Questions patients may want to ask treatment providers privately

Often, a family member, partner, or close friend may accompany a patient to introductory sessions with care providers. It’s typical for those supporting a patient to have their own set of questions, just as patients have questions. Patients may wish to reserve some questions for private discussion with the prospective care providers. Confidentiality issues affect who has permission to speak to a patient’s care providers when the patient reaches a certain age, and patients who are not minors need to give permission and specify who care providers can speak with. In emergency situations that are life threatening, care providers can speak to whomever they need to involve to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient.

• • What role will my family and friends play in treatment?
  • If I need to, can I call, text, or email the therapist between sessions? If so, when? How much will it cost?
  • Could I be put in a hospital against my will?
  • What can I do if I feel like I’m not improving fast enough and I think treatment is failing?
  • What can I do if my parents/partner are causing me the most stress, are unsupportive, or refuse to cooperate in the care plan?
  • Will I ever be in full remission or achieve a “cure?”