Is there a law against inadvertent harm in a counseling relationship as a result of a dual relationship?
Full Question:
Answer:
We cannot give legal advice, and are not forming an attorney-client relationship with you. The following is not a substitute for the advice of a local attorney. But we hope the information will be useful.
Counselors operate under rules of ethics that put the interest of the client first. If the counselor has a conflict of interest, the counselor should cease the relationship with the client. The counselor could lose his or her license if not operating in the best interest of the client. This is usually the extent of the law in this regard. If physical or emotional (which physical symptoms) harm was caused by the conduct of the counselor, there may be a suit for negligence.