What should MFTs do if they discover unlicensed practice of therapy?

The appropriate action for Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) upon discovering unlicensed practice of therapy is to report it to the Board of Behavioral Sciences. This course of action aligns with the ethical obligation of MFTs to protect the welfare of clients and uphold professional standards within the field. Reporting unlicensed practice helps maintain the integrity of mental health services, ensuring that individuals receive care from qualified practitioners who are held to professional standards of education, training, and ethics.

MFTs are required to act in a manner that promotes public safety, and reporting unlicensed individuals serves to prevent potential harm that could arise from untrained or unqualified providers. It also helps regulatory bodies take appropriate action, which may include investigating the unlicensed practice and protecting clients from inadequate therapeutic services.

In contrast, ignoring the situation would not only fail to serve the best interests of clients but could also allow harmful practices to continue unchecked. Consulting with the unlicensed individual might lead to complications, as they may not recognize the seriousness of their actions. Simply informing the client about the unlicensed practice does not fulfill the MFT's legal or ethical responsibility to report the matter to the appropriate authorities.