Abstract
Innovative techniques in psychiatric therapy–-particularly those involving physical contact between doctor and patient–-have formed the basis for a growing number of malpractice claims brought against psychiatrists and other mental health care professionals. After a review of the standard of care by which the law judges a psychiatrist, this article will present an overview and analysis of the various legal theories that may subject a psychiatrist to civil liability for professional malpractice. The article will conclude that the psychiatrist faced with such a suit must be prepared to offer justification and expert testimony to support the therapeutic value of any physically invasive therapeutic techniques employed.
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