Reporting counselor misconduct may help protect other patients as well.
Entering a substance abuse program is a positive step but can also be the hardest step you have ever taken. You place your trust, fears and future in the hands of substance abuse counselors who should be trained to help you make better choices and problem solve more effectively. When a substance abuse counselor does something that can be viewed as misconduct, whether it is counseling while under the influence, having relationships with clients or borrowing money from clients, for example, the affected client's world can be rocked. Knowing your rights and knowing report such misconduct can help you remember you are able and willing to make the right choices if you encounter it.
Instructions
1. Document the misconduct. If you can secretly tape record evidence without risk to you or others, place a small tape recorder in your pocket and record conversations in which the misconduct is referred to or admitted.
2. Contact the administrator of the substance abuse program and request a private meeting. Take a friend to the meeting as a witness, and take your notes along so that you can give a clear, concise, chronological account of the misconduct and how it unfolded.
3. Contact your state licensing agencies and determine whether the counselor in question has a state license. If so, file a formal complaint in writing by sending it to the state agency. Ask to be informed of any action taken regarding your complaint.
4. Make a report to the police department if the misconduct involved criminal acts, such as sexual assault, embezzlement or theft.
Tags: substance abuse, abuse program, misconduct help, substance abuse program