Behavioral Health

Claims Example:
A mental health counselor began an inappropriate relationship with a client. He began revealing personal information about himself to the client that had no therapeutic value and encouraged the client to meet him for a social engagement outside the office. A sexual relationship emerged while he was still offering the client counseling sessions. When the client discontinued the counseling sessions, the counselor failed to assist her in obtaining another counselor. Because the counselor breached clinical, ethical and legal standards of care, the plaintiff’s attorney initially sought $500,000. However, the case was settled out of court for $150,000 plus an additional $11,780 paid in legal costs.