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Why Confidentiality is Important and Valued During Rehab

Going to rehab in Thailand or elsewhere for a drug and alcohol addiction can bring forth a wealth of mixed emotions. Some people don’t know what to expect while others worry about the withdrawal. One of the most misunderstood aspects associated with drug rehab is confidentiality and privacy matters especially during individual counselling and therapy sessions. It is important to alleviate as many concerns as possible before treatment can begin. By doing so, any stressors or presumptions can be nullified.

Understanding Overall Privacy Concerns at Rehab

Privacy is highly valued and respected at private rehabs. Professional staff working at the facility is bound by contract to maintain a strict policy of non-disclosure. This means they are unable to discuss with friends or family anything happening at the rehab, including events or people receiving treatment. The private rehabs in Thailand are not required, by law, to share any patient information with government or health officials. This may or may not hold true in other countries; thus if privacy is a concern, you should always verify this with a facility.

Confidentiality During Individual Counselling

Individual counselling, also known as one to one therapy, is a vital part of rehab treatment. These sessions involve a certified counsellor, or therapist, and the individual patient to meet on a scheduled basis. In these sessions, various topics will be discussed. Many of these will be very personal to the individual and could include sensitive details and information. Discussing these things can provoke a lot of different emotions and sensitivity around the subject matter. It’s very important to know that these sessions are between the therapist and the individual only. No one else will be in the room unless specified and agreed upon by both parties. These sessions are safe place to open up and will remain completely private.

Privacy in Group Therapy Sessions

In a group therapy session, individuals undergoing addiction treatment and a therapist will discuss stories, questions, concerns or pre-determined topics. This is beneficial time to give and take support, develop social skills and heal. For a lot of people at rehab, group therapy is a favourite part of the week. Just like individual counselling sessions, group therapy values privacy and insists that anything discussed during a session stays within that group and is not to leave the room.

AA and NA Meeting Privacy

12 Step rehabs will include AA or NA meetings, as well as 12 step groups, into their programmes. Like other therapies, these encourage the open, free flowing discussion of addiction, personal telling and offering of support. The 12 steps treatment model takes privacy just as seriously as a rehab. In addition, local support groups are accepting of people who wish to remain anonymous. Before any meeting gets going, there is always a reminder to the group that everything discussed stays within the meeting. While there is no guarantee that the participants will adhere to this rule, it’s safe to say that the people there believe in it and respect it in its entirety. Everyone is there for the same reason, to live a sober life; thus, privacy is a mutual agreement amongst all attendees.

Talking to Staff at the Rehab

During addiction treatment, individuals may be required to talk to therapists, counsellors, doctors and other staff members outside of therapy sessions. Confidentiality continues to be maintained during all times. These people have taken various privacy oaths which binds them to keep in accordance with what they agreed to. Medical checkups, lab results and any further information will remain private.

Frequently Asked Questions About Privacy Matters at Rehab

There are a few concerns, in relation to privacy, which many people going to rehab want reassurance about. The following is our most frequent questions:

How could a loved one find out about what is going on during rehab?

  • If an individual is over the age of 18, they are not required to share any information about what is going on while at treatment. That being said, an emergency contact must be provided just in case an emergency happens. If the person signs a release form and lists specific names on this document, those individuals will be given access to their treatment progress.

Is there any way a random person could gain access to personal information?

  • This will vary by country or location as well as the type of rehab; for example, some state ran facilities are required to share information with other agencies or organisations. In other instances, a court order could essentially make a rehab disclose their information, but this would be in very special circumstances.

When can a psychologist share private information without consent?

  • Psychologists, therapists or counsellors may only disclose information without consent when they believe the patient is going to harm themselves or others. These professionals are required by law, in the U.S. and U.K., to report domestic violence, abuse or the neglect of children, elderly and disabled. If an adult discusses childhood abuse, this remains confidential.

Will insurance companies see records?

  • This will depend on the country and insurance provider. In general, the only thing that an insurance company may see is a diagnosis so that follow up care can be determined. Insurance companies are typically bound by HIPAA or other oaths to keep all information confidential.

To read more about HIPAA, you can refer to;

Going to Thailand for Addiction Treatment Siam Rehab values your privacy. All treatment at our rehab facility in the North of Thailand is done in a safe, supportive and private environment. Information is kept completely confidential unless specifically stated otherwise by you – the client of the facility.

*Please note the above is for information purposes only, Siam Rehab being in Thailand is not required to report to any 3rd party about your health issues or treatment. We do however believe it is important to update your family on your progress as well as involve them when appropriate. This is however only done with your signed consent.

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