What Is Unethical Behavior by a Therapist?

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), unethical behavior by a therapist generally means:

Having more than one kind of relationship with a patient: Having a sexual relationship with a patient, for example, is generally considered unethical. Even having a personal relationship could be considered unethical, depending on the specifics.
Oversharing information or unnecessarily violating the patient’s right to privacy: Therapists must sometimes divulge certain information to authorities but should not share any more information than is reasonably necessary. Disregarding the importance of therapist-patient privilege is unethical.
Failing to inform the patient of essential information: Therapists must allow a patient to give informed consent. This means informing the patient of important information—like under which circ*mstances the therapist will have to share information with third parties.

There is a long list of behaviors that could be deemed unethical conduct by a therapist. If you or a loved one is the victim of a therapist’s negligence, you may pursue a malpractice case.

More Examples of Malpractice by Therapists

The APA discusses several other examples of therapist malpractice, including:

Failure to inform the patient of the therapist’s expertise and credentials
Failure to inform the patient of billing practices and fees
Failing to disclose to the patient a possible conflict of interest or representing a patient despite such a conflict of interest
Providing services to the patient in an area where the therapist is not competent or qualified
Overbilling a patient or billing a patient for services they did not receive
Failing to utilize a patient’s insurance or manipulating their insurance in some way that serves the therapist financially
Manipulating the patient into continuing therapy despite the patient not receiving benefits

Certain therapists may also recommend medications or even write prescriptions themselves. This is an important responsibility that requires the greatest caution.

If a therapist recommends or prescribes medication without informing the patient of the possible risks, then they may be liable for the resulting harm.

What Types of Harm Can Result from a Therapist’s Negligence?

Therapists can greatly influence their patients. Maybe you saw your therapist as a trusted authority, shared sensitive information with them, and took their advice because you believed it to be credible.

The journal Counseling & Psychotherapy Research (Section 4.2) finds that a therapist’s “dominant” position over a patient presents a great risk of harm. If a therapist does not honor their duty of care, they may:

Pursue therapies that harm the patient
Persuade or unintentionally lead a patient to act in ways that harm themselves or others
Unnecessarily expose a patient to mental anguish
Cause the patient financial harm by encouraging them to continue unnecessary therapeutic treatment
Cause other consequences resulting in physical, psychological, or financial harm

Our firm will evaluate your case. We will identify all types of harm that you or a loved one have suffered because of a negligent therapist.

What Are Recoverable Damages in a Therapist Malpractice Case?

Recoverable damages depend on the details of your story. Depending on the harm you suffered, you could receive compensation for your therapy costs, medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, or wrongful death-related losses.

I Suffered Losses Because of a Therapist’s Actions: What Should I Do?

Katie Kerner, Partner

If you believe a therapist’s actions caused you harm, you may speak with a personal injury attorney. After your initial consultation, you may hire our firm to seek compensation for your losses.

We’ve handled cases where therapists are negligent, even if they didn’t mean to cause harm. We’ve also seen cases where a therapist is abusive.

Justice is in order any time a therapist breaches his or her duty of care.

How Our Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You

Our team will handle every step of your therapist malpractice case, including:

Investigating and proving a therapist’s negligence
Collecting evidence supporting your case
Interviewing witnesses
Assessing your damages and establishing your case’s value
Negotiating a settlement that meets your needs

Some therapist abuse cases require a trial, although we will work hard to settle your case first.

When you hire our team, you no longer must face the threat of a harmful therapist. We serve as not only your legal representative but also a defender of your rights. You can focus on recovering from your damages while we seek justice for the wrongs you endured.

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Call Jenner Law Today to Discuss Your Therapist Malpractice Case

Jenner Law counts therapist malpractice among only three practice areas. We focus heavily on this case type, and our background in therapist abuse cases means we understand the concepts and challenges of this kind of case.

Don’t go to a law firm that has little or no experience with therapist malpractice—instead, let Jenner Law lead your case. We are ready to hear your story so that we can learn how we can help. Call us today for your free consultation.

Call or text (888) 585-2188 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

What Is Unethical Behavior by a Therapist? | Jenner Law (2024)