Therapy and your Pistol Permit?

[ChrisAHF]

I was considering taking some therapy for stress. Ive been dealing with it for about 2 years now and ive realized its not something I can sort out on my own. Anyways my main concern is if I do take therapy that when I apply for my pistol permit in a year that it may become an issue. Anyone know the details on this? For the record I live in Central NY. Thanks.

 

[Quoheleth]

I would think that there is a big difference between seeing a therapist for stress-related issues vs. being a threat to yourself/others. By law (in every state; google "Tarasoff") counselors, clergymen (that's me), and doctors have to report any legitimate, suspected threat to self or others. I do not have to report anything about someone being stressed.

Now, if that stress leads to "...and I just can't take it anymore and I'm going to do something drastic" with concrete plans in place, that is a whole new ballgame.

All this said, I am neither a lawyer nor a citizen of NY.

Q

 

[PotatoJudge]

Nah, you're fine. Don't let the paranoid folks tell you different. Go see whoever you need to for whatever you need to and it won't be an issue when getting your permit.

 

[Soldiersurfs]

There is no national database of people that see therapists.

 

[ConstitutionCowboy]

Getting my permit was good therapy. Oh, wait...

Unless you are adjudicated unsafe - meaning involuntarily sent to the loony bin for diagnosis and found to be incurably unsafe - you should be good to go.

Woody

 

[klover]

I would not inform the therapist that you are

packing in the event you are. Probably would not even mention firearms as a rule!

Now for the good news: there are also many types of support groups (twelve step and others) that can do for you what no therapy could ever!

The goal as I see it, is to strive for a more Spiritual existence in all my affairs.
The truth will set you free as only it can! Love, really is the answer (but keep your primers dry).

My hat is off to you for seeking to further yourself, Sir!

 

[wyocarp]

Chris, do you know why you are stressed?

 

[NavyLCDR]

Even voluntary in-patient treatment at a mental facility will NOT disqualify. If you committed by order is what is disqualifying. Or if you try to leave during voluntary treatment and by order it becomes involuntary. Therapy is OK.

 

[NG VI]

I live in Central NY.

That may cause a problem. I don't know about that region of NY, but in general little things can potentially cause a major problem in NY pistol application process.

But your health is more important, and I don't think that simple stress therapy would even blip on the radar when you go for your permit.

 

[ChrisAHF]

Chris, do you know why you are stressed?

I believe I do, and ive tried to work it out but it obviously isnt working after 2 years. Also either im crazy (no pun intended) but is there no easy way to quote someone other than to hit reply, hit the quotes button, then copy paste what you want to quote?

 

[LKB3rd]

Also either im crazy (no pun intended) but is there no easy way to quote someone other than to hit reply, hit the quotes button, then copy paste what you want to quote?

I don't think so.

The others have already stated the laws as they stand, but the federal government is pushing for more access to private medical information, and while I wouldn't let it put you off of seeking counseling, I wouldn't talk about guns in your therapy sessions either. If you don't have a CCW now, I'd consider applying for it immediately, so if they ask you "are you in counseling for mental issues" or some such, you can truthfully say "no." Start your counseling the day after you truthfully write that

 

[BADUNAME37]

As for quoting.....

Also either im crazy (no pun intended) but is there no easy way to quote someone other than to hit reply, hit the quotes button, then copy paste what you want to quote?

When you do it the way you said, and place your text between the QUOTE and /QUOTE that come up, it ends up like above (in a gray box).

You could just copy and paste it, in which case it would look like:
Also either im crazy (no pun intended) but is there no easy way to quote someone other than to hit reply, hit the quotes button, then copy paste what you want to quote?

I prefer the first method, that way it is clear to the readers to have (apparently) come from a post within, as opposed to anywhere else (and is also a lot easier to spot).

As for your therapy, any therapy that I've had (which has been quite a lot over the years) has not resulted in anything negative when it comes to firearms purchases. Perhaps I'm wrong, but I believe when they ask if you have ever been "ADMITTED" I think that relates to FORCED EVALUATION where it was mandated by the court. I never had any such evaluations of any kind. In the state I reside, we don't have carry permits. Federally speaking, if you are legal to own a firearm, you can carry said firearm (pistol) in my state - open or concealed.

 

[Claude Clay]

"There is no national database of people that see therapists."

locally it would be called a phone book

 

[ChrisAHF]

Im more affraid that they will ask me during my "interview" if I have ever had therapy. I wouldnt want something so trivial ban me from being able to acquire a Pistol Permit. Also I cant apply for my permit for another year and a half (im only 19 and a half ). So starting therapy the day after I apply would be a bad year and a half.

