We're all familiar with the warning against becoming involved in romantic workplace relationships. Should things go south, it can be incredibly painful to continue to work alongside an ex-lover – so painful that people quit their jobs and change industries to avoid the repeated hurt that comes with seeing your ex on a daily basis. We know this, yet heeding this warning is easier said than done.  

Even more troublesome – not just to the heart, but to the law – are romances between licensed professionals and clients. There are definite lines that should not be crossed, and many licensed professionals are held to standards prohibiting sexual relationships with clients. This is particularly true of patient-provider relationships, including counselors and therapists. Crossing these lines can put your license at risk and land you in legal trouble.  

Are you involved in a romantic relationship with a current or former client? While you may feel deep down that it's consensual, the law probably doesn't see it that way, pointing out an important power differential. Don't underestimate how damaging this can be to your career. Reach out to the Professional License Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm at 888.535.3686 or through our automated online response form before it's too late.   

Let's discuss what happened to a mental health counselor in Michigan whose relationship with a former client recently cost her her professional license. Even though her lover was no longer her client when their romance began, two years had not passed since they ended their professional relationship, as required by Michigan law.  

This situation is an unfortunate reminder that, regardless of the circumstances of the break-up, a soured romance can cost a licensed professional a lot more than a bruised heart. We've all heard of exes who do awful things to get back at an ex. Scorned lovers can be creative, and sometimes, all it takes is one complaint to a state licensing board to ruin someone's career.   

Don't Let Sexual Misconduct Cost You Your License  

If this has happened to you, remember that you're human, just like everyone else. Our hearts and minds don't always work in tandem, and sometimes, this leads us to make questionable decisions. You may have made a mistake, but that doesn't have to spell the end of your career. If you're currently involved in a romantic relationship prohibited by law or your state licensing board, you'd be wise to tread carefully and consider your next steps.  

The Professional License Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm understands that good people sometimes make poor decisions and that doing so doesn't automatically mean you are not competent to do your job. We work hard to represent our clients nationwide – clients who feel remorse and want to take responsibility for their actions but who also feel a deep sense of commitment to their calling and want to continue working in their field.  

We're experienced in representing professionals nationwide before state medical boards and negotiating with them. To learn how we can help you seek the best possible outcome if you are facing possible license suspension or revocation, contact the Lento Law Firm Team today at 888.535.3686 or use our automated response form.