Will My Therapist Send Me to a Mental Hospital if I Experience These Mental Health Concerns?

Many people with mental health concerns fear that if they open up to their therapist about experiencing distressing and tangible symptoms such as hearing noises and feeling like everyone is discussing them or staring at them, their therapist will immediately send them to a mental hospital. However, such actions are not as common as you might think. Let's delve into the details and find out why.

Therapist's Role and Initial Response

Mental health professionals are trained to assess and manage a wide range of mental health concerns. If you tell your therapist that you are experiencing auditory hallucinations, delusions of being talked about, and having intense stress or anxiety, she will likely recognize that you may be exaggerating or dramatizing your symptoms. She may prescribe medication or refer you to a psychiatrist for further evaluation instead of immediately suggesting hospitalization.

When Would a Mental Hospital Become an Option?

While your therapist may recommend medication or refer you to a psychiatrist, she would only consider referring you to a mental hospital if she believes that there is an imminent danger to yourself or others. For instance, if you express any thoughts or intentions of harming yourself or others, your therapist would likely be required to take appropriate action, which may involve suggesting hospitalization. Here are some specific scenarios:

Stating a desire to harm a colleague, but without naming a specific individual Fantasizing about harming a specific person, but expressing that you would never do it Having the means to commit harm, such as owning firearms, and expressing extreme anger towards a specific individual, but without making specific threats Informing the therapist that you have a detailed plan to harm yourself or others

Even if your therapist decides to call emergency services, it is the hospital’s decision to admit you and they will follow a legal and ethical process. If the therapist is not completely sure that you are safe to leave, they might observe you for 34 or 72 hours before admitting you to the psychiatric ward.

Common Mental Health Concerns Highlighted

Your symptoms—such as hearing noises, being paranoid, and the urge to harm yourself—may point to psychosis or paranoia combined with emotional dysregulation. However, since you have not acted on these impulses, the danger to yourself is not immediate. This means that your therapist might suggest seeing a psychiatrist for medication or try to help you manage your emotions while under their care. In most cases, your therapist does not have the authority to restrict your freedom or force hospitalization without just cause.

Conclusion

Therapists are professional mental health care providers who are committed to helping you navigate your mental health concerns. They may initially prescribe medication or refer you to a psychiatrist, but will not force you into a mental hospital unless there is a significant danger to yourself or others. Remember, your mental health is a priority, and seeking professional help is a step in the right direction.