Lawsuits for Mental Health practitioners can take a variety of forms, and no two cases are identical. Malpractice Insurance for Mental Health Counselors protects mental health providers when facing litigation related to their rendering of professional services, but it is important to know what these cases might be in order to avoid them.
There are three unusual lawsuits counselors should be aware of. Many people are unfamiliar with these lawsuits, but they could potentially happen to you if you are practicing in the mental health field. These include:
- Practicing outside the scope of training or education. The regulatory board for mental health professionals clearly defines what specific services mental health providers can provide. If you practice beyond these parameters, you may be held liable for your actions. It is important to never go beyond what you are trained or qualified to do, or you may end up with a malpractice lawsuit on your hands.
- Improper documentation of client records. No matter how effective treatment may be, failure to properly document can result in a malpractice lawsuit. Because of this, it is always important to have Professional Liability Insurance for Mental Health so you are covered if you face a malpractice lawsuit.
- Conflict or misuse of influence. In any counseling situation, the patient is in a vulnerable position. If a counselor gives advice that is not beneficial to the patient or if they pressure a patient into a decision, the counselor may face legal ramifications.
Being aware of these unusual lawsuits can help you take measures to avoid them. Additionally, if you find yourself in a situation where you are unsure if it may lead to a complaint being filed against you, the CPH & Associates Avoiding Liability Helpline provides free legal consultation to policyholders so you can reduce your risk of liability exposure.
No matter how careful you are though, you may someday find yourself facing a malpractice lawsuit. In this situation, having Professional Liability Insurance for Mental Health is the only way to guarantee you are protected with legal representation in the event of a claim being made against you.
