After-Hours Texts and E-Mails from Clients
I chose this example because I’ve experienced similar situations myself, and I know I need to create better boundaries. Communicating with clients after hours via email or text involves several risks. Boundary issues happen when late-night texts or emails shift the relationship from professional to personal. Clinical risks include delayed responses that can be harmful during crises. Privacy concerns arise when personal devices are used, which may not be HIPAA-compliant. Additionally, role drift can occur when clients start to see the professional as a “fixer” and reach out during emergencies instead of during scheduled sessions.
Some ways to address these risks include setting clear communication rules from the beginning—defining which apps and devices are used, establishing working hours, and outlining procedures in emergencies. All platforms should be secure and HIPAA-compliant. Using autoreplies after hours and providing a clear crisis plan can protect both clients and clinicians. When uncertainty arises, consulting with supervisors is crucial.
Boundary Dynamics: Intimacy
I chose this topic because digital tools like video calls or informal messaging can create confusion and harm the clinician–client relationship. For example, one clinician accepted a client’s Facebook friend request. After the client learned about the clinician’s personal breakup, they began sending late-night messages and believed the relationship was “special.” This blurred boundary eventually led to the termination of services.
In her article, “Texting with a Therapist Daily?” Thomas (2020) discusses the ethical implications of frequent client–therapist texting, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when telehealth became standard. She notes that although texting can feel supportive and accessible, it risks creating dependence, blurring boundaries, and disrupting the therapeutic structure. The author emphasizes the importance of setting clear limits and following ethical standards to protect both clients and clinicians.
Similarly, in “Social Work Boundary Issues in the Digital Age: Reflections of an Ethics Expert,” Reamer (2023) recommends developing a social media policy to share with clients. I believe this strategy is very effective because it clarifies expectations, outlines acceptable communication methods, and prevents confusion about after-hours contact. Such policies should specify approved platforms, response times, restrictions on social media “friending,” limits on clinical content shared via text or email, and crisis procedures. When explained clearly during intake and consistently enforced, these policies can strengthen boundaries and uphold ethical practice.
References
Reamer, F. G. (2023). Social work boundary issues in the digital age: Reflections of an ethics expert. Advances in Social Work, 23(2), 375–391. https://doi.org/10.18060/26358
Thomas, S. P. (2020). Texting with a therapist daily? Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 41(11), 967–968. https://doi.org/10.1080/01612840.2020.1826871
Hello amuscheru1! I appreciate how you highlighted the risks of after hours communication and the importance of clear boundaries. I agree that using personal devices and informal messaging can blur professional roles and create co-dependence. You made a good point on your emphasis on social media policies, secure platforms, and clear crisis procedures, these steps really help both clients and clinicians. Your examples show how easily intimacy and role confusion can occur digitally, and your suggestions for prevention are practical and actionable.
Two thoughts come to mind reading your post, first, If you have a client that is consistently reaching out after hours you “train” them to know you will always be available which isn’t realistic. The second thought is about our financial value as social workers. Like it or not, social workers and therapists have to charge for their services. If you have a client that takes advantage of your boundaries it can certainly start costing you more than just your personal time. This is another good reason to have really clear boundaries from the start with all clients. Great post! You gave me some food for thought!