Whether you can contact a therapist who has resigned from a previous location and opened a new practice depends on a few factors. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:
Ethical guidelines: Therapists are bound by professional ethics and codes of conduct, which vary depending on their jurisdiction and governing professional bodies. It is essential for therapists to maintain the confidentiality and privacy of their clients. Therefore, they must handle their clients' information and contact details with care and adhere to the relevant regulations when transitioning from one practice to another.
Client relationships: If you had an ongoing therapeutic relationship with the therapist and she has not explicitly terminated the therapy, there might be a possibility of continuing the therapy at her new practice. However, it's essential to clarify this directly with the therapist to ensure a smooth transition and to discuss any potential changes in treatment terms, fees, or other relevant aspects.
Professional boundaries: Therapists need to consider ethical boundaries, dual relationships, and potential conflicts of interest when transitioning from one practice to another. They must ensure that their decision to establish a new practice does not harm or exploit their former clients in any way.
Contacting the therapist: If you wish to continue therapy with the therapist at her new practice, you can try reaching out to her directly. However, keep in mind that she may not be allowed to contact you directly due to ethical considerations. Therefore, it's best to initiate contact yourself.
Informed consent: If you decide to continue therapy at the new practice, the therapist should discuss any potential implications of this transition with you, obtain your informed consent, and address any concerns you may have.
In any case, if the therapist is no longer available or you decide not to continue with her, you should explore other options for therapy to ensure that you continue receiving the support you need. The organization from which the therapist resigned might be able to provide you with information about alternative therapists or resources.
Remember that the specific regulations and ethical guidelines regarding these situations may differ depending on your country and the governing professional bodies for therapists in that region. If you have any doubts or concerns, consider seeking advice from a relevant mental health authority or professional ethics board.