For ENDING the PROFESSIONAL (Counselor/Therapist-Client) RELATIONSHIP
A licensee's primary professional responsibility is to the client, and the licensee makes every reasonable effort to advance the welfare and best interests of all clients.
For LPC's and LMFT's based on the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists'
The Code of Ethics was updated on June 1, 2008
Code of Ethics (OAR 833-060-0010 through 0070)
Who may end the relationship?
- Both the client and the counselor/therapist may terminate the relationship.
Licensees not only have the right to end the relationship, but in some cases are required to end the relationship.
When must the licensee terminate services?
- When divergence of interests, values, attitudes, or biases between a client and licensee are sufficient to impair the professional relationship;
- When it is reasonably clear that the treatment no longer serves the client’s needs or interests;
- When the licensee’s objectivity or effectiveness is impaired.
What are the licensee’s responsibilities during termination of services?
- Licensee must notify the client orally or in writing that licensee can no longer see the client professionally;
- Licensee must inform client of divergence of interests, values, attitudes that are impairing the relationship;
- Licensee must make a reasonable effort to assist the client in obtaining services from another professional.
Licensees must not deny services on basis of race, religion, sex, political affiliation, social status, or choice of lifestyle.
Before termination, have you:
Considered the reason you want to end the professional relationship?
Consulted another professional -- your supervisor, a colleague?
Thought about what to tell the client?
Identified referrals -- professionals or resources available to the client?
10/2008
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