Licensed Counselors have clinical guidelines set forth by their state licensing boards, to help to ensure quality ethical treatment.  Some of these guidelines incorporate state laws, while others are set in place to prevent unethical practices.  Whenever there is a problem with the treatment you receive, it can be as simple as a misunderstanding.  By clarifying your concerns with the counselor, many times the misunderstanding can be cleared up and corrected. 

The therapist is obligated to provide information about treatment protocol, often called "informed consent" which is informative literature on the process of therapy, costs, confidentiality policies,  security measures on the internet, and termination policies.  It includes information about what can and can not be disclosed from the records created and kept by the therapist.  It can also include treatment approaches used, and other important rules for the operation of the therapeutic alliance. 

This information may include, but not be limited to:
Fees
Confidentiality
Record Security
Abuse Issues and what must be reported
Process of Subpoena  Records
Dual Relationships
Unpaid Fees and Collection Procedures
Boundary Issues in Therapy
Experience of the Practitioner
Termination of Therapy
Aftercare
Additional Information that Would Influence Your Decisions About Therapy

When There is a Problem

It is always good to first discuss the problem with your therapist.  When this is not possible, or when resolution has not occurred, the next step may be to contact the State Licensing Board of your therapist to discuss the situation with them.  This website provides all counseling state boards for the United States.  Your therapist may be licensed by another board, i.e., Social Work, Psychology, Chemical Dependency, Psychiatry, Mental Health Counselors, or Nursing. 

In a few states, there are not state boards for all mental health practitioners.  If you can not find the board that is needed in your individual situation, please feel free to ask for assistance.  We will be happy to help you research the needed authority in your situation. 

Your State Attorney General's Office can also be helpful in locating the body of authority which governs your therapist. Some states do not license counselors at this time.  In these cases, the Attorney General will be able to offer guidance and assistance in filing a complaint. 

If we can be of assistance, please email us: Directory@eTherapyWeb.com