Short Answer

In North Carolina, you should collect records that show (1) a PTSD diagnosis or symptoms, (2) that you sought and received treatment, and (3) how PTSD has affected your daily life and ability to function. That usually means mental health treatment records (therapy and psychiatry), medication records, and documents that connect the PTSD to the incident at issue. Because mental health records are often confidential and privileged, be careful about what you share and when.

Understanding the Problem

If you are pursuing a North Carolina personal injury claim and you are still in treatment for PTSD with an upcoming appointment where your provider may reevaluate whether you need more treatment, the practical question is: what records should you gather now so you can prove the PTSD injury and its impact without creating avoidable privacy problems?

Apply the Law

In a North Carolina injury claim, PTSD-related losses are typically supported the same way other injury-related damages are supported: you use reliable documentation to show the condition exists, that it is connected to the event, what care has been required, and how the condition has changed your life. Mental health information also raises confidentiality and privilege issues. North Carolina recognizes privileges for communications with physicians, psychologists, and certain counselors, but a judge can order disclosure in some situations when it is necessary for the case. In most injury cases, you should also assume there is a time limit to file suit, and many personal injury claims are subject to a three-year statute of limitations.

Key Requirements

• Diagnosis and clinical findings: Records showing PTSD symptoms, screening results, diagnoses (or working diagnoses), and the provider’s clinical observations over time.
• Treatment history: Proof of the care you received (therapy, psychiatry, primary care visits, crisis visits), the dates of service, and what the treatment was for.
• Causation support: Documentation that ties the onset or worsening of symptoms to the incident (for example, intake notes describing when symptoms began and what triggered treatment).
• Functional impact: Records showing how PTSD affects sleep, concentration, relationships, driving, work attendance, or other daily activities.
• Medication and side effects: Pharmacy records and prescribing notes showing what medications were used, dosage changes, and any side effects that affect functioning.
• Consistency over time: A clear timeline that shows symptoms, treatment, and progress (or setbacks), including missed work or activity restrictions when applicable.

What the Statutes Say

• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 8-53 (Physician-patient communications) - Recognizes confidentiality/privilege for certain medical communications, with possible court-ordered disclosure in limited circumstances.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 8-53.3 (Psychologist-client communications) - Provides a privilege for psychology communications, with a judge able to compel disclosure when necessary for justice.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 8-53.8 (Counselor privilege) - Protects certain counseling communications, with possible compelled disclosure by the court in limited situations.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52 (Three-year limitations period for many injury claims) - Sets a three-year deadline for many “injury to the person” civil actions (with exceptions depending on the claim type).

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Because you are still receiving PTSD treatment and have an upcoming reevaluation appointment, your most helpful documentation will usually be (1) your current treatment records and (2) a clean timeline showing ongoing symptoms and care. Continued treatment can help show the condition is real and ongoing, but it also means your records will keep growing—so it helps to start organizing them now and to be thoughtful about privacy and releases.

Process & Timing

1. Who gathers: You (and your attorney, if you hire one). Where: From each provider’s medical records department (therapy practice, psychiatry office, primary care, hospital/ER, and pharmacy). What: Request the complete chart for the relevant dates (intake, progress notes, diagnoses, treatment plans), plus itemized billing and payment history. When: Start now, and update after your upcoming reevaluation appointment.
2. Organize into a timeline: Put records in date order and create a one-page summary: first symptoms, first appointment, medication starts/changes, missed work or major life impacts, and the next scheduled visit. Keep it factual and consistent with what providers documented.
3. Share strategically: Provide records to your attorney first (if represented) so they can decide what is necessary and how to handle authorizations, subpoenas, and any privilege issues.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• Overbroad releases: Signing a broad authorization can expose unrelated mental health history. Narrow releases by provider, date range, and topic when possible.
• Gaps in treatment: Long gaps do not automatically defeat a claim, but insurers often argue gaps mean symptoms resolved or were unrelated. If there is a gap, your records should clearly explain why (cost, access, scheduling, symptom changes).
• Missing billing proof: Treatment notes show what happened clinically; itemized bills and payment records show the financial side. Collect both.
• Inconsistent histories: PTSD claims often turn on credibility. If different providers’ notes describe different onset dates or triggers, expect the defense to focus on those differences.
• Privilege and compelled disclosure: Even though mental health communications can be privileged, a court may order disclosure in some situations. Plan for that risk and discuss it with counsel before producing sensitive records.

Conclusion

To support a PTSD-related injury claim in North Carolina, collect records that document diagnosis/symptoms, treatment and medications, a timeline connecting symptoms to the incident, and evidence of day-to-day functional impact. Because mental health records can be privileged but still subject to court-ordered disclosure in some cases, your next step is to request your current records and itemized bills from each provider and keep them updated after your reevaluation appointment, while staying mindful of the three-year filing deadline that applies to many injury claims.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you're dealing with PTSD symptoms after an incident and need to document treatment and damages without creating avoidable privacy problems, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Reach out today. Call [CONTACT NUMBER].

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.