Your Rights as a Client
Last month we talked about finding the right therapist. Now that you’ve hopefully done so (and if we’re lucky you chose one of us here at Obsidian!) I think it is time to discuss your rights as a client.
That’s right! You have rights as a client. We always talk about being a knowledgeable and informed consumer, and while the relationship between a client and their therapist is not really a “business-consumer” relationship, it is still helpful to know how to advocate for yourself.
You are NOT Stuck with Your First Therapist
If something is not working in your sessions tell your therapist. We do not invest our egos in this job, or at least we shouldn’t. This is all about your care. Tell your therapist. Then you can work together to determine if an adjustment can be made.
What might not be working? The therapist’s approach might not be the one for you. Maybe you need someone who gives you strict deadlines on tasks. Or perhaps Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) does not click for you and a different evidence-based approach is a better fit.
You might also just not connect with this therapist. While therapists are professionals, given the very personal nature of our work together it is not a surprise that sometimes two people just don’t mesh. That’s okay!
If after a few sessions you are just not connecting with this therapist go ahead and tell them. Again, we do not invest our egos into this job and no offense will be taken. In fact, if you ask, your therapist may even be able to help you find a better fit.
You Have a Right To…
1) A licensed therapist or supervised intern. The name and abbreviation for licensure differs between states, however, you are absolutely encouraged to ask your therapist what their licensure is and the qualifications to earn it. You absolutely want someone who has earned at least a Master’s degree in psychology.
If you are working with an intern you should be informed of that fact. An intern works under the supervision of a licensed therapist. However, if you are in any way uncomfortable working with an intern you are within your rights to request a fully licensed clinician.
2) You also have a right to ethical treatment practices as outlined in the Code of Ethics of both the American Psychology Association and the American Counseling Association. This means any treatment method or modality used in your therapy has been researched, tested, and validated as safe when applied by a trained clinician. Your therapist should never use a treatment they have not been trained to use.
3) You have a right to confidentiality. This means files are locked and secured, no identifying information is given to anyone without your written permission, and informed consent and the limits of confidentiality are observed.
Informed consent and the limits of confidentiality involve situations wherein your written permission is not required for the therapist to break confidentiality. This includes a reasonable belief that you might hurt yourself or another person, or the safety of children, adolescents, or elders are at risk. In these cases, your therapist is required by law to break confidentiality.
4) You also have the right to a safe environment during your counseling sessions. This means the location is reasonably secure and confidential (typically an office with a closed door).
This also means you are safe from flirtations and sexual advances from your therapist. You are also safe from coercion to provide gifts, favors, skills, access to other people, etc.
5) You have a right to continuity of care. This means your therapist will not abandon you (i.e., suddenly stop seeing you or responding to you) and that there is a backup plan for known absences such as a vacation or leave of absence. This also means that advanced warning of such changes is provided. The last session you have together is not advanced warning.
This also means if your therapist is no longer able to work with you for any reason—the therapist is moving away, changing practices, or is not trained in your newest presenting issue—they will provide you with resources for finding a new therapist.
If you would like some more information on continuity of care these studies provide summaries of their findings:
“Continuity of care as experienced by mental health service users - a qualitative study” by Biringer, Hartveit, Sundfor, et al
“Continuity of care in mental health: understanding and measuring a complex phenomenon” by Burns, Catty, White, et al
“Defining continuity of care from the perspectives of mental health service users and professionals: an exploratory, comparative study” by Sweeney, Davies, McLaren, et al
How to Report a Therapist for Violations
Reports of violations are taken very seriously, and thus making such a report is a serious matter.
If you think any of the above rights have been violated please talk to your therapist first. Just as you talk to a company or business if you are not satisfied with the services they provided talk to your therapist. Do not report a violation if you are angry at your therapist for something that was said. Talk to your therapist first, just as you would a friend or family member.
It is likely the two of you can reach a satisfying resolution whether that is making your therapist aware the current mode of therapy is not working, that you are angry or hurt by something that was said, or finding someone else who can treat you either permanently or until the therapist is able to return to regular sessions with you.
If you do not reach a resolution together you can also talk to the therapist’s supervisor or practice owner. If none of this brings a resolution, or if you feel sexually exploited in anyway please make your report.
To do so look up the professional State Board they are licensed with. In Illinois this is the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation.
Here at Obsidian we love what we do and we always do our best to give you the best we possibly can. If you ever need help or guidance please do not hesitate to contact us at the following:
Kari Holman –
(847) 450-0460
kariholmancounseling@gmail.com
Ilyssa Lasky –
(224) 255-4411