View Single Post
 
Old Dec 22, 2009, 01:58 AM
imapatient imapatient is offline
Grand Member
 
Member Since: Jul 2008
Posts: 795
I don't see the distinction between it being a pdoc and a T. Either way it's a professional mental health relationship; it's not arthritis. The psychological dimension is still a big issue with a pdoc. Med therapy is still mental health therapy. And there are prohibitions against dual relationships for many types of caring professions, varying by type and professional assoc./licensing board. Massage therapists and chiropractors have prohibitions against dual relationships in my state.

Dual relationships are defined by legal and ethics codes, e.g. Amer. Psychological Assoc., state boards, as a whole slew of types. Landlord, buyer of goods/services, friend of someone, business partners, group memberships, etc. It many times is by acquaintance or by way of a 3rd party where that relationship is beyond the control of the T and would-be patient. I had a GF who wanted to see my T, without telling me this, but my T wouldn't see her because she was seeing me, telling me it would be innapropraite to be treating someone in a situation like that (unless it was for family/couples therapy and with my consent).

I think what's really being sought, as you wrote, is something social, with a professional dimension which just sounds like an excuse to have contact with the pdoc.

I doubt that any code would rule out for certain what might happen as you've laid it out, but it could very easily turn into something more, perhaps, and I think a decent pdoc would discern this and want to avoid setting up a situation that might veer off course.

On contacts with T's and pdocs, the rules are different the smaller the locale. In small towns, etc. it isn't always possible to avoid multiple relationships.

The question isn't really one of ethics--as you've spelled it--so much as a matter of what's best and wise--for the pdoc and would-be patient. The pdoc can veto it even if there is not clear ethical requirement to do so.
__________________
out of my mind, left behind
Thanks for this!
Greenleaves