Mental Heath Plan.

[Millsey]

Hi All... We are deciding between a mental health plan and just paying for councillor services.

We have a friend who had issues getting into the fire brigade, as he had previously used a mental health plan. I also understand a mental health plan can cause issues getting into Police and some military roles.

Does anyone have any experience or information on how a mental health plan can have negative consequences later in life for young people?

Thanks Craig.

[JessF]

Hello Craig, when you say you are trying to decide between a mental health plan and just paying for counselling outright, is that because you are thinking that one can be disclosed, and the other is private? My understanding is that certain roles will ask you about a history of mental health issues, and you have the option of either telling the truth, or concealing that. Concealing it successfully may well get you into a role that otherwise may have excluded you, but what happens if you have a relapse on the job? You may be cutting yourself off from the supports available by concealing your history, including possible workers compensation at a later date. There's also the pressure of concealing that history, feeling a pressure to perform, and worrying that others might find out can make things worse. Without knowing more about the situation, it is a little difficult to provide suggestions. But I would be concentrating on getting the best psychological support that is required in the here and now.

[Millsey]

Thanks Jess. it's more to do with the fact that the counselling I'm looking for is for my kids, and my concern is that the mental health plan may have unknown consequences in the future.... Essentially I'm fishing for advise / pros / cons.

[Lilly18]

Hi millsey,

How old are your children? My 8 yr old is on a mental health care plan & i didnt even think about that being on his record. I'm aware now thanks.

It goes on your record just like anything does with "my health record" with mygov if they are attatched to that. I know a person in the fire brigade and he has bipolar & has seen a psychologist though a mental health plan. If going for a job and they check health records, the employer will see it

[Scruffy1]

Are employers or potential employers allowed to access your health records?

i wouldn’t have thought so but I could be wrong.

[Lilly18]

Some are, scruffy

I know some aged care employers check, along with police check.

Probably government jobs like to be a policeman etc

[geoff]

Hi Millsey, you can contact Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.

If someone wants to check your medical record they will need your permission and filling out an application for a job it will ask you about any mental health issues, it's then your decision whether or not to mention anything if you have had any problems if you do, then the chance the (maybe) employer won't employ you.

If they do, then if something goes wrong the chances of you being blamed are on, even though it may not involve you.

The police need to take you to a doctor and get a report, detailing if you have any mental illness, then you could be taken to the hospital.

The new Health Record that is now available is where you can 'opt out' which means your history is not available and not on record, I have copied and pasted this:

'Can the police access my medical records?
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) – A law that basically states that your permission is needed before anyone can be given access to your medical records. ... In such situation, the police may take information to a judge, who will then sign a warrant to obtain a copy of your medical records'.

'You don't need a myGov account to complete the opt-out process'.

Opt out means that if you have to go to the hospital or see a doctor in another town/city no one can see your medical records, whereas if you don't opt out then all they need to do is click in your name and everything about your health past/present will be shown.

Geoff.