Psychotherapists like all other therapists operate guided by a strict code of regulations and ethics. They are dedicated to professional and ethical excellence in addition to commitment to service, advocacy as well as public participation. However, if you suspect unethical treatment by psyhotherapist, there are many avenues to air your grievances. Red flags to look out for include emotional blackmail, inexperience, uncaring and sloppiness.
As a client, it is of utmost importance to fully grasp the importance of law and ethics to a mental health profession. Ethics and law is what the profession is founded on. Ethics is to therapy what gods are to religion. One cannot exist without the other. This is what makes breach of ethics a crime so despicable. Indeed, the crime is punishable by the licensing board, the professional body or the legal framework.
Lets look at what is considered unethical treatment. Sexual or romantic gestures or advances are completely unethical. In fact, its only allowed with a lot of controversies, two years after the termination of the sessions. Also, friendships or encounters outside the practice not allowed. Breaching confidentiality of the client where he or she reveals information without your consent is also unethical.
It is an ethical obligation for psychologists to bill their patients accurately. In addition, they should explain their financial policies from the beginning of the therapy. If he or she bills for a service that is covered rather than what was provided is ethically wrong. Also, exaggerating a patient diagnosis or writing less damaging diagnosis is not ethically acceptable.
If you feel your ethical rights have been breached in the above or others ways, there are several options available. But, first and foremost, you need to confirm and be completely sure that indeed your right to ethical therapy has been breached. You do not want to destroy someones career over a hunch. Talk to someone whom you trust or a lawyer to know your next step.
If you are now sure that your right to ethical treatment was indeed violated, you can choose the way forward from a pool of several options. Confronting them and talking to them about their questionable behavior is the first option that many people prefer. Another option may be to report them to their particular licensing or professional body. If your lawyer advises so, you may also file a law suit.
If you feel your life may be in danger, you need to report to law enforcement officers. After unethical treatment, termination of the sessions will happen at one point or another. Despite what they may have done to you, ending the sessions amicably should be the way to go. Do not simply stop coming to sessions or ignore their phone calls; that is hiding not termination.
It is difficult enough having to live with emotional wound and pain. Talking to a total stranger is also not easy; it takes courage and an enormous call for trust and that why this privacy should be protected at all cost. This is why anyone who takes advantage of their clients should not be allowed to practice. By reporting, we get rid of them one by one.
As a client, it is of utmost importance to fully grasp the importance of law and ethics to a mental health profession. Ethics and law is what the profession is founded on. Ethics is to therapy what gods are to religion. One cannot exist without the other. This is what makes breach of ethics a crime so despicable. Indeed, the crime is punishable by the licensing board, the professional body or the legal framework.
Lets look at what is considered unethical treatment. Sexual or romantic gestures or advances are completely unethical. In fact, its only allowed with a lot of controversies, two years after the termination of the sessions. Also, friendships or encounters outside the practice not allowed. Breaching confidentiality of the client where he or she reveals information without your consent is also unethical.
It is an ethical obligation for psychologists to bill their patients accurately. In addition, they should explain their financial policies from the beginning of the therapy. If he or she bills for a service that is covered rather than what was provided is ethically wrong. Also, exaggerating a patient diagnosis or writing less damaging diagnosis is not ethically acceptable.
If you feel your ethical rights have been breached in the above or others ways, there are several options available. But, first and foremost, you need to confirm and be completely sure that indeed your right to ethical therapy has been breached. You do not want to destroy someones career over a hunch. Talk to someone whom you trust or a lawyer to know your next step.
If you are now sure that your right to ethical treatment was indeed violated, you can choose the way forward from a pool of several options. Confronting them and talking to them about their questionable behavior is the first option that many people prefer. Another option may be to report them to their particular licensing or professional body. If your lawyer advises so, you may also file a law suit.
If you feel your life may be in danger, you need to report to law enforcement officers. After unethical treatment, termination of the sessions will happen at one point or another. Despite what they may have done to you, ending the sessions amicably should be the way to go. Do not simply stop coming to sessions or ignore their phone calls; that is hiding not termination.
It is difficult enough having to live with emotional wound and pain. Talking to a total stranger is also not easy; it takes courage and an enormous call for trust and that why this privacy should be protected at all cost. This is why anyone who takes advantage of their clients should not be allowed to practice. By reporting, we get rid of them one by one.