire or promote individuals who have certain things in their medical records. Would this apply? Also, can any companies look at one's medical records prior to age 18?

Public Comments

1. i believe med records are private. cheers!
2. Have you heard of HIPPA? Your medical records are private.
3. I wouldn't think that seeing a psychologist would matter, it just depends on what you saw a psychologist for. I don't believe that companies can look at one's medical records prior to age 18.
4. i don't think so..i think the only medical records they have access to, or that can hinder a job is if you were ever involuntarily admitted into a mental institution or rehab, i repeat involuntarily, so i don't think you should have a problem at all, as long as the scheduling of appointments doesn't affect your getting to work on time or leaving early...though some allow that for special reasons
5. never heard of a company looking into one's medical records. Those are personal and you would have to give permission for them to be handed over. Besides that companies cannot discriminate against you based on health...they have to look at actual qualifications.
6. Michael is right. No one should have access to your medical records except you and your doctor. If someone is basing job opportunities on a medical health record, they need to be reported to your local employment agency. That is an extreme abuse of your personal rights.
7. Would seeing a psychologist negatively affect one's future employment opportunities??? ----> No I don't think it will. I am in it for a mental illness and it hasn't affected me. I often read/hear that companies/military will not hire or promote individuals who have certain things in their medical records. Would this apply? -----> I don't Know about the military. I don't think companies can unless they have a real reason to. Also, can any companies look at one's medical records prior to age 18? ----> I don't know, sorry.
8. Your medical records are private unless you release them. Under 18 they are private unless your parent or guardian releases them. The only possible exceptions are by court order and I believe psychological/psychiatric problems are exempt from even court orders. So the answer is, no sweat. Unless you release them, your medical records are protected. That's the good news. Now the bad. There are some companies (personally I wouldn't want to work for them) who won't hire you without a drug screen and physical by one of their doctors. In that case, you would be asked to see their Doc, at their expense, and sign away your rights. Many government positions, including, of course, the military require a drug screen and physical. Like I said, I wouldn't want to work for a company like that, but if you've got nothing to hide and it's a good job... -a guy named duh
9. the only way it can hinder your life is if you try and become a police officer, get a job with the fbi/cia, go for the military, or become a doctor. those are the only jobs that i know of that can check up on your medical history (you have to give them permission in order to be considered for employment). rest assured, most jobs do not want to know anything about your medical history. they dont want to mess around with HIPPA. your mental help is only between you and your doctor. no jobs will ever find out or care to even try to find out about your mental records (except for the few jobs i listed above). if this were not the case.....no one would be employed. so dont worry bro.
10. I went to a shrink for 3 years (twice a week) for stress related issues (once I determined I was nuts I knew I was OK). Since then (at the same company -- who knew I was going because I had to have time off to go) I went from making $25k a year in the early part of my career to well into the low 6 figure range. So my opinion is NO.. BTW I also advised one of my employees to seek psychiatric help and it helped him immensely in both work and personal relations. Also why are you going to a psychologist(PHD or masters degree in some states - not medically trained.) versus going to a psychiatrist (MD- DO) .... big difference in level and ability to diagnose and treat .. Good luck