Consumer Rights in Professional Psychotherapy

You have a right to privacy and confidentiality. Nothing you say in psychotherapy should be revealed to anyone except for professional purposes, and then only after you have freely consented. There are exceptions required by law. Discuss them with your therapist.

You have a right to know the professional training and credentials of your therapist.

You have a right to raise questions about any therapy procedure that troubles you. Unpleasant feelings about the therapy process are always of primary concern, and their discussion is integral to the therapy. Professional codes of ethics forbid sexual contact between a client/patient and the therapist.

You have a right to terminate therapy or to ask for referral to another therapist at any time. Discuss this decision with your therapist.

Distributed as a public service by the
Nashville Psychotherapy Institute

                                 © 2000-2004 Peggy Elam │ Updated 05/24/2005  │  All Rights Reserved