When A Colleague Does Something Wrong, What Are Mental Health Professionals Supposed to Do?
- Kathryn Krase
- 12 minutes ago
- 5 min read
When I help mental health professionals evaluate concerns related to their own ethical practice, I often get asked: “What should I do if I’m not the one with an ethical problem, but my colleague is?” That's a good question.
This question recently came up in a FaceBook group for social workers. A social worker was reprimanded by their boss for calling out a colleague’s failures in a group setting. The social worker asked the group if the boss was right or wrong. Most responders said the boss was RIGHT to reprimand the social worker; that there were better ways to call out the bad behavior of their colleague.
There was discussion around another question: “what should the social worker have done instead?” Opinions within the group were divided. Some insisted that the social worker should have brought their concerns directly to the supervisor in a private setting. Others, including myself, insisted the social worker had an ethical responsibility to address their concerns with their colleague first, before taking the concerns to the boss.
Many social workers in the group were quick to dismiss confronting the colleague directly. They insisted that the confrontation would just lead to unnecessary conflict or wouldn’t be productive. Bringing concerns straight to a supervisor might mean the professional failed to meet their ethical responsibility to their colleague.
Codes of ethics for counselors, psychologist and social workers provide guidance to suggest an obligation to confront the colleague before raising the issue to the attention of a supervisor:
Counselors (ACA Code of Ethics)
“Counselors assist colleagues or supervisors in recognizing their own professional impairment and provide consultation and assistance when warranted with colleagues or supervisors showing signs of impairment and intervene as appropriate to prevent imminent harm to clients.”
Psychologists (APA Ethical Principles)
“When psychologists believe that there may have been an ethical violation by another psychologist, they attempt to resolve the issue by bringing it to the attention of that individual, if an informal resolution appears appropriate and the intervention does not violate any confidentiality rights that may be involved.”
Social Workers (NASW Code of Ethics)
“Social workers who believe that a colleague has acted unethically should seek resolution by discussing their concerns with the colleague when feasible and when such discussion is likely to be productive.”
The Code of Ethics for Marriage and Family Therapists is not as clear, though interpretations of the code have leaned towards the expectations explicit in the codes of the other professions.
Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT Code of Ethics)
“Marriage and family therapists comply with applicable laws regarding the reporting of alleged unethical conduct.”
What Should You Do If You Think a Colleague Has Done Something Wrong or Unethical?
When you recognize a colleague is doing something unethical or otherwise problematic, it can be uncomfortable. It can be even more uncomfortable to consider confronting them directly. It might seem easier, and safer, to bring your concerns to a supervisor. But that might not be the way to go.
When we engage our colleagues with our concerns before moving up the chain of command, it shows we value them. It also demonstrates our commitment to maintaining a positive relationship. Such communications can help develop a mutually beneficial relationship where each colleague can rely upon the other for assistance and reality checking.
Consider this: if your colleague had a concern about your behavior or professional practice, wouldn’t you prefer they address it with you, before involving your supervisor?
If, after raising your concerns directly with your colleague, you have continued concerns about your colleague’s behavior, especially of a serious or dangerous nature, then by all means, inform your supervisor.
Do I Have to Report My Colleague’s Unethical Behavior to the State Licensing Board?
In many states, licensed mental health professionals are required to make certain reports of their colleague’s unethical behavior to the state licensing board. It is important, however, to realize that not all concerns are required to be reported. The concern must be related to an ethical or legal violation, not just a difference in opinion or practice decision.
If you believe you might be required to make a report to the State License Board, you should contact the entity in your given state to get guidance on the requirement and the process.
Do I Have to Report My Colleague’s Unethical Behavior to our Professional Association?
Each organizations for mental health professionals has a process for filing complaints related to ethical concerns. Please note that these organizations can only investigate and evaluate complaints that are made against members of that organization. There is no penalty to a professional who chooses not to report a colleague to the appropriate professional association.
Am I Ever Responsible for My Colleagues Bad Behavior?
It is unlikely that one would be held liable for a colleague's misconduct. But, if the law in your state provides an obligation to report colleague violations, and you knowingly fail to do so, you might be held liable for the colleague’s bad behavior.
If you are the colleague’s supervisor, you are more likely to be held liable for your supervisee’s problematic conduct. The court would consider whether the supervisor knew, or should have known, of the supervisee’s bad conduct and failed to meet the supervisor’s professional obligation to address such conduct.
CASE EXAMPLE
You are a licensed mental health professional. You believe that another mental health professional is having a sexual relationship with a current therapy client. If true, they are violating professional ethics, as well as the criminal law in most states. In most states you would be required to make a report to the licensing board so that they can investigate and hold the professional responsible.
CASE EXAMPLE
You are a licensed mental health professional. You have reason to believe that another mental health professional is billing insurance for services they are not providing. If true, they are violating professional ethics, as well as state and potentially federal law. In some states you would be required to make a report to the licensing board so that they can investigate and hold the professional responsible.
CASE EXAMPLE
You are a licensed mental health professional. You find out about a non-sexual dual relationship that your colleague is having with a current or former client. Dual relationships of a non-sexual nature are NOT prohibited by law or ethics. However, there is an ethical conflict that needs to be evaluated. You should talk to your colleague about your concerns. If after that communication you have reason to believe the colleague is endangering the client, a report to a supervisor, or the licensing board, might be appropriate. In most cases of dual relationships, such an escalation would be unnecessary, as long as the risks to the client are controlled and minimal.
CASE EXAMPLE
You are a licensed mental health professional. You find out that someone is providing professional mental health services without the appropriate license or permission in the state that they reside and/or provide services. Unauthorized practice is unethical and illegal. You can make a report to the licensing board(s) in the appropriate state(s). If you chose not to make the report, it is unlikely that you would be held responsible for this person’s unauthorized practice, unless you were supervising them.
Navigating ethical concerns about a colleague’s behavior is never easy, but handling these situations thoughtfully is essential to maintaining the integrity of our professions.
Remember, addressing concerns directly with your colleague first — when safe and feasible — not only fulfills your ethical obligations but also promotes trust and professionalism within your community. If you ever find yourself unsure about the right course of action, you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Making the Tough Call, we specialize in helping mental health professionals tackle complex ethical situations with confidence and care. Learn more about how we can support you here.
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