Abandonment occurs when the psychiatrist does not end the doctor-patient relationship properly. Two ways to end a treatment relationship are transfer of care and termination. Ideally, termination should be discussed in person and followed up in writing. If the patient terminates the relationship, then the clinician should follow-up with a letter. Read more

It is critical to be aware of the difference between a treating clinician and a forensic psychiatrist. An expert witness does not have a therapeutic relationship with the person that they interview, who is not called their 'patient' but is rather called an 'evaluee'. Read more

Unsolicited contact from non-patients may occur via email or social media. As has been noted in the Boundaries section, care should be taken regarding professionality. However, physicians should be cautious to not establish a doctor-patient relationship if they decide to respond to unsolicited contact. Read more

Boundaries are principles designed to main the professional, fiduciary nature of the physician-patient relationship. Care should be made to maintain a professional physician-patient relationship at all times and to only cross boundaries when in the interest of the patient. Read more

The physician-patient relationship results from mutual consent in most circumstances. It may be terminated by either physician or patient, although a patient should be given adequate opportunity to obtain alternatives for medical care. Read more