About Mental Health Liability Insurance
Mental Health Liability, or Malpractice, insurance protects mental health professionals from damages claimed by clients in lawsuits. Standards of malpractice vary from one region to the next, but employers of mental health professionals often carry malpractice insurance for protection. Individual counselors may want to have their own insurance as well.
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History
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According to Malpractice History, health care professionals are required not to do harm to their clients, though undoubtedly medical mistakes have been made throughout history. Regularization of the health care industry began in the 1960s and since then the number of malpractice claims has increased dramatically. Some of these cases have been upheld and some have been dismissed in courts.
Trends
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According to the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation, some commercial insurance carriers have exited from the malpractice arena and physician-owned companies began to spring up in the 1970s. This change occurred because of an increase in lawsuits and consequent increase in premiums.Re-insurance, which covers losses above a certain threshold became more expensive after 9/11. In an effort to lower premiums, many hospitals have formed companies which are owned by a large single health care facility or a health care system.
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Risks
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According to 4Therapy, the most frequent causes for successful malpractice suits originate from the same issues. Some of these include sexual impropriety, incorrect treatment, breach of confidentiality and suicide of the client. According to the Pennsylvania Psychological Association, psychologists who specialize in child custody and criminal investigations are at greater risk of being sued than those in other fields.
Insurers
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Most health care providers purchase liability insurance, either from a private insurance provider or through a professional association. If health care providers are employed by large organizations, the organization itself may provide coverage. Professional mental health organizations which offer their members liability insurance include the American Psychological Association, the Mental Health Counselors Association, the American Counselors Association and the Association of Alcohol Drug Abuse Counselors.
Tips
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According to Counseling Washington State, the risk of being sued is ever-present, even if it is only perceived to exist by the client. They suggest reviewing the malpractice policy of your employer to ensure there are no gaps in coverage.
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References
Resources
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