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Any Unethical Treatment By Psychotherapist May Result In Criminal Charges

By Jocelyn Davidson


In most instances a therapist will put forth his best effort to help a patient who turns to him. A few do not conform to ethical standards that are acceptable. When a mistreated patient reports abuse, sexual or otherwise, it is likely she has been victimized because of unethical treatment by psyhotherapist.

It is a cold person who can do something in spite of the fact that it will be harmful to the patient. Is going to make her condition worse rather than better. She does not benefit by having another negative experience added to her problems.

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.

The number of clients who report this type of abuse is relatively low. Although most are women abused by male therapists, there are cases of female counselors abusing men who are in therapy. It is always up to the professional to maintain a professional distance.

Eleven percent respond by being placed in a hospital rather than being treated as an outpatient. Suicide is attempted by four percent. In the worst case scenario, one percent succeed in taking their own lives.

In the relationship between therapist and client there must be a certain level of caring expressed. Without caring and trust, the client is unable to respond to treatment. Sometimes that caring is mistaken for romantic interest and causes a problem for the client.

The psychotherapist is always responsible for maintaining a professional physical and emotional distance. If it cannot be maintained, perhaps another therapist should take over the case. This may require a careful transfer to avoid making a client feel rejected.

Some therapists condone sexual contact between themselves and a patient. A few consider it beneficial to that patient. Taking advantage of a vulnerable individual in this way is unethical and also illegal in a number of states. Only a brave person can come forward to report the 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.

Hiring an attorney before making the decision to report the situation is the best thing to do. One of three things may happen. He will be sanctioned by the review board that governs his profession. He will be sent to prison if found guilty in a criminal court of law. Finally, he may be ordered to pay damages if found guilty in civil court.

A civil court may award financial compensation to cover medical bills and future therapy. The amount differs in each case. In addition, she may collect money in the form of punitive damages.

Filing a criminal complaint is her second choice. If she wins her case, the guilty therapist will go to prison for a length of time. The third choice is to file a complaint with an official review board. This may result in the therapist being sanctioned or having his license to practice taken away.




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