How does anyone keep a secret in a world of social media, texts, and apps? Thanks to the internet and technology, people’s lives are shared or discussed without their permission. The lack of privacy or fear of exposure may decrease a person’s willingness to seek the mental health or substance abuse help they may need. But, you can enter treatment without worrying about your business becoming everyone’s business.
Won’t People Know I’m in Treatment?
People won’t know if you receive mental health or substance use disorder treatment. At least, they won’t learn the news from your therapist or treatment center. The Health Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) guarantees your right to privacy.
Mental health and substance addiction treatment centers are held to the same standard as your doctor, hospitals, or other medical facilities. Reputable treatment centers will not betray your trust or disregard federal law. Your therapist and treatment center are required by law to protect your healthcare information, privacy, and security.
There are two aspects of HIPAA:
#1. The Privacy Rule
The privacy rule outlines the standards for disclosing and using your health information.
#2. The Security Rule
The security rule sets and follows national standards that protect your health information’s availability, integrity, and confidentiality. Your health information remains secure because those who set the standards consistently update the standards to reflect the latest advancements in technology.
How Would Someone Know I’m in Treatment?
When you decide to enter a mental health or substance addiction program, you can determine if you want anyone to know. While you may not want to tell anyone, there are some obstacles to entering a treatment center quietly. A few obstacles include:
- Pets: Someone has to take care of Pickles. Choose wisely.
- Home: You will need someone to watch your house or water your plants.
- Work: You’ll need to let someone know you won’t be at work for a while.
Tips to Keep Your Life Private
The urge to share can be strong. Yet, you can keep your life private during and after receiving mental or substance addiction care. A few tips to keep your life private include:
Bore People
When people want to know what is going on in your life, give them boring answers. It’s okay not to provide an explanation or share what you’re up to in life.
Stay Quiet
The urge to let people know what you’re thinking or doing is understandable, but before you share, step back and ask yourself if it’s necessary to let everyone know your thoughts.
Disconnect and Recharge
Unplugging means putting down the phone and also saying “no.” Do you have a friend who tells people what you say after you hang out? Maybe criticizes your decisions? You can either limit the time you spend with them or dump them.
Stay True to Yourself
Know what you want to share and what you want to keep to yourself. Then stick to your limits and privacy boundaries.
Privacy doesn’t have to come with a price. However, who you share your information with is important. To help keep your treatment confidential, consider who you trust. But, know your mental health program follows Federal laws to protect your security and privacy. The Guest House believes in your security and privacy. We follow HIPAA standards to ensure you feel safe while you’re with us. Our privately owned estate is tucked away on 52 acres in Central Florida. Our commitment to your comfort begins when you call us at (855) 483-7800.