title: Law & psychiatry: Liability issues associated with referrals to self-help groups.
abstract: Self-help groups, which are also referred to as mutual aid groups, are widely recognized as an important component of a comprehensive public mental health system that promotes recovery. Nonetheless, some psychiatrists and other providers have expressed concerns about these consumer-run groups and fear potential liability if they make referrals and something harmful occurs. This column reviews potential liability claims that could be made pertaining to referrals to self-help groups. The authors conclude that the likelihood of success of a plaintiff's claim is small. Recommendations are given for further lowering the likelihood of a successful suit.
authors.affiliation: Center for Mental Health Policy and Services Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. mark.salzer@uphs.upenn.edu
authors.forename: Mark S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Salzer
authors.forename: Loran B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Kundra
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D016365:Liability, Legal; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*