Both the California Rules of Professional Conduct and the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct prohibit lawyers and clients from engaging in “sexual relations” unless they predated the representation.
Ethics standards prohibit doctors and lawyers from being romantically involved with people they're treating or counseling, unless the personal relationship preceded the professional one. But neither the SEC nor Finra has a rule restricting advisor-client dating.
As the Code of Ethics states, Social workers should not engage in dual or multiple relationships with clients or former clients in which there is a risk of exploitation or potential harm to the cli- ent.
(a) Psychologists do not engage in sexual intimacies with former clients/patients for at least two years after cessation or termination of therapy. (b) Psychologists do not engage in sexual intimacies with former clients/patients even after a two-year interval except in the most unusual circumstances.
when considering a romantic relationship with a former client, use professional judgement and proceed with caution. the therapeutic relationship has to be clearly documented and ended beyond all doubt for the minimum period of one year before a romantic or sexual relationship can begin.
Dating Co-Workers in California: Protections for Employees As a California employee, you cannot be fired solely because you are dating a co-worker. While employers are permitted to implement anti-fraternization policies in the workplace, your employer's control over your off-the-clock life should be limited.
A boundary crossing occurs when a professional is involved in a second relationship with a client that is not exploitative, coercive, or harmful. Boundary crossings have been defined as bending the code, whereas boundary violations are breaking the code. They are not inherently unethical, but they could be.
The NASW Code of Ethics leaves the door open, but cautions social workers that they bear responsibility for ensuring that no negative consequences ensue: "Social workers should not engage in physical contact with clients when there is a possibility of psychological harm to the client as a result of the contact (such as ...
Becoming friends with your clients doesn't mean you're obliged to give them your work for free; neither a friend nor a client should expect you to compromise yourself just to maintain a relationship. Similarly, becoming buddies with a client doesn't mean you have to take their emergency-editing calls at 2 AM.
Can You Be Friends With a Former Therapist? While not common, a friendship can develop when you've finished therapy. There are no official rules or ethical guidelines from either the American Psychological Associated or American Psychiatric Association regarding friendships with former clients.
Standard A. 6. e., Nonprofessional Interactions or Relationships (Other Than Sexual or Romantic Interactions or Relationships) of the ACA Code of Ethics states: “Counselors avoid entering into nonprofessional relationships with former clients … when the interaction is potentially harmful to the client.
Of the 585 psychologists who responded, 87% (95% of the men and 76% of the women) reported having been sexually attracted to their clients, at least on occasion.