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mercredi 8 octobre 2014

Any Unethical Treatment By Psychotherapist May Result In Criminal Charges

By Jocelyn Davidson


A competent psychotherapist can bring about beneficial changes in the life of an emotionally disturbed individual. However, there are those who only do further harm. It should be noted that when a patient reports unethical treatment by psychotherapist it may be true.

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.

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.

Such contact drives over eleven percent into inpatient treatment in a hospital. Four percent attempt to take their own lives. One percent will succeed at committing suicide as a result of sexual abuse.

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.

In cases that threaten to get out of control, the professional must take responsibility for whatever happens. It may be necessary for him to suggest the patient see another therapist. Clients are sensitive to rejection and an explanation is needed to make them understand why it is going to be 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.

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.

She may choose to file for damages in civil court. If she is able to win her case, she will collect money to pay for any medical bills connected to the abuse. She may also collect punitive damages, an amount awarded to punish the offender.

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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