When engaging in psychotherapy with a licensed professional, you are entitled to the following rights:
1. The Right to Participate in Your Treatment Planning
You are entitled to help create a personalized treatment plan that outlines the overall goals of therapy and specific objectives you’ll work on. This plan helps track your progress and ensures the therapy is aligned with your needs.
2. The Right to Understand the Services Provided
Your therapist should explain how they conduct therapy in a way that matches your preferences and comfort level. This includes describing the therapeutic process in alignment with your treatment plan.
3. The Right to Voluntary Participation and Informed Consent
You have the right to engage in therapy voluntarily and with full understanding of the treatment being provided—unless your participation is mandated by a court or legal authority.
4. The Right to Decline or End Treatment
You may refuse or discontinue therapy at any time without penalty—except in cases where therapy is court-ordered or legally required.
5. The Right to Access Your Records
You are allowed to review the records your therapist keeps about you.
6. The Right to Competent, Respectful, and Safe Care
You deserve care that is professionally competent, clinically appropriate, and delivered in a safe, respectful, and humane manner. Your therapist must be qualified and committed to maintaining your dignity.
7. The Right to Ethical, Non-Discriminatory Treatment
You must be treated ethically and without abuse, discrimination, or exploitation. Your therapist should never use your story for personal gain or act inappropriately toward you, either professionally or personally.
8. The Right to Culturally Sensitive Care
Regardless of your cultural background, you are entitled to be treated with respect and understanding by all staff involved in your care.
9. The Right to Privacy
Your sessions are confidential and conducted in a private setting where your information is not shared without your consent.
10. The Right to File Complaints
If you have concerns about services or staff, you can report them to a supervisor or appropriate authority—especially relevant in clinical or institutional settings.
11. The Right to Be Informed of Risks and Outcomes
You should be informed of the expected results of all treatments, including any potential risks or side effects—especially regarding medication or specific therapeutic techniques.
12. The Right to Request a New Therapist
If the therapeutic relationship isn’t a good fit, you may request a different therapist. Your current provider should assist you in finding another professional, including offering referrals.
13. The Right to a Second Opinion
You can request that another clinician review your treatment plan at any time to obtain a second professional perspective.
14. The Right to Confidentiality
Your therapist must keep your information private. They may not share details of your care with anyone without your written permission, except in limited circumstances: