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Is it ethical for a therapist to treat friends?
For example, it is unethical for a therapist to treat a close friend or relative. It is also unethical for a therapist to have a sexual relationship with a client. It can hurt therapeutic progress, and it can have serious consequences. Professional ethics codes typically caution therapists from giving or receiving gifts within a therapy relationship. The most common ethical issue faced by mental health professionals is maintaining boundaries. At times it can be difficult to ensure that you are not developing a personal relationship with a client. Sometimes clients may blur or attempt to blur the lines because of how the therapist-client relationship develops. Psychologists in peer consultation express the need for regular consultation in order to receive guidance on problematic cases, discuss ethical and professional issues, and process countertransference concerns that arise with patients (Carney & Jefferson, 2014).
Why can’t a therapist be friends with a client?
Client-therapist friendships can be unethical, according to codes of ethics from many bodies that govern therapists, including the American Psychological Association [APA]. By becoming friends with a client, a therapist can risk disciplinary action from governing bodies or losing licensure. There is no law that prohibits therapists from seeing two people who know each other, or even two members of the same family. In some small communities, there may not even be a choice. For example, a high school or college may only have one mental health therapist on-site. Turns out it’s pretty easy to find resources and articles that say no, it’s not recommended. The reasons given (often by therapists) include splitting, conflicting treatment plans, creating secrets (especially if they aren’t aware of each other or aren’t in communication). All therapists are legally required to maintain confidentiality for their clients. Confidentiality means that a therapist cannot confirm or deny even treating the client if someone asks. Furthermore, they cannot discuss any revealing contact information, such as a client’s name or demographics, outside of the session. Rivalry may ensue between the patients for the therapist, particularly if they are siblings. They are likely to have concerns about confidentiality, as well. If the situation becomes untenable, the psychiatrist may then be in the unenviable position of having to drop or transfer one patient.