Standards of Practice, Professional Conduct, Advertising, and Client Disclosure
Client disclosure and informed consent
- At the outset, disclose in writing the therapist's name, license level, qualifications, fees, payment policies, confidentiality limits, records policy, emergency procedures, and the client's right to complain to the Board.
- When services are delivered by an LGMFT, identify the supervisor and explain the supervisory relationship.
- Obtain informed consent for treatment, recording, consultation, and any electronic communication; document refusal or limits.
Advertising and conduct
- Advertising must be accurate and not false, fraudulent, misleading, or deceptive. Use the correct title and do not guarantee outcomes or claim specialties without substantiation.
- Protect client identity in testimonials, case examples, and social media; written authorization is not a substitute for sound judgment.
- Maintain boundaries, avoid exploitative dual relationships, provide competent services, refer when needed, and avoid abandonment. Keep records and terminate or transfer care appropriately.
Worked example
An LCMFT advertises guaranteed anxiety relief in six sessions and displays a former client's name and photo as a testimonial. The claim is misleading and the testimonial reveals protected identity. The Board may require corrective advertising and can discipline for unprofessional conduct. The therapist should remove the guarantee, obtain proper authorization if any testimonial remains, and use a de-identified composite example instead.
Traps
- Giving only verbal fee information when written disclosure is required.
- Using board certified without a recognized credential.
- Posting client details in marketing even with informal consent.
- Forgetting to disclose supervision or confidentiality limits at intake.