Facing the Challenge of Liability in Psychotherapy: Practicing Defensively

Facing the Challenge of Liability in Psychotherapy offers ways for therapists of all persuasions to limit liability while continuing to practice effectively. Dr Hedges demonstrates how therapists can put themselves in a position to defend their practices if ever called on to do so; by developing a series of informed consents covering different situations, by learning how to document ordinary as well as critical incidents, by seeking out peer and expert opinion, and by using community resources as appropriate. Most importantly, Dr. Hedges points out the kinds of clinical and dynamic situations that typically lead to complaints and false accusations against therapists. This updated edition addresses three new major areas of concern—work with minors, child custody evaluations, and compliance with the new federal HIPPA regulations. A freshly revised CD-Rom accompanies the book with 30 forms that can be downloaded and adapted.