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As a professional, I will use my best knowledge
and skills to help you. This includes following the rules and
standards of the American Psychiatric Association, or APA.
In your best interests, the APA puts limits on the relationship
between a psychiatrist and a client, and I will abide by these.
Let me explain these limits, so you will not think they are
personal responses to you.
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First, I am licensed and trained to practice
psychiatry—not law, medicine, or any other profession.
I am not able to give you good advice from these other professional
viewpoints.
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Second, laws and the rules of the APA require me to
keep what you tell me confidential (that is, private). You
can trust me not to tell anyone else what you tell me, except
in certain limited situations. I explain what those are in
the "About Confidentiality" section of this website.
Here I want to explain that I try not to reveal who my clients
are. This is part of my efforts to maintain your privacy. If
we meet on the street or socially, I may not say hello or talk
to you very much. My behavior will not be a personal reaction
to you, but a way to maintain the confidentiality of our relationship.
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Even if you invite me, I will not attend your family gatherings,
such as parties or weddings.
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As your therapist, I will not give you gifts; I may not notice
or recall your birthday; and I may not receive any of your
gifts eagerly.
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Third, in your best interest and following the
APA's standards, I can only be your psychiatrist. I cannot
have any other role in your life. I cannot, now or ever, be
a close friend or socialize with any of my clients. I cannot
be a therapist to someone who is already a friend. I can never
have sexual or romantic relationships with any client during,
or after, the course of treatment. I cannot have a business
relationship with any of my clients, other than the therapy
relationship.
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