Ethics Committee Chair — Katie (Wren) Busse, MS, Registered Associate MFT

Soliciting Client Testimonials: Ethical or Exploitive?

As therapists, we’re in a unique position in which, to a certain degree, our client’s experience can be reflective of our clinical abilities and expertise. Would we like to have our client’s who’ve had good experiences be able to share their stories with others? Absolutely. Can we ask them to give a testimonial of their experience? Absolutely not.

In fact, soliciting testimonials from clients may be considered unethical conduct and could be viewed as unprofessional conduct and/or negligence. The therapeutic relationship is different than other professional/client relationships in that there is a high potential for exploitation. This is due to the vulnerability of a client and the possible power differential. The act of asking for a testimonial could further be seen as exploitation due to the potential financial gains to the therapist. Let’s look at some potential reasons soliciting testimonials could be problematic:

• Client may feel obligated to provide a positive review for fear of retaliation
• Potential risk to confidentiality even when personally identifiable info was removed
• Client could expect something in return for testimonial (e.g., preferential treatment)
• Client’s view of therapist and therapeutic relationship could be altered
• Client could be upset if their testimonial is not used

To clarify, this is different from seeking a client’s feedback regarding treatment experiences — testimonials are being solicited for the purposes of advertising rather than for therapeutic relevance. Also, as this article only focuses on the ethics codes as they currently stand, it does not explore the varying opinions regarding if a therapist should be allowed to ask for a testimonial.

So what does this mean for you as a clinician?

• For advertising, consider seeking testimonials from other professionals who know your work — fellow therapists, case managers, clinical directors, doctors, etc.
• For therapy, you can still encourage client’s to be an informed and autonomous consumer who speaks up for what is and is not working for them in therapy. If your client is uncomfortable doing so in session, anonymous feedback cards or other outcome measurement tools could increase your knowledge of how clients are doing.

To clarify, this is different from seeking a client’s feedback regarding treatment experiences -- testimonials are being solicited for the purposes of advertising rather than for therapeutic relevance. Also, as this article only focuses on the ethics codes as they currently stand, it does not explore the varying opinions regarding if a therapist should be allowed to ask for a testimonial.

In summation, it would be wonderful to ask your clients to spread the good news about you, but given the possible ethic and conduct ramifications, it’s better to just continue providing your best services and letting your clients refer their friends (assuming no conflicts of interest) if they are so inclined.

**CAMFT Code of Ethics, Part I, §10.6

Katie Busse is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist 111673 in private practice under Kent Toussaint, LMFT 44685 at Teen Therapy Center in Woodland Hills. She works with preteens to adults and their families in addressing challenges such as anxiety, depression, anger, and family conflict. Learn more about Katie by visiting her website at www.katiebussetherapy.com. She can be reached at 747.217.2257 or katie@teentherapycenter.org.