1. Community
  2. Mental health
  3. Mental Health

Video recording therapy sessions

Posted , 4 users are following.

Tori88
Tori88

Can my therapist video tape me without asking me? I'm in california.

So, today in a therapy session, I noticed that my therapist's webcam (the kind that sits on top the monitor) was off his monitor and sitting on the desk, situation so it was facing me perfectly, with the bright blue light on. I have this same camera so I know the camera is on when the bright blue light is on. I noticed his camera before, but it was never off his monitor, facing me, or with the blue light on.

I am in therapy because I was violently attacked and I'm having a hard time with intrusive memmories.....honestly being videotaped I guess doesn't bother me TOO MUCH, but now I kinda dont trust him, and I couldn't even really do the therapy once I noticed it....what happened to me is so personal and now that the possibility I'm on tape now, spilling my guts out...honestly makes me really sad. He has helped me alot, but I now feel uncomfortable I saw this, I almost never want to go back.

I researched a little just now, and in california you usually need consent for a recording, let alone a video recording! But I was thinking maybe it's allowed for therapists and doctors?

Any info (especially california) about this would help....I'm hoping that recording me is legal...I guess ide somehow feel less violated (the info I say in therapy is SO PERSONAL). I'm 99.99% sure it was on, but I could very well be wrong and the webcam was off...who knows sad

1 like, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • bibby86013
    bibby86013 Tori88

    Posted

    Do you think this has arose for the precise reason you are i n therapy ? Subconscious ly u may be looking for reasons to discontinue the therapy. We all are well aware he has no right to film without your consent , it will end his practice. Furthermore have u mentioned it to him u are uncomfortable the camera aimed at u. The question is why are you building this barrier in my view
    • Tori88
      Tori88 bibby86013

      Posted

      I didn't mention it to him, I guess I kind of feel like it would be rude or akward if I did, especially if I was wrong about it being on (but I'm pretty sure it was on, and how it was placed was odd). But I know asking directly would be the most appropriate. And you have an interesting point for sure, about myself maybe making it more of an issue in order not to continue therapy? Is thst what you mean? I would really like to continue therapy, I feel so much better since I have started.

      But also, you mentioned we are all well aware he has no right to film without consent....is this true for even therapists and doctors though?

  • borderriever
    borderriever Tori88

    Posted

    Tori

    We are in the UK, and here the Specialist needs to ask permission in the first instance. I do not know regards America. If you doubt something ask.

    Whatever the Law is I would imagine  He should at least ask your permission

    BOB

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.