What Would You Do?

3/1/2011

Submitted by a recent graduate:

A client came to me because his former LCSW therapist was hospitalized and undergoing a long-term recovery process. During our first session, the client disclosed an inappropriate, sexual relationship with his former therapist. In a subsequent session, the client named the former therapist, who happens to be a colleague and personal friend of mine who is in private practice.

Approaching the therapist would violate the client's HIPAA rights, yet I am now privy to information about another therapist that violates state law and NASW guidelines. What should I do?

1 Comment

Jonathan Singer link

3/1/2011 10:27:07 am

Awful situation for everyone involved. Sexual relationships between therapists and clients are among the most common ethical violations. It is an egregious violation of trust and professionalism. It is also rediculous that someone in private practice who sees at most 40 clients couldn't find someone else to get it on with. Seriously. There are 300 million people in the USA, 220 million are of age, half of which someone might find attractive. So, excluding 1000 people who are either family members or current/former clients and their families, that leaves about 109,999,000 people a therapist could get it on with. Rediculous.

Check in with your client about the relationship. If she/he feels there was a violation that she/he would like to pursue then support her/him as you would any situation in which an adult client reports a personal violation. If she/he is happy about the relationship, then tell her/him that you need to comply with the requirements of your licensing board (and I'm not sure what those are in PA).

What Would You Do?

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