SPARC Forums

Socrateaser, can you review the attached letter. I'd like to stop therapist who is an LCSW/ACSW from providing continued services to minor children.

Can I also request that she provide copies of their records or forward them to another therapist?



Dear Ms Therapist:

I am revoking any authorization or informed consent, as of the date of this letter, for any services you are providing to xx (minor) and xx (minor) and asking that you cease providing any and all services.

I do believe a conflict of interest existed and continues to exist regarding the above mentioned individuals. The conflict was even more pronounced once you voluntarily turned out to be a witness, specifically for one party(mother), in a custody trial and dissolution of a marriage.

According to the code of ethics of the National Association of Social Workers, which the IL Chapter has adopted, section: 1.06 Conflicts of Interest states:
(d) When social workers provide services to two or more people who have a relationship with each other (for example, couples, family members), social workers should clarify with all parties which individuals will be considered clients and the nature of social workers' professional obligations to the various individuals who are receiving services. Social workers who anticipate a conflict of interest among the individuals receiving services or who anticipate having to perform in potentially conflicting roles (for example, when a social worker is asked to testify in a child custody dispute or divorce proceedings involving clients) should clarify their role with the parties involved and take appropriate action to minimize any conflict of interest.

Again this letter constitutes my revocation of my authorization and informed consent as of the date of this letter for you to provide any services to the above named minors
 

Sincerely

The letter's fine, if a little heavy handed. I wouldn't use this approach unless you have already exhausted all of the possible "soft" requests to withdraw from the counselling.

Also, be aware that the ethics rule you quote doesn't actually prohibit the therapist from continuing in the case -- it only suggests that the therapist minimize the possible conflicts. In short, the rule has no teeth, although there may be other sections of the rules that work to mandate this rule's application.

Anyway, that's my two cents.