When a therapist takes advantage of a patient’s trust to manipulate or harm them, the therapist engages in therapy abuse. Therapy abuse may present as verbal, emotional, mental, financial, or sexual abuse.
If you or a loved one have experienced abuse at the hands of a Detroit therapist, you may be able to file a lawsuit to claim damages for the difficulties you experienced. Jenner Law’s Detroit therapy abuse attorneys can provide a free case evaluation and determine your legal right to compensation.
When to File a Detroit Therapy Abuse Lawsuit
In Detroit, therapists and counselors must conduct themselves professionally, consistent with the American Psychological Association (APA) Code of Ethics. In addition, Michigan’s Mental Health Code outlines the rights of mental health patients.
As a professional mental health care provider, your therapist must provide you with a diagnosis and treatment that enhances your overall health and well-being. If your therapist uses their position to take advantage of you financially, physically, emotionally, or sexually, they are committing therapy abuse.
Some examples of therapy abuse are:
- Physical and verbal violence
- Derogatory or belittling behavior
- Emotional manipulation
- Personal contact outside the office
- Violating physical and psychological boundaries
- Soliciting business
- Overcharges or fraudulent charges
- Requesting or giving excessive gifts
- Misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment
- Encouraging dependency
- Violation of patient confidentiality
- Sexual communication or contact
When therapy creates a power imbalance between therapist and patient, the therapist could use their influence to cause harm. The malpractice attorneys from our firm have experience with therapy abuse cases in Detroit and can help you decide how best to move forward with your case.
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(888) 585-2188
Common Damages Claimed in Detroit Therapy Abuse Cases
If you experienced therapy abuse at the hands of your Detroit therapist, you can seek damages for the injuries, expenses, and losses you sustained. Damages you could claim include:
- Medical costs related to abuse injuries
- Long-term treatment for PTSD and trauma
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
A therapy abuse lawyer with Jenner Law can analyze your case and determine which damages you can claim in Detroit.
Actions to Take If You Have Experienced Therapy Abuse
Our compassionate attorneys at Jenner Law know that each client’s situation is different. If your therapist exhibits abusive behavior toward you, you can take the following steps to protect your right to just compensation:
- Call emergency services: If your therapist is physically harming you or you feel unsafe, don’t hesitate to call 911. You should never feel like you are in danger because of your therapist’s words or actions.
- Remove yourself from the situation: If possible, remove yourself from the situation. Cancel your appointments and avoid seeing your therapist if you feel unsafe. If your therapist does not respect your desire for space, contact the authorities or the appropriate licensing board.
- File a report with the licensing board: Once you are safe, contact the Michigan Board of Counseling to report your therapist’s abusive behavior.
- Obtain a second therapist’s opinion: As a patient, it can be difficult to determine if your therapist’s behavior is abusive. Although you should not usually see multiple therapists at once, you can seek a second opinion from another therapist if you believe your regular therapist is acting in an unethical or abusive manner.
- Compile medical documentation: Compile copies of your medical records, notes, photographs, written communication, phone logs, and other evidence to support your therapy abuse claim.
- Hire a Detroit therapy abuse attorney: A lawyer who handles therapy abuse cases will help you contact the right authorities, compile evidence, and file a lawsuit against your abusive therapist.
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Detroit Statute of Limitations for Therapy Abuse Lawsuits
Victims have a limited window to file a therapy abuse lawsuit in Michigan. The amount of time you have to file can vary depending on the details of your case. For example, a therapy abuse lawsuit for financial fraud may have a different statute of limitations than a case for sexual therapy abuse.
Even if you think you have years to file a case, it is important to contact a Detroit therapy abuse lawyer as soon as possible. Your lawyer will need time to compile documents, establish your claim’s value, and file a complaint with the court before the cutoff date. If the abuse occurred more than a year ago, your attorney may have significantly less time to file. By contacting an attorney right away, you give your legal team more time to fight for a favorable settlement.
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Benefits of Working With a Detroit Therapy Abuse Attorney
With decades of experience in personal injury, medical malpractice, and therapy abuse claims, the attorneys at Jenner Law understand that each case is unique and deeply personal. Our therapy abuse lawyers confidently represent victims of therapy abuse through every step of the legal process.
When you work with Jenner Law, you can rest assured that we will handle even the most complex legal aspects of your case, so you can focus on recovering. Our committed legal team will thoroughly examine your claim to establish a fair value for your losses.
We will file your legal complaint with the appropriate court and actively work to obtain communications, medical records, testimony, and other evidence to solidify your claim. You can trust us to communicate clearly with you throughout your lawsuit, so you will always know what to expect. You can learn more about our service by reading our client reviews or calling for a free consultation.
Call Jenner Law for a Free Consultation About Your Therapy Abuse Case
If you suffered injuries as a result of therapy abuse in Detroit, our therapy abuse attorneys will vigorously pursue justice and compensation on your behalf. We handle all of our cases on a contingency basis, so we will only accept payment as a percentage of the compensation our lawyers secure for you.
Reach out to Jenner Law today for a free consultation. Our team will review your case and provide an honest assessment of your circumstances so you can make an informed decision about how to proceed.
Call or text (888) 585-2188 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form