Some therapists and counselors in Oklahoma are opposed to the state's new law that would require them to share certain patient information in a state database, ABC affiliate KOCO reported March 10.
Those opposed fear sharing patient information compromises confidentiality and will cause patients to no longer continue therapy or treatment.
"[Patients] will not seek the help," Shay Espinosa, a licensed professional counselor, told the news outlet. "They have told us they will not seek help."
Ms. Espinosa told KOCO she believes mental health patient information should be excluded from the database for ample security. Providers are especially concerned about victims of abuse.
"They could be married to a doctor, married to a medical provider who has access to this information, who has access to know where they're being seen," Ms. Espinosa said.
The database, which was created in 2022, requires all healthcare providers to upload some specific patient information. Beginning July 1, all providers will be expected to use the database.
The Oklahoma Health Care Association said the database will be secure, and only providers involved with the patient's care will be able to view their information. The data will be used to study health trends of the state's population and create new programs to improve care.