Reviews

Some of the participants had this to say about Deb’s training:

• “Deb provides awesome, thought-provoking info. I wish my agency would have had this info available for the clinicians before we went on the stand [at trial].”
• “Deb is such an incredible speaker – and knowledgeable. I really appreciate everything [she] does to advocate for social workers and the mental health profession(s).”
• “Very lively and informative. Made a serious subject clearer.”
• “Great topic and delivery – love Deb’s navigation of the grey areas. Thank you!”
• “Deb presented excellent information that I feel will help me with my practice. Excellent info! Great workshop.”
• “I attend multiple, legal, ethical practice trainings and Deb is excellent in presentation. Thank you!”
• “Great advice about staying balanced/grounded in testifying.”
• “I appreciate Deborah being both a clinician and an attorney. Frightening possibilities regarding DORA, but [she helped me] know what possible protections I can possibly provide for clients and myself.”

Question/Answer Corner: What’s On Your Mind?

Q: If you have a grievance filed against you, should you respond to the investigator’s request for a telephone call or in-person meeting?

A: My unequivocal answer is “NO!” – but, you cannot just ignore him. Most people who I have represented and/or people I have talked with who received Complaints (colleagues, not my clients) have stated that they either were very glad they had an attorney to run interference for them and handle the process of responding to the investigator and/or the Board, or (if they did not seek representation) said they wish they had retained a lawyer to help them with the difficult process.

I am not just trying to market here for new clients; I have plenty, unfortunately (for them, not me!!). But, over the years that I have been working with licensing boards in Louisiana and Colorado, there is one common denominator that stands out from all else: licensees who receive Complaints benefit by legal counsel.

Why? The licensing boards employ investigators who are from the law enforcement arena. These are not social workers or LPCs – they are former DEA agents (one of them boasts) or from some other type of law enforcement background. When they “interview” a licensee who has been accused of unethical professional conduct, those who have endured such “interviews” (I put quotations around the word because it is really much more like an interrogation, although they call it an interview, or a chat) routinely report that they wish they had not voluntarily walked into the lion’s den.

So, that’s my answer. Brave souls may want to tread on that path alone and if you choose that method of handling the grievance, I wish you (sincerely) all the best of luck. My advice from the vantage point of much experience in the field is to retain a lawyer to assist you. Let the lawyer answer the request from the investigator. I tell my clients that once they retain me, I file my letter of representation with the Board and the investigator (if one has been assigned) and from that point on, I serve as a shield for my clients from both. Not that the Board is the big, bad, mean monster, but let’s face it, they do have the power and I like to think that with counsel, the balance is tipped a bit more favorably toward a fair, thorough examination of the facts, not tipped toward the often false or exaggerated allegations of the Complainant.

Best news is that you will not receive a grievance. Here’s hoping!!

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A New Adventure (or, “An Old Dog Plans to Learn a New Trick!!”)

I recently got a wild hair to do something I have wanted to do for many, many years. Time never seemed to permit such a lark, what with working two careers and raising two fabulous children. (I like things in TWOs – being a Gemini, perhaps).

So, my new adventure is this: I am moving to Northampton, Massachusetts (home of Smith College School of Social Work, among many other colleges and universities in a 15-mile radius) to open a Bed and Breakfast in a Second Empire Victorian1 beauty built in 1868. The house is in a historic district three blocks from downtown shops and restaurants in the quirky, progressive, academic town of Northampton. One of its claims to fame is that the first Mayor of Northampton lived in the house in the late 1880s.

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Deb’s Louisiana Law Practice

(1) Case/Clinical/Legal Consultations – can be undertaken via teleconference or in person. Call or email for appointment. Flat fee for up to one hour is charged. I am in New Orleans every month or so to meet with licensees who prefer face-to-face in person consultations, but also can arrange consultations via Skype or video face time (with android phones).

(2) Defense for Licensing Board Complaints – with Social Work, LPC, or Psychology Board. Other health professionals are also represented.

(3) Adoptions – while I do not have an “inventory” of babies, many of my clients have found babies who are available for adoption through friends or relatives. The latter is easier to accomplish because it is an “intrafamily” adoption and much easier to accomplish. Stepparent adoptions are considered “intrafamily” adoptions, too. Private (non-family) adoptions are not extremely expensive, but do require a private Home Study by another social worker and that adds to the cost of that type of adoption. Now that the United States Supreme Court has ruled in favor of same-sex marriage, Louisiana has to recognize the marriage of same-sex couples and I can get a second parent adoption accomplished via the Intrafamily adoption statute in any parish.

Legal Services Offered

• Legal Representation & Consultation for grievances (complaints) to licensing boards and/or malpractice lawsuits
• Training & Consultation for Clinicians and Agencies (e.g., respond ethically to subpoenas while protecting yourself and your clients; identify high-risk clients and situations to avoid client disciplinary complaints and harm to clients or third parties)