problems with my previous psychologist

Ten years ago, I saw a clinical psychologist for a severe anxiety-related disorder.  I was in therapy with her for about four years.

Now, the issue that caused me to enter therapy ten years ago is coming to the surface again.  As a result, I need to get either a copy of my records from this therapist or ask her to write a letter explaining my condition when she saw me.

Does anyone know if I have a right to these records?  Can patients get a copy of their counseling records?

Another issue is that these therapy visits took place several years ago.  It seems to me that therapists would have to hold onto their records in their archives.  I'm not totally sure about this though.

I've located where my former therapist is now working, and over the past couple of months, I have left her voice messages and sent her letters.  I'm getting very frustrated, however, because my former therapist will not call or write me back.  Even my family doctor attempted to contact her, but she didn't call him back either.

I've been clear in my contact why I need her feedback now, so nothing is ambiguous to her.  If she won't get back in touch with me, I at least need to see if I can get a copy of my counseling records.  So, that's why I'm now asking everyone for feedback.  Do I have a right to get a copy of these records?  Has anyone else ever requested a copy of their medical records?

Thanks in advance for your feedback. 

Take good care,

luvdogs

Hello,
I believe that the medical record would be located at the clinic you were going to when you were seeing this therapist. The medical record does not belong to you it belongs to the clinic, however, you have the right to access this medical record.  You may do as  advised above, ask how you go about obtaining a copy of you medical record.

You will be ask what forms you want from your record, whether it is just the clinical notes, or lab results etc.  Forms will need to be completed by you and prove of your identiy and there may be a fee for copying the records.

Of course I am in MN and I do not know where you are so it may be a bit different but this is the  basics of otaining a copy of your personal medical record. Take care and good luck with your new therapist.

Thank you for your replies!  I'm so lost about what to do about this, so I'm very appreciative of the feedback.

This psychologist actually had her own private practive when I saw her several years ago.  Therefore, I imagine that the records moved with her when she left town.

(She now lives in another city.  She works at a prison now, and she is impossible to get on the phone there.)

Mostly, I'm hurt that she hasn't replied back to me in some way or another.  This is someone that I opened up to about very difficult details, and I really trusted her.  I've come a very, very long way since then, and it's painful that this therapist won't even talk to my doctor.  I realize that she's probably switched gears in her career and started to see a different type of client, but I just wish that she'd hand over the records that I need now.

I've sent letters.  I've called.  My mother has called.  My doctor has called.  But, she won't get back to any of us.  Ugh. 

I'll keep trying though.  I just need to figure out how to get through to her and make her understand that I really need my records.

Thanks again, everyone!

Sorry I forgot to clarify the reason for the records..

I need them for legal reasons.  I don't need them to see another therapist.  I suppose that the records could be requested by subpoena (sp?) if it comes down to that.