By Jocelyn Davidson


There are many individuals, both male and female, who have reaped the rewards of working with a therapist. However, not all behave in the way they should. When someone reports unethical treatment by psyhotherapist, there is a high probability it may be a valid complaint.

In spite of the fact that it is detrimental to the welfare of the patient, some therapists will initiate sexual contact with her. The woman who turns to him for help due to a mental or emotional disorder is further burdened with another negative experience. There is never a time when this is beneficial to the client.

When the patient is the one trying to initiate a sexual relationship, it is the responsibility of the therapist to put a stop to it. Such a patient may mistake professional concern for romantic interest. A therapist must correct that misinterpretation.

Over four percent of all clients report sexual abuse of some kind has been perpetrated against them. Most are male on female. However, there are some female therapists who initiate sexual contact with male clients.

Any patient who is sexually abused may end up as an inpatient instead of an outpatient. Many are hospitalized after attempting suicide. Of the four percent who make an attempt, one percent are successful.

Without some degree of caring on the part of the psychotherapist, counseling cannot be effective. Without trust being established the client will not be able to benefit from treatment. However, that caring can sometimes be interpreted by a client as romantic interest.

If the client becomes too dependent or too romantically inclined, it is up to the professional to curb the situation. Whenever it seems to be spiraling out of control, he may suggest another therapist take over the case. This may make the client feel rejected and requires a careful explanation of why it is necessary.

Some professionals do not accept the fact that sexual abuse of a patient is not only unethical, but also illegal. In some states it is an offense punishable by prison time. In all it is at least a misdemeanor. It takes a brave patient to report such abuse.

It is difficult to prove the therapist is guilty. When the word of a mentally disturbed woman is weighed against that of a respected professional, it is obvious who is likely to be more believable. The patient may be left in a worse mental state than when she first asked for help.

Some patients will hire an attorney to advise them in how to proceed. There are three pathways that can be followed to actively retaliate when they are abused and possibly, collect damages from the accused abuser. The results are different at the end of each.

In civil court winning the case will allow her to collect damages, have medical expenses covered and future therapy paid for. Punitive damages may also apply. When reporting to a review board, it is possible for the therapist to lose his license either temporarily or permanently depending on circumstances.

Secondly, a criminal complaint can be filed. If the client wins this case, the therapist may have to spend time in prison. The third choice is to file a complaint with the review board that governs mental health professionals. This will go on record and if enough clients complain, his license to practice may be revoked.




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