Dr. Reid wrote: For example, a website designed for some supportive or therapeutic purpose could be an exception under some circumstances. Or it may be a website created by a therapist on which patients or former patients may post things simply as members of the public. Going into "business" with a patient or former patient, particularly when the activity is significantly associated with the therapist's interests rather than the patient's, is pretty broadly prohibited by all the U.S. professional organization ethics guidelines. Properly handled, this situation might be an exception if it offers some sort of supported or sheltered work (similar to that often offered to developmentally disabled persons) or a patient-oriented support activity (as with a therapeutic community social club). Getting patients/clients involved in such things (including involved in organizing and running them) can be very helpful and appropriate. One should probably be certain that the plan and activity are fairly public, perhaps having other clinicians participate or help oversee the activity (in part to help avoid criticisms and misunderstandings about boundary issues).<<< I guess I was unclear in wording my answer. The site is an on-line discussion site, similar to this one. It is open to the public once they register for membership. The client involved did not invest any money in the site, to the best of my knowledge. The client is second in command to the psychologist who owns the site. They are in frequent, I've been lead to believe daily, contact to discuss the site. It is the latter part I am uncertain about. To me, a therapist encouraging clients to post messages about personal, perhaps therapuetic, issues on a bulletin board s/he runs falls in the gray area of ethics. It seems to me it might blur boundaries. I'm not sure it crosses the line to unethical behavior, however. This is not a sheltered workshop situation or anything like that. To the best of my knowledge there are no other professionals involved in overseeing the situation. I look forward to further input from Dr. Reid and others.
>>>It would usually be a significant boundary violation for a psychologist or other therapist/counselor to go into a business or social venture with a patient/client. However, I am reluctant to offer a blanket criticism one way or the other, since the information is third- (or fourth-) hand and may not be complete, or completely accurate.
I really question having daily contact to discuss the operation of the site. I am having difficulty articulating why, but is seems to me doing so crosses the line.
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