How to Report Therapist Sexual Abuse in Georgia

If your therapist has sexually abused you, there are three groups of people you need to contact. One is the Georgia Board of Professional Counselors to submit a licensing complaint. This board oversees licensed therapists and can take disciplinary action, including license suspension or revocation.

Then, you need to contact the police to report the crime. Sexual abuse is a crime in Georgia. If your therapist is taken into custody, then you’ll be protected from further violence. You may also be able to get a restraining order. If you are in immediate danger, contact the police first.

Finally, contact an Atlanta sexual abuse lawyer to learn your legal options for compensation. You have the right to file a civil complaint against your therapist if they violated your trust by committing sexual abuse against you.

Recognizing Therapist Sexual Abuse in Georgia

Therapist sexual abuse includes any sexual contact, inappropriate touching, or sexual relationships between a therapist and a patient. This behavior violates professional ethics and Georgia law, regardless of whether you consented.

The therapeutic relationship requires complete trust and professional boundaries. When a therapist crosses these boundaries, it can cause severe emotional trauma and psychological damage, affecting your ability to trust and seek future mental health care.

In Georgia, therapists cannot claim a sexual relationship with a current patient was consensual. The power imbalance in the therapeutic relationship makes any sexual contact inappropriate and potentially criminal.

Can I Sue My Therapist?

Yes. You can pursue a civil claim against the therapist and possibly their employer. This allows you to seek compensation for emotional trauma, medical expenses, and other damages resulting from the abuse.

Your therapist’s employer may also share liability if they fail to properly screen, supervise, or respond to complaints about the therapist. This could include hospitals, clinics, or counseling centers that employed the abusive therapist. You may be able to get compensation from them as well.

Georgia law provides specific time limits for filing sexual abuse claims. However, these limits can vary based on circumstances. Contact our Atlanta therapist sexual abuse lawyers promptly to meet your filing deadlines. Waiting too long can jeopardize your chances of getting compensation.

What Evidence Do I Need to Prove My Case?

Keep all records of your therapy sessions, including bills, appointment cards, and any communication with the therapist. Document dates, times, and details of inappropriate behavior while they’re fresh in your memory. If you have damaged clothing from a sexual attack, save that as well.

With your evidence, you can speak with a lawyer about what happened and your legal options for suing your former therapist. They can also advise you about any additional evidence you could get that may help your claim.

If you’ve told anyone else about the abuse, such as family members, friends, or other healthcare providers, make note of who you told and when. These people may be able to provide supporting testimony about how the abuse has affected you or verify when you first reported the misconduct.

What Support Can I Receive While My Case Is Pending?

Multiple victim support services in Georgia offer counseling and advocacy for people who have experienced sexual abuse. We can connect you with trusted resources while we handle your report of therapist sexual abuse in Georgia.

We also understand your need for privacy. Legal proceedings involving sexual abuse can often be handled discretely, and we take steps to protect your identity throughout the process.

We also encourage you to use a therapist through a victim support service to help you through what has happened. It may be difficult to trust a therapist after what you’ve experienced, but using one through a sexual abuse support group means they’ll know how to help people in your position.

Why Do I Need to Report the Abuse to the Board of Professional Counselors?

By submitting a licensing complaint, you help protect others from experiencing similar trauma. Your report may reveal a pattern of behavior that authorities need to address, and sexual abuse is a major red flag for licensing boards.

In fact, even having a consensual sexual relationship with a client or making a polite sexual advance toward one is a massive ethical breach. Therapists must not entangle themselves emotionally or sexually with their clients. Sexual abusers who act as therapists to get victims must be removed from practice.

The licensing board can also share information with law enforcement and other state agencies, creating a stronger case against the abusive therapist. A coordinated response between professional boards, law enforcement, and civil courts helps ensure that predatory therapists cannot simply move to another practice or state to continue their abuse.

Take Action Today

You’ve shown tremendous courage by seeking information about reporting therapist sexual abuse in Georgia. Our team is ready to support you through this challenging time with compassion and determination.

Contact our lawyers at John Foy & Associates for a confidential consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your rights, and help you take the next steps toward justice and healing.