If your client thinks you have overstepped your professional boundaries, you could be sued for malpractice. Jones.). As with most healthcare professions, if you didn’t document it, it didn’t happen. Boundary issues. CPH & Associates is an industry-leading provider of Professional Liability Insurance for allied health and mental health professionals nationwide. If a therapist acts in a way that falls below the standard of care used by an average therapist, they may be guilty of therapist malpractice. CM&F offers Pastoral Counselor malpractice insurance to individuals interested in protecting themselves with superior liability insurance. This Professional Liability Insurance is designed just for Counselors and Therapists. Friday, May 31, 2019 Professional Liability aka Malpractice Insurance protects professional services such as mental health, counseling, therapy, etc. Attempting to treat a client whose condition is beyond your professional scope is fodder for a malpractice suit – an attorney can easily argue that you should have known better. The Psychology In Seattle Podcast. Out-of-office contact can also be considered overstepping professional boundaries (i.e., meeting clients somewhere other than your office). Failing to properly obtain / evaluate a client’s history. You can read more about malpractice lawsuits here: “Liability issues for therapists who offer distance therapy.”. Santa Barbara, CA: Author. If a client has an issue outside of your realm of expertise, refer them to a specialist. Save money by comparing insurance quotes from multiple carriers, Malpractice lawsuit tips for therapists and counselors. Malpractice (also called professional liability) is another way of saying that a healthcare professional: Breached a standard of care Offered wrong or negligent advice Failed to coordinate treatment with other professionals (i.e., psychiatrists and social workers) If a client attempts to initiate an inappropriate relationship with you, you should facilitate their transfer to another counselor or therapist. Failing to take adequate notes can lead to negligent services. Know when to recommend a specialist. Malpractice (also called professional liability) is another way of saying that a healthcare professional: A malpractice claim doesn’t have to hold water to be a financial burden on your small counseling practice. Implement these tips to reduce your chances of facing a malpractice lawsuit: Keep your professional boundaries in place. Counselors work with clients on strategies to overcome obstacles and personal challenges that they are facing. Counselors and Medical Malpractice Presented by HPSO and CNA Medical malpractice claims can be asserted against any healthcare provider, including counselors. Testimonial Disclaimer, Addiction Radio – Healthy Diet and Nutrition During Recovery, 5 Actionable Steps to Improve Your Health with Nutrition [infographic], Addiction Recovery Radio EP012 – Taking Inventory. Malpractice & Licensing Pitfalls for Therapists: A Defense Attorney's List. Professional liability/counseling acts liability (nonfee-based and fee-based). Read on to learn the situations that lead to malpractice suits and what you can do to limit your exposure. That’s a lot of time and money. Dr. Kirk Honda talks with Bob Goettle about a malpractice claim. Definition. We … The doctor … Medical malpractice lawsuits occur when a patient claims a doctor caused them harm by acting negligently. As a family therapist, faith-based counselor, or mental health counselor, you handle people at their most vulnerable. Even with adequate risk management measures in place, you should still carry malpractice insurance (also called professional liability insurance) policy as long as your practice is in business. But what about teletherapy or cyber liability coverage? About the author: Brandt Caudill is a defense attorney who represents psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and other mental health professionals in malpractice actions, licensing board hearings, and similar legal matters. Although there may be a perception that physicians are held responsible for the majority of lawsuits, Canada, Criminal Justice and Behavior, 33/1, 93-109 repressed memories without much experience in this technique ….! Commits suicide loan to a specialist insurance advice on this website does not constitute insurance advice signing this,. Professionals to obtain advice for your specific business insurance needs of physical emotional. 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