The insured in this case was an LPC who had been in private practice for ten years. The client was a married 30-year-old female with a history of familial sexual abuse during childhood who presented for marital counseling accompanied by her husband.
The LPC suggested that the client also participate in individual counseling to address her behavioral health issues associated with past trauma. The client agreed and participated in weekly individual therapy as well as joint marriage counseling sessions.
After several months, the couple was unable to resolve their differences, discontinued marriage counseling and entered into divorce proceedings. However, the client continued with individual counseling sessions which were initially scheduled for 45-minute evening appointments.
The client began to request extended sessions which often lasted until 11 p.m. and also asked the LPC to meet her at restaurants as opposed to the LPC’s office. The relationship insidiously transitioned from a professional counseling relationship to “a personal friendship”.
Over the next several months, the LPC and client were texting daily, socializing together and exchanging expensive gifts.
When the client began to realize that the relationship was inappropriate and no longer therapeutic, she discontinued therapy and had no further contact with the LPC.
Shortly after the discontinuation of therapy, the client filed a complaint with the licensing board and initiated a professional liability lawsuit asserting that the boundary violations resulted in an exacerbation of her pre existing behavioral health conditions.
The Board concluded that the LPC failed to maintain professional boundaries which violated the ACA Code of Ethics. As a result of the Board’s investigation and findings, the LPC was fined $2,000 and was required to complete 20 hours of continuing education.
With regard to the professional liability lawsuit, counseling experts for the defense were critical of the LPC’s actions and were unable to provide support. The lawsuit was settled in mediation for over $49,000
HPSO Counselor Spotlight: Non-sexual boundary violations
