Ethical Boundaries: Standards of Ethical Practice and Professional Conduct

For example, the Standards of Ethical Practice and Professional Conduct in the Ohio Administrative Code clearly state that counselors, social workers and therapists shall not engage in sexual activity with the person they are helping, whether or not the activity is consensual. The professional:

• Shall not engage in sexual activities or sexual contact.
• Shall not engage in sexual intimacies with former clients within a minimum of five years after terminating the therapeutic relationship.

A personal relationship has the potential to be harmful to the client and may make it difficult for the counselor, social worker or marriage and family therapist to maintain appropriate professional boundaries.

There are clear disciplinary actions that can be taken against the counselor, social worker or therapist if this happens.

Read it in more detail:

https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/rule-4757-5-04