Victims of therapist misconduct not only suffer emotional damage but also uncertainty regarding their rights and the actions they may take to obtain justice.
In 2024, the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (psychology boards) lists 123 disciplinary actions against American psychologists.
Legal assistance is important for prosecuting unethical professionals and protecting future clients. Therapist sexual abuse lawyer Brian Egolf says that any inappropriate physical contact, sexual advances, or sexual relationship, even if the client consents, can constitute sexual abuse and is illegal and unethical.
This article explains therapist misconduct, legal options, and how to report and get legal help to empower survivors.
Understanding Therapist Misconduct
Multiple types of misconduct can range from violating boundaries and emotional manipulation to sexual abuse. Other signs of misconduct include feeling awkward during sessions or suspecting the therapist is more interested in their affairs than yours.
Recognizing these behaviors as early as possible is critical to avoiding serious consequences. Keep track of incidents in which the therapist engaged in misconduct. If possible, describe how you felt when you were involved in the incident.
Understanding these behaviors gives you confidence and allows you to rely on your trusted support system, which may include friends, family, or professionals, to help you get through this difficult time.
Legal Rights of Survivors
The law allows you to sue the therapist for damages such as emotional distress, medical expenses, or loss of earnings.
Many states offer legal protections for victims of therapist misconduct, and you may be able to access support that informs you about your options. Existing laws against misconduct and sexual abuse can make it easier to pursue your claim by addressing some of the usual legal obstacles.
Lawyers are there to help you through some of your case’s difficulties.
Give yourself an advantage by understanding your rights while moving forward with healing and accountability.
Reporting Misconduct to Professional Licensing Boards
Once you’ve determined that your therapist engaged in misconduct, you can report the incident to the appropriate professional licensing board.
Professional licensing boards keep an eye out for violations of the ethical standards that their members must follow. To begin, identify which licensing board is appropriate for your complaint, such as psychology, social work, or another relevant field.
Start collecting evidence, which may include notes from sessions or any kind of communication that can prove misconduct. File a complaint with the board after you have supplied all the necessary documentation.
Seeking Legal Representation
Finding the right lawyer is one of the most important steps in recovering from trauma caused by therapist misconduct. Choose an attorney who specializes in these kinds of cases. They can leverage their knowledge of the law to help secure a favorable outcome for your case. These legal professionals understand the subtleties that arise in such situations.
Do research on potential lawyers and check their credentials and reviews. Schedule your consultation and use it to discuss your situation, assess the lawyer’s empathy, and determine how much support they can offer.
Don’t be afraid to ask them about their record and their approach in comparable cases. Evaluate how they charge for their services and whether there are alternative options available for contingency fees.
Support Resources for Survivors
After experiencing a trauma, surviving its aftermath alone can be very tragic. You can cope with the situation by seeking local support groups or hotlines that help survivors of therapist misconduct. These organizations provide a safe space to share thoughts and experiences with those who understand what you’ve been through.
Go to a specific therapist who specializes in trauma recovery to seek support while working through your feelings.
Online forums and communities, primarily composed of individuals who have experienced similar situations, provide additional anonymous support.
Don’t hesitate to seek legal advice, as many organizations provide free consultations.
MindOwl Founder – My own struggles in life have led me to this path of understanding the human condition. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy before completing a master’s degree in psychology at Regent’s University London. I then completed a postgraduate diploma in philosophical counselling before being trained in ACT (Acceptance and commitment therapy).
I’ve spent the last eight years studying the encounter of meditative practices with modern psychology.