Social/Romantic Relationships With Present and Former Clients: State Licensing Board Actions

In this study we expanded, updated, and refined a previous survey of state association ethics committees and state boards regarding the disposition of cases involving allegations of sexual impropriety. Findings revealed a dramatic increase in the number of complaints filed against psychologists for sexual impropriety. Also, all psychologists who acknowledged sexual contact with clients were found to be in violation, regardless of the amount of time that may have elapsed after termination. Last, we found evidence of complaints of sexual impropriety in nontherapeutic professional relationships, as well as violations of nonsexual dual relations. The implications of the findings are discussed, and recommendations for practitioners and the profession are made.