Ethically, mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, and therapists, should maintain professional boundaries and avoid forming personal relationships with individuals who are not their patients or clients. This is a fundamental principle in the field of mental health care.
Building friendships with current or former patients can create conflicts of interest, compromise objectivity, and hinder the therapeutic process. It can also lead to potential exploitation or harm to the patient.
The American Psychological Association (APA) and other professional organizations have strict ethical guidelines that emphasize the importance of maintaining appropriate boundaries between mental health professionals and their patients. These guidelines exist to protect both the patients and the professionals involved.
If a mental health professional encounters someone they know personally outside of a professional context who needs mental health support, it is essential for them to refer the person to another qualified mental health professional who can provide appropriate care.
It's important to recognize that the primary role of mental health professionals is to provide effective and ethical treatment to their patients, and forming friendships with those seeking care would compromise their ability to do so.