Can mental health therapists have tattoos?

Author: Marlene Hodkiewicz Jr.  |  Last update: Monday, August 18, 2025

While participants generally rated the psychologist without a tattoo as more professional, this did not affect client willingness to obtain services from one with a tattoo.

Can mental health counselors have tattoos?

Yes, you can be a therapist or anything else with tattoos. The only exception: a specific employer has an issue with an obvious tattoo, such as having tattoos all over your face. If you are going into private practice you can do whatever you want....

Which field does not allow tattoos?

In reality? None. The three traditional ``professions'' are law, medicine and clergy. Visible tattoos are frowned upon in all three although likely more accepted in ministry than law or medicine in the 21st century in the US. True professions remain more conservative about appearance than other career fields.

Can you have tattoos as a mental health nurse?

Visible tattoos are okay with us as long as they're not profane or offensive, in which case you'll have to use a tattoo cover product. Some NHS Trust partners might have their own rules though so you'll have to abide by those.

What do psychologists say about tattoos?

Studies have shown mixed results regarding the psychological profiles of people with tattoos. Some research indicates that tattooed individuals may exhibit higher levels of risk-taking behaviors, while other studies find no significant differences in personality traits compared to non-tattooed individuals.

The impact of tattoo's on "self esteem"

Do people with mental health issues get tattoos?

Psychiatric disorders, such as antisocial personality disorder, drug or alcohol abuse and borderline personality disorder, are frequently associated with tattoos. Finding a tattoo on physical examination should alert the physician to the possibility of an underlying psychiatric condition.

What do psychiatrists think of tattoos?

By reviewing the literature on psychological and psychiatric aspects of tattooing, we suggest that tattoos should be viewed not as signs of pathology, but as opportunities to explore core aspects of self-identity that can be valuable in clinical work.

Can I be a doctor if I have tattoos?

Most hospitals and clinics do have policies in place about tattoos, and those policies vary greatly from facility to facility. Most say they are okay, although some say they should be covered at all times.

What tattoos deal with mental health?

Popular mental health tattoos include semicolons, butterflies, and inspirational quotes symbolizing strength and recovery. Specific conditions often have unique tattoos, each symbolizing a different aspect of the struggle and strength of that condition.

Can you work in healthcare with tattoos?

In general, any tattoo that is easily covered up by clothing is perfectly acceptable for a medical assistant. Even tattoos on arms can be covered by wearing long sleeves underneath scrubs. Tattoos that are more visible are more questionable.

What jobs forbid tattoos?

Careers and No Visible Tattoos
  • Healthcare Professionals. Many hospitals and medical offices require some piercings and tattoos be removed or covered. ...
  • Police Officers and Law Enforcement. ...
  • Law Firms. ...
  • Administrative Assistants and Receptionists. ...
  • Financial Institutions and Banks. ...
  • Teachers. ...
  • Hotels / Resorts. ...
  • Government.

What 11 states don t regulate tattoos?

Currently, the only states that DO NOT regulate tattoo facilities are Georgia, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah and Wyoming, as well as the District of Columbia.

Is a mental health counselor considered a therapist?

The terms “counselor” and “therapist” are often used interchangeably, but their training and licensure requirements differ. There is substantial overlap between the fields, with training level being a key difference. Counselors and therapists must pass different licensing examinations to practice legally.

Do mental health counselors wear scrubs?

Like most medical and health care professionals, mental health technicians typically wear scrubs. Scrubs are loose fitting and comfortable cotton shirts and pants that are often provided by the hospital or facility where you work.

What can counselors not do?

Here are some non-therapy things a mental health professional should never do in your session:
  • Ask you for favors.
  • Talk about things not related to why you're there.
  • Make sexual comments or advances.
  • Touch you inappropriately.
  • Make plans with you outside the session that don't relate to your mental health.

What does (;) mean in a tattoo?

Semicolon tattoos are symbols of hope.

Along with this, many people get semicolon tattoos to acknowledge mental health awareness or in solidarity with those who've survived or lost their lives to suicide. Think of the semicolon punctuation mark (;) as a whole.

Can mental health nurses have tattoos?

Aligned to this, the Human Rights Act 1998 supports freedom of thought and freedom of expression. A nurse's tattoos may or may not be visible or they may not have any tattoos at any stage in their career.

What does a butterfly tattoo mean in mental health?

A Butterfly 🦋 tattoo can hold significant meaning for mental health, symbolizing resilience, transformation, and hope. For many, it represents the journey through hardship, mental illness, or personal challenges, and emerging stronger on the other side.

Do med schools look down on tattoos?

Med school rules: you can have tattoos as long as professional attire can cover it.

Do surgeons try to avoid tattoos?

Tattoos can interfere with surgical planning in many ways, so surgeons need to be adaptable. According to a 2009 study, 79% of surgeons encountered tattoos at proposed incision sites with 61% preferring to relocate the incision site in order to preserve the tattoo.

Can I be a lawyer with tattoos?

Lawyers are not, say, lifeguards. They don't expose a lot of skin. And just about all of the advice we saw on the internet said lawyers can definitely rock a tat — just make sure it's not exposed.

Why do BPD get tattoos?

For some individuals with BPD, tattoos can be a way to reclaim their bodies and establish a sense of ownership and autonomy. This can be particularly meaningful for those who have experienced trauma or self-harm, as tattoos can be a form of self-care and healing.

Do people with high IQs get tattoos?

Results: There were no significant group differences regarding crystallized intelligence; moreover there was no correlation between having tattoos and creativity. Conclusion: Tattooed students seem to be neither less intelligent nor more creative than other students.

Are tattoos a trauma response?

Tattoos and piercings were more common among individuals who reported childhood abuse and neglect. The proportion of participants with tattoos and piercings increased as a function of the severity of all assessed types of abuse and neglect (emotional, physical, and sexual abuse; emotional and physical neglect).

Previous article
What is the white gunk build up on my scalp?
Next article
Can you be too hairy for a Brazilian wax?