Only sexual dual relationships with current clients are always unethical and illegal. Non-sexual dual relationships do not necessarily lead to exploitation, sex, or harm. The opposite is often true. Dual relationships are more likely to prevent exploitation and sex rather than lead to it. Almost all ethical guidelines do not mandate a blanket avoidance of dual relationships.
All guidelines do prohibit exploitation and harm of clients.
Dual relationships may not be avoidable in rural communities, the military and among small communities, such as churches, gays, lesbians, the deaf, people with AIDS, Hispanic, African American and many other minorities. The prohibition of dual relationships may be unconstitutional as it may infringe on people's constitutional rights of freedom of association. Exploitative therapists will exploit with or without dual relationships. Avoiding all dual relationships keeps therapists in unrealistic and inappropriate power positions, increasing the likelihood of exploitation. Isolation forces the therapist to rely on the client's report as the main source of knowledge.