Can A Psychologist Befriend A Former Patient?

Psychologists and others who help people with mental health issues tend to develop close bonds with their patients. These bonds are built on trust, with the patient divulging their feelings and innermost secrets.

Once treatment ends, a patient may reach out to their former psychologist or therapist. They may want to meet up as friends. In some cases, they may desire a romantic involvement. What is a mental health professional to do?

Some may feel that since the treatment ended so long ago, a platonic or even romantic relationship would be acceptable. Others are under the impression that “once a patient, always a patient.”

These situations are not always black and white. There are some guidelines to follow. For example, the American Psychiatric Association states that sexual activity with a current or former patient is unethical. The American Psychological Association forbids sexual intimacy with a patient until at least two years after therapy has ended. Even then, it’s acceptable only in the most unusual circumstances. That’s because there is a potential for exploitation within the therapist-patient relationship, so these rules are meant to maintain clear boundaries and eliminate any gray areas that could lead to ethical breaches.

Sometimes a friendship can develop after a patient has finished therapy. To be clear, there are no ethical guidelines from either the American Psychological Association or American Psychiatric Association regarding friendships with former clients.

Becoming friends with a former client is a gray area that presents several challenges. While not expressly forbidden, there are ethical concerns that you should consider. This includes the idea that the power imbalance formed in therapy never fully disappears. Both the psychologist and the former patient might struggle with maintaining appropriate boundaries, leading to potential confusion or even emotional harm. Also, you have to worry about your reputation. Befriending a former patient might raise concerns among colleagues or the public about your ability to maintain professional boundaries. In any case, if the patient wants to return to therapy again in the future, and they have become friends with you, they should seek a different therapist for future treatment.

So what if a former patient emails you, their former therapist? You can focus on establishing friendly relations. However, keep in mind that the knowledge or trust gained from your professional relationship could potentially shadow a personal one. No matter how much time has elapsed since your professional relationship, you still have to be confident that any correspondence with them clears this bar.

Keep Your License With Help From a Tampa Psychologist Licensing Lawyer

Psychologists and psychiatrists have to remain ethical at all times, and this obligation remains even after treatment has ended. Engaging in romantic relationships is often frowned upon, even decades later.

A Tampa psychologist licensing lawyer from The Law Offices of David P. Rankin, P.A. can help you stay ethical so you can keep your license. I can help you resolve a licensing or disciplinary matter in a timely manner. To schedule a consultation, fill out the online form or call (813) 968-6633.

Source:

nytimes.com/2024/05/22/magazine/retired-psychiatrist-former-patient-ethics.html