We, the undersigned, believe that non-compete clauses have no place in the field of mental health care. These restrictive agreements, often forced upon therapists by agencies and private practices, prevent professionals from continuing care with their clients if they change workplaces or transition into private practice. This unethical standard not only disrupts the therapeutic process—it causes irreversible damage to clients’ mental health.

Mental health is not a business transaction—it is a deeply personal journey that thrives on trust, consistency, and connection.

Non-compete clauses in this field:

• Sever long-standing therapeutic relationships without client consent.

• Force clients to start over—often retraumatizing them or stalling progress entirely.

• Prioritize profit and control over ethical standards of client-centered care.

• Create fear among therapists, limiting their professional growth and autonomy.

• Worsen the mental health crisis, especially in underserved communities with fewer providers.

Therapists are ethically obligated to do no harm. When legal clauses forbid them from continuing care, the system fails both therapist and client.

We demand:

• That state licensing boards and professional associations (like APA, NASW, ACA) condemn and prohibit the use of non-compete clauses in mental health care.

• That lawmakers introduce legislation excluding therapists and mental health professionals from non-compete enforceability.

• That agencies and employers support ethical transitions of care, rather than using clients as bargaining chips.

Mental health care is not a corporate asset. It’s a human right. Help us protect the integrity of the therapeutic relationship and ensure that healing—not control—is the priority.

Sign to demand change.