Reporting Substance Abuse Counselor Misconduct: Protecting Clients

You should be able to trust a professional counselor. Caretakers and counselors are there to help nurture individuals in a time of need and support them with a helping hand when life becomes challenging. Sadly, when dealing with individuals in a vulnerable position, some counselors are capable of abusing their clients emotionally, physically or even sexually. In the world of substance abuse, challenges abound. Inappropriate behavior from a trusted substance abuse behavior consultant is unacceptable but sometimes hard to report. Often, individuals are ordered into substance abuse counseling by courts.

Instructions

• 1

  Research how you were referred to the substance abuse behavior consultant. If you selected this consultant randomly, contact the counselor's employer to report any abusive or inappropriate behavior. Switch consultants immediately. If the counselor works independently, contact your local police to file a complaint.

• 2

  Contact the court staff or probation officer responsible for assigning your substance abuse consultant. Request a new consultant to fulfill the mandated commitment.

• 3

  Report any issues to the initial referrer, if the consultant was recommended by a medical professional.

• 4

  Contact your local authorities immediately if a crime has taken place.