What does the term “malpractice” refer to in counseling?

The term "malpractice" in counseling specifically refers to professional negligence that results in harm to a client. It occurs when a counselor fails to provide the appropriate standard of care, leading to detrimental consequences for the client. This could involve not adhering to established practices, failing to maintain confidentiality, or providing inadequate treatment.

The critical aspect of malpractice is that it requires evidence of negligence and actual harm. This differs from other issues that may arise in a counseling setting, such as miscommunication, lack of experience, or unmet client expectations, which may cause discomfort or dissatisfaction but do not necessarily involve legal or ethical violations that result in harm. Malpractice claims often seek to establish that the counselor did not act in a manner that a reasonably competent counselor would under similar circumstances, thus highlighting the importance of adhering to professional standards in counseling practice.