Sexual and business relationships between therapists and former clients.

Examined the incidence of post-termination sexual (PTSRs) and business relationships (PTBRs) between therapists and former clients, as well as the legal, clinical, demographic, and professional judgment considerations related to both PTSRs and PTBRs. Among a sample of 348 therapists (aged 29–81 yrs; 52% male) who had been delivering psychotherapy services for an average of 14 yrs, it was found that 6.5% engaged in PTSRs and 29% engaged in PTBRs. Demographic comparisons showed that males were significantly more likely to engage in both PTSRs and PTBRs. PTSRs were always viewed as more inappropriate than PTBRs. Results provide considerable support for the inclusion of prohibitions against sexual intimacies with former clients as part of the Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct (American Psychological Association; see record 1993-19413-001). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)