 

[Soldiersurfs]

Even if it did disqualify you ... if you think you need see someone that should be your priority.

 

[bikerdoc]

Young man.
I am an Virginia RN, TherefoRe I cannot legally give treatment advice over the internet.
I can tell you that therapists are only training wheels to help you deal with your stress.
I think you know what your stressor is and that you also know the answer.
start with clergy, friends, communiTy resouces, school councelors. ETC
Stick to THE subject, DO NOT MENTION GUNS OR KNIVES.
iF MEDS ARE NEEDED, DO YOUR RESEARCH
gOOD LUCK
DOC

 

[Caliban]

i just applied for my pistol permit in nyc and there's a question about having ever sought treatment for mental health issues. i was in therapy (voluntary) for a few months once, but it was no big deal. i just put a paragraph in my "notarized statement" saying that i once saw a therapist, but was never diagnosed with any mental illness, never prescribed any psychoactive drugs, not a danger to myself or others, discontinued therapy after i felt ok again, believe that there is nothing preventing me from responsibly owning a firearm, etc. i think they're just looking to weed out the unstable people, schizophrenia and manic depression, etc. i haven't been approved yet, but my investigator read the statement and said i wouldn't have any problems (fingers crossed).

+1 to whoever said if you think you need to talk to someone, talk to someone, worry about the permit later.

however, also +1 to motorcycles being more effective than therapy

 

[Blackbeard]

There is no national database....yet. That isn't to say that someday the Dems (er, I mean Congress) won't expand the list of inelgible gun owners to include anyone who has ever had any kind of psychiatric treatment or therapy.

If you're concerned about getting on some government list, you could always use an alias with the therapist, and pay cash. That is, until Universal (socialist) health care comes along.

 

[KBintheSLC]

Not positive on this, but generally there is a difference between voluntarily going to therapy and being court ordered to it.
You see... sane people know how to ask for help when they need it. The insane have to be forced to get help, and usually fail to absorb it.

 

[conw]

klover wrote:

Probably would not even mention firearms as a rule!

Now for the good news: there are also many types of support groups (twelve step and others) that can do for you what no therapy could ever!

The first part is funny, I voluntarily saw a counselor the same day I got all the paperwork for my CHP in...told her it was pretty stressful, and kind of a crappy process...and she said "Oh, you don't have to tell me - i know."

I really agree with the second part. Exhaust your options before you pay hundreds for therapy.

 

[DeathByCactus]

No because even if they found out, and your therapist was questioned in some extreme act of privacy violation. He would say, "I found this man to be of no harm to himself nor anyone else. Bugger off."

 

[indiandave]

In Pa. This would not be an issue. A court ordered stay in a hospital, or a suicide attempt would get you turned down. Going to a therapist would not matter. In New york I would check the law. It probably isn't a big deal either.

 

[LKB3rd]

I'm more affraid that they will ask me during my "interview" if I have ever had therapy.

If you ever find yourself in a situation being asked these sorts of questions, and the answer is yes, I'd just say "Yes. I voluntarily sought counseling during a stressful time." It would probably help if you were 100% honest about it, and confident in your answer. If they pressed for more details, I'd probably do something along the lines of "I'd prefer to keep it a private matter, but I will say that it wasn't for anything that the therapist would have been required by law to divulge." (which means you weren't a danger to yourself or others)
$.02, take it for what it's worth.

 

[Yo Mama]

This is big!

Not trying to be parinoid, right now it would be fine. But future legislation is aiming at this area. With the shootings at Virgina Tech the question has come up in the anti's circle.

I think it's bs, the guy was violent to begin with. A therapist should have reported him, did, and the college did nothing.

In your case, I think you should go to the therapist, and learn EXACTLY what the terms of confidentiality are prior to any further discussion.

 

[Caliban]

before i applied for my permit, i actually went back and read over the confidentiality agreement i signed with my therapist. it said that she would never disclose any information, blah blah blah, EXCEPT as required by law or pursuant to police investigation, or something like that. i recall reading it to mean that if my investigator called my shrink, she would be required by law to answer every question he asked. i decided this was fine for me, since i had nothing to hide, and i imagine that unless your stress is manifesting as murderous or suicidal rage you'll be fine too. it seemed like there was a much bigger risk associated with not mentioning the therapy on my application--oversights and/or lying are instant rejection, and they are looking for any possible reason to reject you.

i have no idea if my investigator actually called my shrink though. i don't talk to her anymore.