Reporting a therapist - do I need a lawyer?

[a.very.hungry.beast]

I've had a very very bad therapy experience that extended months after termination because of a dual relationship where I did work for my therapist. It was an awful situation for a long time, he threatened to use my mental health against me, and his last emails to me after I refused to do more work for him are probably some of the worst emails I've received in my life.

I know I need to report him so no one else becomes a victim. But a lot of sites say to get a lawyer first.

Does anyone have any experience with hiring a lawyer to report and ex-therapist?

Please feel free to PM me if easier.

 

[blackemerald1]

No experience with reporting a therapist.

Who are you reporting him to? The Police? Regulatory body that governs him? The Government?

Can you make enquiries with the reporting body and ask what they would require so you can gauge how difficult the process is going to be.

Idk your country - but are you aware some countries have no regulation around therapists...?

I'm sorry you are having to even contemplate doing this. It does sound like a complex situation.

 

[a.very.hungry.beast]

To his licensing board.

I am in the US, and am already aware of the process to report my therapist. In my state, it takes about 2 years for a complaint to go through. There have been several articles online in the past year discussing the process in my state. All the sites like TELL strongly recommend speaking to a lawyer first. I've read a ton of articles and seen examples of how to structure your complaint etc.. But I haven't messaged with anyone directly regarding the process and why you want a lawyer. Also a lot of therapists complaints regarding dual relationships are sexual in nature. I haven't seen any examples where a therapist has been sanctioned for non-sexual dual relationships. (Though he did have a strong and innapropriate crush on me).

 

[blackemerald1]

hiring a lawyer to report and ex-therapist?

If you are certain you know how to make your statement to the licencing board and it is serious enough to warrant reporting him then obtaining a legal opinion may or may not take you any further.

What would you be asking the lawyer? If you require a expert legal opinion that is likely to cost some money, if you want him to draft your complaint that will definitely cost a lot more. Do you want or need an advocate to speak on your behalf?

Again, I would ring the Licencing board that governs him and ask them specifically what their procedure is. They will undoubtedly have some official kind of form or website even (idk) that will be a guide to what information they need.

It is entirely up to you whether you report a therapist for whatever he has done but the evidence etc., and the nature of the alleged offences really do have to warrant action.

What sort of action are you thinking may result from you reporting this therapist - albeit as you say - two years away, if ever proved?

 

[Sideways]

Getting a lawyer involved, if most complaints in your area involve a T who has become sexual? Is probably because there may be an entitlement to civil compensation.

Where there is an entitlement to civil compensation? Absolutely you should speak to a lawyer.

As a general rule, professional oversight bodies exist so that people can communicate complaints easily and effectively, and at least theoretically, it shouldn’t be necessary to involve a lawyer. Unless you are going to publicise your complaint in some way, which is a potential minefield.

I’m big on the idea of not getting solicitors involved if it’s not necessary. The nature of their work is to make matters adversarial (they fight about stuff), and for someone trying to manage a mental health issue (or any health issue), the adversarial approach is incredibly stressful.

That said, if you are concerned that you won’t be effective managing this alone, or if you have reason to think you have civil redress? I’d err on the side of the local advice you’ve received for complaints in your specific jurisdiction. If the locals say you need a lawyer in your area? I’d give that a lot of weight (that is to say it would be very influential, but not necessarily determine exactly how I proceed).

 

[Justmehere]

Many lawyers in healthcare malpractice offer free consults in the US. I’d suggest calling a few and getting more information. They would be the best to advise you about the dual roles and liabilities.

That being said, a lawyer is not required and you can proceed without one.

 

[Nessa7]

If you're concerned about harassment, I'd also try contacting your insurance or a local government program that oversees mental health client satisfaction. I don't think they would be able to replace a lawyer, but they were really valuable when I was going through the process of filing a complaint.

When calling around, I'd make sure to mention that you have e-mails. From my experience, they are very excited when you are able to provide proof of some sort. I just had a really detailed personal planner, but even just that makes for a big change when they're usually dealing with cases where there isn't any concrete evidence.

 

[hithere]

I read my states complaints and displinary actions taken against therapists because it's online. So I check it every once in awhile. I have seen therapists listed that had their license permanently suspended for dual relationship that was not sexual in nature. One I thought was extreme-the therapist who is in her 70's had had hip replacement. The patient wanted a sessions so she allowed her to come to her house. Then after the session the patient drove the therapist to a doctor appointment and dropped her off. I supposed that is just one example that the board used and there probably many more mixed messages the therapist was giving.

I would consult an attorney, but I use attorneys in my business so I can see their value as a go-between.

 

[EveHarrington]

I read my states complaints and displinary actions taken against therapists because it's online. So I check it every once in awhile. I have seen therapists listed that had their license permanently suspended for dual relationship that was not sexual in nature. One I thought was extreme-the therapist who is in her 70's had had hip replacement. The patient wanted a sessions so she allowed her to come to her house. Then after the session the patient drove the therapist to a doctor appointment and dropped her off. I supposed that is just one example that the board used and there probably many more mixed messages the therapist was giving.

I would consult an attorney, but I use attorneys in my business so I can see their value as a go-between.

Omg I looked it up for my state. You can see cases going back to the 1980’s! I read one case (therapist had sexual relationship with client) and then searched for the guy. He works overseas. Surprise, surprise. SMH.

 

[hithere]

Omg I looked it up for my state. You can see cases going back to the 1980’s! I read one case (therapist had sexual relationship with client) and then searched for the guy. He works overseas. Surprise, surprise. SMH.

I know what you mean. Two years ago a woman in my own city had her license suspended permanently for a sexual relationship with client. She is on Psychology Today website advertising as a "life coach" and she has a website for her business, and I guess "life coach" is not regulated or licensed. Her photo is provacative as well. Kind of creepy. ?

 

[Neverthesame]

Two years ago a woman in my own city had her license suspended permanently for a sexual relationship with client. She is on Psychology Today website advertising as a "life coach"

If I remember correctly, Dr. Phil did something very similar after having his licence revoked for his own act of moral turpitude.

 

[Starfire]

I've had a very very bad therapy experience that extended months after termination because of a dual relationship where I did work for my therapist. It was an awful situation for a long time, he threatened to use my mental health against me, and his last emails to me after I refused to do more work for him are probably some of the worst emails I've received in my life.

I know I need to report him so no one else becomes a victim. But a lot of sites say to get a lawyer first.

Does anyone have any experience with hiring a lawyer to report and ex-therapist?

Please feel free to PM me if easier.

It is way easier to get an attorney. 1st. Attorney knows the legal ropes, proper paperwork, filings etc. 2nd. You don't need to deal with the therapist. Any contact & you say 'contact my attorney'. It will be emotional so make it as easy on yourself as possible.