Thorough record keeping: A good defense in a litigious era.

Psychotherapists, like other health professionals, are concerned about the increase in malpractice litigation and insurance rates. Properly kept records, made in anticipation of future litigation, may be crucial for the psychotherapist who is faced with a malpractice suit. We review cases in which records influenced the outcome of malpractice suits, and we make specific recommendations regarding the optimal maintenance of records. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)