Therapist abuse: What to do when it happens to you
Posted in Sexual Harassment on November 11, 2016
Therapy can be extremely beneficial for people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression and a wide range of mental illnesses. This is especially true when a patient finds a trustworthy therapist who has his or her best interests in mind.
Unfortunately, there are some therapists, psychologists, and counselors who take advantage of their clients. No patient should ever have to worry about the possibility of being abused or harassed while receiving counseling, but unfortunately, therapist abuse is a real problem.
Some examples of therapist abuse may include:
- Initiating a sexual relationship with a patient
- Raping or sexually assaulting a patient
- Attempting to start a friendship with a patient
- Emotionally abusing a patient
- Verbally abusing a patient
- Criticizing a patient or treating him or her in an inferior way
- Not acting in the patient’s best interest
Mental or physical abuse by a therapist can have devastating effects on the patient. Depression or anxiety can worsen. Stress from the situation can have negative effects on the patient’s health. Relationships can suffer. The patient can become suicidal.
Therapist abuse is unethical and no patient should have to endure it. However, it can be difficult for a patient to recognize that something is wrong – and it can be difficult to take action to stop the abuse and hold the therapist accountable.
If you or someone close to you has experienced questionable abuse by a licensed therapist, you deserve to learn about your legal options.
Schedule a free consultation with at Winer, McKenna, Burritt & Tillis LLP, by calling (510) 433-1000. John Winer has decades of successful outcomes in these cases. If you are wronged, we can make it right.
In a confidential consultation, we will review your case, answer any questions you may have, and help you determine how to proceed.