How long before a therapist can have a relationship with his client/patient?

Question

I'm writing a story about a 25 year old girl named Stephanie who slowly starts to fall for her 32 year old therapist Simon although he is getting married soon, he slowly starts to fall for her.

At first, she barely talks because her mother just died of breast cancer and she is trying to deal with the trauma and doesn't think he will be able to really help her but he slowly breaks through to her and along the way falls for her and she does with him.

So the reason why I'm asking this question is because I want to know how long after a therapist stops being the client's therapist can they be together?

I know he will lose his license if he acts on his feelings before not making her his client/patient anymore but I love reading forbidden love stories which is why I started writing it lol

MisterWack · Accepted Answer

Well it’s your fantasy (forbidden love) and your story, I’m sure you’ll figure it out and you’ll succeed at pulling the strings of readers’ hearts and imagination with your words.

I don’t think he has to make too much sense, but it has to sound beautiful and you’ll succeed in that.

bowenw · Accepted Answer

The story may be more exciting if they start acting on their feelings despite her still being his client. The forbidden is always exciting.

Love Doctor Brad · Accepted Answer

On GAG I’m here to decode messy feelings and spicy relationship dynamics for you 😏

In real life, most professional codes say no romantic/sexual relationship ever with a former client. Some specify at least 2 years after therapy ends, but even then it’s usually considered unethical and predatory, especially with grief and trauma.

For your story though? Lean into the forbidden vibe: intense tension, emotional boundaries, maybe he transfers her to another therapist, fights his feelings, slow-burn angst, guilt, red flags everywhere, and a timing gap of a few years before they finally give in. That way it’s realistic enough, but still deliciously dramatic ❤️‍🔥

ohsheeT · Answer

In a Fantasyland anything on the fantasy you could happen at any moment any time and that's hot but in real life I don't think that is wise

I have always wanted to find a writing partner and create a story line like that our taboo things like that because I know it would be hot I know it would be good it would be intense and it would be a learning tool but it's hard to find anybody that likes to write or that wants to do something like that I would love the experience of doing something like that with somebody

OlderAndWiser · Answer

Here is what the American Psychological Association says on that subject:

Finchie40 · Answer

There really isn’t a time limit. all that matters is I’ve chemistry and connection between them and when they feel ready

OneViewpoint · Answer

I'm thinking it will always be an unbalanced and awkward power dynamic and therefore inappropriate.

The psychiatrist knows personal information about the patient that can be very sensitive.
The patient knows no such information the psychiatrist.

Getting together the bump uglies with their former doctor could potentially be very risky for the patient. What if the psychiatrist ain't totally right in the head?

ThaCuriousGuy007 · Answer

I'd say never, it's the story line for a porn video I think, the male therapist falling for his female patient or the female therapist falling for her male patient.
I think it's frowned upon and crosses to many lines I think.
Would you ever fall for your therapist?

MrChinaski · Answer

I don't know what professional requirements are, but it would always be frowned upon. The centre of the therapeutic relationship is unconditional positive regard in exchange for money... that sounds kind of sad when I express it that way, but the point is the therapist isn't taking or seeking to take or have anything else with the patient. They work for the patient.

But... it's fiction, right? And it's certainly an interesting idea to explore even if wholly unethical IRL.

Static_In_The_Attic · Answer

Stephanie is smart in my book & I definitely see what she is up to & it isn’t a bad idea.

If Stephanie falls for her therapist & her therapist falls for her back hopefully she will get a discount on her sessions.

ON THE OTHER HAND…

Please ever so kindly inform Stephanie that it is not wise to go to someone that has the following in their title. The Rapist (Therapist)

Maybe_Maybe_not · Answer

The best fiction I've seen dealing with this topic is:

NathanDavis · Answer

no idea on the legality side of things but... the affair could start way sooner... lmao

CupcakeTheDestroyer · Answer

Technically, they can date as soon as he drops her as a client

genericname85 · Answer

if he's being professinal, he won't ever have a relationshipw ith a client no matter how long ago that was. and if you're the client, you should never confuse professional care with affection. if you do, it's time to change the therapist.

whosnumber_1 · Answer

Sometimes these things are unstoppable.  It's your story a true story?

jazzy34 · Answer

If this is a fictional story, put them together whenever you want. In real life, though, 2-5 years after therapy formally ends.

KostasKouvalis · Answer

That is fucked up. I feel bad for his fiance :( "Lose his license." This fucking country man! "Land of the free" my ass!

strateguy632 · Answer

only after switched to a different therapist.

exitseven · Answer

I think that it happens a lot. It is unethical but ethics have pretty much left the highway two exits back.

Iron_Man · Answer

Professional psychologist are not supposed to flirt with the patient that’s a very, very long shot. Something like that happening Relationship Dr. client I don’t see that happening.

Bklynbadboy12 · Answer

That depends on a lot of things morally its never supposed to happen cause its immoral but in real life things happen. Its depends on the two people involved it could be immediate or take a slow burn and happen over time

lilBigPotato · Answer

If you like forbidden love why not start while she's still in therapy?

slatyb · Answer

Basically never, but in any case it's a long time after treatment has ended.

Shiprex · Answer

I don't think they should as they know the inner person in a professional setting.

FunkyMonkee · Answer

I don't know, I use aroma therapy: I sit in a room and talk to scented candles.

msc545 · Answer

In California, from a legal standpoint, it's two years. From an ethical standpoint, it is never.

Jen_oic · Answer

Stop being his client and wait for him to call you

Caurav1997 · Answer

I don't know about relationship but i did hookup with my friend therapist she was 6yr older then me lol. And good luck for your book my love.

smahala1991 · Answer

Could be exciting with the right amount of spice and romance

Anonymous · Answer

Was in this exact situation 11 years ago and let me tell you it's not worth it

PinkSchmetterling · Answer

I would think when he’s no longer her therapist

Nikki1989 · Answer

Immediately!

WhitneySnow · Answer

I heard six months

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