Compassionate Therapist Abuse Lawyers Serving San Francisco, California
At Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP, located in San Francisco, our experienced attorneys deeply understand the sensitive and complex nature of therapist abuse cases. We are committed to taking the time needed to carefully evaluate and address the unique circumstances that you are facing. Leading partner attorney John D. Winer is widely regarded as one of California’s most skilled and knowledgeable therapist abuse attorneys. His expertise has led to record-setting verdicts for compensatory damages and psychological injuries by using innovative legal strategies that few others are familiar with. He also has a profound understanding of the transference phenomenon and the significant power imbalance it creates between therapists and patients. While some lawyers may mistakenly shift blame onto the patient, John Winer fully recognizes that any romantic involvement between a therapist and a patient is never consensual and is, by nature, exploitative.
Our legal team diligently seeks positive resolutions in cases that frequently encompass sexual abuse, malpractice, and instances of negligent diagnosis and treatment.
We proudly serve clients throughout San Francisco and the surrounding areas. All conversations about your case are completely confidential. Contact us today at (510) 433-1000 to speak with one of our attorneys. We offer free initial consultations and handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we win your case.
Therapist Misconduct: Abuse of Power and Trust
Therapists hold a significant position of trust and authority in society, and it’s essential that they uphold ethical standards in their behavior. Clients often enter therapy in a highly vulnerable emotional and mental state, placing their trust in the therapist for support. This reliance can sometimes extend to their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Unfortunately, in some cases, this power dynamic can be exploited, leading to serious misconduct such as sexual exploitation, substance abuse, financial manipulation, or even physical violence by the therapist.
How Can I Tell If I Have a Case Against My Therapist?
In the U.S. and California, therapists—including psychotherapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, and other mental health professionals—are required to follow strict standards of care. Engaging in a sexual relationship with a current patient, or one who has been a patient within the past two years, is strictly forbidden, regardless of whether it appears consensual. Even if more than two years have passed, such a relationship can still violate professional standards, and legal action can often be taken.
Therapists have a duty to support their patients’ emotional and psychological well-being. Patients may unconsciously transfer their emotions and perceptions onto their therapists, similar to the way a child views a parent. This dynamic, known as transference, places therapists in a position of power while leaving patients vulnerable. Abuse of this power can manifest in various ways, such as inappropriate prescribing of medication, sexual misconduct, emotional manipulation, or even physical abuse.
Therapy typically involves clear boundaries, which often include:
- Maintaining a reasonable physical distance from the patient
- Avoiding physical contact beyond a handshake or nonsexual hug
- Keeping sessions within set time limits and in the office
- No intentional contact outside of therapy sessions
- Always focusing on the patient and their issues
- Avoiding sharing personal or intimate details about the therapist’s life
- No business, sexual, social, or personal relationships with the patient outside of therapy
If any of these boundaries are crossed, the therapist may have violated what is known as the therapeutic container.
Regardless of the type of harm you’ve experienced due to your therapist’s actions, we are here to help. With over 60 years of combined experience, we have a strong track record of successful settlements and trial outcomes. For more details, check out our Therapist Abuse and Malpractice FAQ.
Understanding Your Legal Options for Pursuing a Claim Against a Therapist
Filing a claim against a therapist can involve civil lawsuits, criminal charges, or action through a licensing board. To navigate these complex areas, you need an attorney experienced in all three types of cases. Therapist abuse can gradually lead to serious emotional and physical harm, causing issues such as depression, physiological problems, and intense psychological symptoms. It’s crucial to contact a knowledgeable lawyer as soon as possible, as there are strict deadlines for filing claims.
In California, the statute of limitations continues to apply even while pursuing a claim with a licensing board. This means that you could lose your right to sue if you wait for the board’s decision before taking legal action. While there are sometimes exceptions, it’s best to file a case within one year of the end of the abusive relationship. In situations involving public entities, such as therapists working at county clinics, the statute of limitations could be as short as six months.
We can assist you in seeking damages for:
- Past and future pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Medical expenses, both past and future
- Loss of wages, both past and future
- Punitive damages
Mastering the Legal Challenges of Therapist Abuse Cases with a San Francisco Therapist Abuse Attorney
Successfully handling a therapist abuse case requires an attorney skilled in managing the intricate legal challenges these cases often present. It’s a careful balancing act that must be planned and executed with precision.
In many cases, expert witnesses are essential to prove both intentional misconduct and negligence by the therapist, while also clearly linking the therapist’s actions to the victim’s injuries. This process can be complicated and often hinges on factors like credibility, an understanding of transference, navigating the statute of limitations, insurance coverage, and other technical details.
At Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP, we have a deep understanding of the tactics used by psychotherapists. Our team of experienced therapist abuse attorneys in San Francisco has over 60 years of combined experience handling cases of professional misconduct and negligence.
Notable Therapist Abuse Settlements and Verdicts
- $7,130,000 – Brain damage and abuse resulting from a doctor’s prescription drug error
- $2,000,000 – 30-year-old woman sexually abused by a psychologist at a Southern California outpatient facility
- $1,423,000 – Female patient awarded $1,423,000 in a physical and sexual abuse case against her psychotherapist
- $900,000 – Young woman wins sexual abuse case against her psychotherapist and assault case against the therapist’s husband
- $750,000 – Male-to-female transsexual sues former therapist for negligence and abuse
- $700,000 – Woman in her 40s sexually abused by her psychotherapist
Reach Out to a San Francisco Therapist Abuse Attorney
If you or someone you know has suffered from therapist abuse, it’s important to understand your legal rights and options. At Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP, we have over 60 years of combined experience in handling complex therapist misconduct cases. Whether you’ve experienced emotional manipulation, sexual misconduct, or other forms of professional abuse, we are here to help you seek justice and recover the compensation you deserve.
Our team is experienced in navigating the unique challenges these cases present, from proving intentional misconduct to working with expert witnesses. We’ve achieved significant settlements and verdicts for our clients, including awards as high as $7 million. We know how to handle even the most difficult situations, and we’re ready to fight for your rights.
Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation with a San Francisco Therapist Abuse Attorney. We serve clients in San Francisco and throughout California. Don’t wait—your future matters, and there are time limits for filing a claim. Let us help you take the first step toward healing and justice. Call us at (510) 433-1000.