If I tell my therapist that I am thinking about suicide, will I go to jail?

Question

He wants me to open up to him and I want to, but not if I'm going to end up in jail.

Answer 1

Many people tell their therapists they are thinking about suicide. Sometimes it actually helps to tell them (if it is true).

Therapists are supposed to not tell anyone about anything you say unless they are very sure you may hurt yourself or others. It is the policy to be confidential. They usually don't get people locked up. It is not a crime to simply feel like suicide. Therapists know that very few who talk about it actually accomplish it (and most will tell you that it's near impossible to predict who will), and anyway therapists have little power to do anything to you that you don't want them to. In other words, they can't take away your freedom. You should trust your therapist. He only wants to help. If you seem to be in serious and immediate danger, he may ask you to voluntarily check into a hospital (I'm guessing that will not even happen). I don't think he can do anything more than that normally. Even if that does happen, you won't be able to be kept more than a few days. You have still have rights in this situation and you should make sure you know what they are. I suggest you talk with your therapist about these concerns soon, so you can stop worrying.

Answer 2

No, you will not go to jail.  That would be counterproductive if your therapist sent you to jail for being honest about how you feel.  No one would ever trust a therapist if that is what they did.  

Tell your therapist how your are feeling.  That is the best way to get help.  You will NOT go to jail.  Good luck.  Hope things are better for you soon.  

Answer 3

you wont end up in a jail, probably a mental hospital so they can keep a watch on you and help you get over what ever is making you so depressed and suicidal.

good luck! xx

Answer 4

No. Suicide isnt a crime. And thinking about it certainly isnt. It's important you talk about these thoughts and feelings so your therapist can understand and help you get better.  

Answer 5

The way I understand it, suicidal thoughts are not against the law, just attempting suicide. If you tell your therapist you're thinking about suicide, he/she can most likely help you work through that. I doubt you'll go to jail, but if you're still worried, you can always look up the local laws for your state

Answer 6

no no no no no, you will not go to jail, it is not illegal to want to have thoughts of death, but he may suggest strongly that you seek help in hospitalization, which may be a very good thing.

Answer 7

You won't go to jail, you need to tell your therapist you have these feelings because you can be helped, it's not a crime to have these feelings and lots of people do. If you don't want to tell your therapist ring Samaritans. Good luck

Answer 8

You will not end up in jail! What is so wrong that you are thinking of such an act, if you have faith in God, you should be aware that it's a sin to take your own life or others. God Bless!

Answer 9

Not sure, in some states they are required to report you to a mental hospital to stop you from harming yourself or others. HOWEVER unless you open up and get better you will have this thoughts or try to end your life and waste the precious gift that it is.

Answer 10

No you won't, and I encourage you to do so!

Take care!  ;-)

Answer 11

You will not go to jail if you tell your therapist you are thinking about suicide. It is possible that they might want you to go to a hospital to have your medications evaluated. You normally can get out of this by signing a contract with them that says you will not commit suicide and will continue to get treatment for your problem. It is very important to tell your therapist when you feel like this. Even if you feel like hurting someone else, you will not be placed in jail for it. Therapists are more likely to suggest hospital time and not jail. Jail isn't helpful but a stay at the hospital might be if you feel you can not trust yourself NOT to commit suicide or harm another person.

Answer 12

No, you wont go to jail, if he feels you are a risk to yourself he may suggest a short stay in hospital so nurses can be there to support you, and be available if you need to talk, and also review you medication, it is important to tell him, because feeling suicdal is horrible, and you dont have to feel this way, medication will help initially, and once you are feeling a little stronger you can explorre issues that may have been bothering you and find ways of dealin with these,

The only thing he will do is ensure you will be safe

Answer 13

There's no way you'd go to jail for that! She would probably suggest a 72 hour hold at a behavior health hospital to evaluate you, where you'll get the support you need! Please be honest with him. It's the only way you're going to get better.

Answer 14

No, definitely not jail, most likely he will suggest that you go to the hospital for a few days to get a medication adjustment, there you can rest and get straightened out. That will still be your choice to whether you go or not. I strongly suggest that you open up to him everything. Take it from someone who knows, I've had my son hospitalized befor. Sounds like you need to be for a few days. Take care now, help is out there.

Answer 15

No, but they might put you in a mental institution..that would be way worse. Remember, there is nothing you can't get through.

Answer 16

no, they won't place you in jail, they will try to help you though & make sure you get some help!! There is also some suicide hotlines you can call as well & you KNOW they won't put you in jail :)  ... P.S.. don't let the daily struggles that we all go through bring you down!! I'll keep you in my prayers! ♥

http://suicidehotlines.com/

Answer 17

No, but they may want you to spend some time in a hospital... You should tell your therapist, they will ask questions, and help you. Thats why they are there....

Answer 18

NO you won't and your therapist won't try and talk you out of it either (their not allowed to) they'll just talk to you about it and try to help you. I'm sure you'd find it helpful if you do tell them. Please do.

Answer 19

You won't end up in jail because you have committed no crime.  

Answer 20

whatever you tell your therapist has to stay between you.  the exception i know is if you tell you you plan to kill someone else, then he has to report to police.