Therapists typically have specific guidelines and ethical considerations regarding communication with their patients outside of scheduled therapy sessions. The boundaries around communication vary depending on the therapist's professional practice, theoretical orientation, and ethical guidelines set forth by their licensing board or professional organization.
In general, therapists will establish clear boundaries with their clients about communication outside of therapy sessions during the informed consent process. Commonly, therapists may have guidelines such as:
Scheduled Appointments: Communication occurs during scheduled therapy sessions, either in-person or through virtual platforms.
Emergency Contact: Therapists may provide a designated emergency contact number or crisis line for clients to use in case of urgent situations outside of regular therapy hours.
Consent for Communication: If there is a need for occasional communication outside of sessions (e.g., rescheduling appointments, discussing administrative matters), therapists may request explicit consent from the client before engaging in such communication.
Confidentiality Concerns: Therapists will be mindful of protecting client confidentiality and privacy, especially when using communication methods like email or text messages, which may not be as secure as traditional therapy platforms.
Boundaries for Dual Relationships: Therapists generally avoid engaging in dual relationships with clients, which means they avoid interacting with clients outside of the therapeutic context in personal or social settings.
The rules and guidelines for therapist-patient communication may differ based on the therapist's theoretical orientation, local laws, and the specific therapy setting (private practice, clinic, hospital, etc.).
It's essential for both therapists and clients to be aware of these guidelines to maintain the therapeutic relationship's integrity and ensure the best possible treatment outcomes. If a client has questions or concerns about communication with their therapist, they should openly discuss these issues during therapy sessions. If necessary, the therapist can address and clarify the communication policies they have in place.