What must a therapist do if the client requests a copy of their records?

A therapist is typically required to provide clients access to their records, subject to certain limitations outlined in legal and ethical guidelines. Charging a fee for the provision of these records is permissible, but the amount must be reasonable and compliant with state laws and regulations regarding record access. Charging $0.25 per page is considered a common practice that allows therapists to cover the costs associated with reproducing the documents while remaining within ethical standards.

It's important for therapists to balance the client's right to access their information with the financial implications of record management; thus, setting a reasonable charge supports this balance. Additionally, therapists must inform clients in advance about any fees associated with record requests to ensure transparency in the therapeutic relationship. When a client requests their records, responding in a timely manner while adhering to established guidelines reflects the therapist's commitment to client rights and ethical practice.