Health care systems have been putting therapists’ progress reports online, much to the surprise (and anger) of some patients. These were the words t

Your Therapist’s Notes Might Be Just a Click Away

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2024-10-01 19:30:03

Health care systems have been putting therapists’ progress reports online, much to the surprise (and anger) of some patients.

These were the words that Jeffrey, 76, used to describe how he felt when he stumbled upon his therapist’s notes after logging into an online patient portal in June.

There was a summary of the physical and emotional abuse he endured during childhood. Characterizations of his most intimate relationships. And an assessment of his insight (fair) and his judgment (poor). Each was written by his new psychologist, whom he had seen four times.

“I felt as though someone had tied me up in a chair and was slapping me, and I was defenseless,” said Jeffrey, whose psychologist had diagnosed him with complex post-traumatic stress disorder.

Jeffrey, who lives in New York City and asked to be identified by his middle name to protect his privacy, was startled not only by the details that had been included in the visit summaries, but also by some inaccuracies.