7 rights you have in therapy

  

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Because therapy can become so intimate, you might occasionally lose sight of the fact that it is also a business transaction. As the client, you have a set of rights. These also apply with psychiatrists and other doctors.

1. Right to know your therapist’s qualifications

You have the right to know that your therapist has been properly trained and is professionally competent. You can ask about his education, membership in professional organizations and standing with regards to his license. Any therapist who is hesitant to give you this information is worth investigating or dropping altogether. 

2. Right to know the limits of confidentiality

For the most part, you can tell your therapist anything. But by law and ethics, there are a few things she might have to disclose. At the beginning of therapy, you should be informed of these. It might be in your initial paperwork. If you are unsure about something, ask. You can also read the post about the limits of confidentiality.

3. Right to know diagnostic information

If you want to know any diagnostic impressions your therapist has, you can ask for that information. You are also entitled to an explanation of what your condition is and how it is treated. Don’t expect him to have this information at the end of the first session. An accurate diagnosis takes time. But as you move forward, you can check in on it.

4. Right to know your treatment plan

When treating a client, a therapist should think ahead and see where treatment is going. This is information you can ask for as well. There won’t always be a written plan, but your therapist should be able to tell you where she is going and what strategies she will be using to get there. Don’t expect a play-by-play, but you have a right to know the basics.

5. Right to have questions answered

While your therapist will probably be the one asking the most questions, you can ask for information, too. This can range from explanations of terms used to his reaction to something you said or did. When it comes to personal information, therapists have varying levels of comfort in disclosing. Respect that. But if your question is relevant to your treatment, ask away.

6. Right to be treated with respect

As intimate as therapy can get, you are also in a professional situation. You are paying for a service and that entitles you to a certain level of respect. Your therapist should not be rude, mock you, blow you off, be offensive or otherwise make you have an uncomfortable experience. While minor offenses should be worked out in sessions (read how here), a pattern of disrespect is grounds for termination. 

7. Right to have boundaries observed

Another part of therapy being a professional situation is that there are certain boundaries. Your therapist is not your friend. She should not be a business partner. And he should certainly never, ever be your lover. Your relationship should be confined to the therapy room and never be physical. Your therapist might be okay with occasional contact between sessions (email or phone calls), but that should only be about treatment.

What has been your experience in regards to client rights? Tell us your stories in the comments.