The practitioner must be aware that there are several areas where this may occur. For example, in any case involving a reasonable suspicion of child abuse, a psychotherapist has a legally mandated immediate reporting requirement. The immediacy of the reporting is critical. Therefore, it is crucial that attorneys be aware of this immediacy, so that it will not interfere with their strategy for the case. Also, it is not uncommon that an attorney may desire immediate treatment intervention on a case with sexually abused child, even before the case has been reported to the police for investigation, evaluation, and assessment.
Child abuse is a tricky area.
It has its own experts trained in forensic interviews with children. Often, premature treatment by a therapist inexpert with the investigatory protocols can contaminate the situation. In the area of family law, cases involving domestic violence may require special referrals for evaluation and treatment. The entire family may need treatment, often by different therapists. Even wise referrals to professionals need to be made carefully and in the proper order.