Is a psychiatrist allowed to tell others about me?

Is a psychiatrist allowed to tell others about me?

Christopher Reist (Academic Psychiatrist, Co-Author of “Psychiatry”) gives expert video advice on: How do I know if I should go to see a psychiatrist?; How does a psychiatrist diagnose a patient?; Is a psychiatrist allowed to tell others about me? and more...

When you see a psychiatrist, you should understand that that is strictly, by law, a confidential interaction and your psychiatrist cannot tell others about your personal condition. You have legal protection regarding what about you is discussed with other people but you can give authorization should you want your condition discussed with others. There is an exception to the confidentiality rule. If you express to the psychiatrist an intent to harm yourself or to harm others. In those cases, the law requires the psychiatrist to take action.