[MS] Is my employer violating ethics or law by falsely advertising my services?
I am a board certified music therapist in Mississippi (MT-BC) and a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) working for a telehealth IOP. The company has removed the words “therapist” and “therapy” from our job description and is asking me to sign consent to a job description starkly different than my initial one, as group therapy is no longer in it. They’ve restructured as a lower level of care providing “psychoeducational” only. My title will no longer say therapist and clients will be receiving music therapy services in group, NOT psychoeducational. We will internally operate as an IOP, not a lower level of care.
20
7
Solved
You’re right to be concerned. If you’re being told not to disclose your credentials or the true nature of services, that raises ethical red flags and possible legal ones (Miss. Code Ann. § 75-24-5). Presenting therapy as merely “psychoeducational” when it’s actually clinical may violate informed consent principles and could mislead clients. You’re also at risk professionally if your license or certification requires specific disclosure or practice guidelines.
If clients are told they’re attending psychoeducational or expressive arts groups but are actually receiving structured music therapy from a credentialed MT-BC, that mismatch can constitute misrepresentation, especially if billing is under a different service category or level of care. Informed consent requires clients to know who is providing the service and what it entails (Mississippi Admin. Code Title 24, Part 1, Rule 4.1.8). If your title is hidden and the model is inaccurately described, clients can’t make an informed decision. Most boards (including CBMT and state licensure where applicable) require transparency about credentials and scope of practice.
What you can do:
- Don’t sign the new job description until you understand its implications.
- Send a written request for clarification about your role, how services are described to clients, and how that aligns with your professional obligations.
- If concerns aren’t resolved internally, consult your board or professional association; if needed, escalate legally to protect your license.
0
Full Conversation
I am a board certified music therapist in Mississippi (MT-BC) and a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) working for a telehealth IOP. The company has removed the words “therapist” and “therapy” from our job description and is asking me to sign consent to a job description starkly different than my initial one, as group therapy is no longer in it. They’ve restructured as a lower level of care providing “psychoeducational” only. My title will no longer say therapist and clients will be receiving music therapy services in group, NOT psychoeducational. We will internally operate as an IOP, not a lower level of care.
Lexi, Chatbot
I understand your situation. Can you tell me more about the changes in your job description and how they are affecting your role as a music therapist and social worker?
Clients will believe they are receiving a psychoeducational group, but they will really be receiving a music therapy group. They will not be informed these are therapy groups, and my new job description describes them as psychoeducational, not therapy groups.
Lexi, Chatbot
Have you discussed your concerns with your employer or HR department regarding the changes?
Not yet.
Lexi, Chatbot
Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you?
Yes.
Legal Eagle
Hello! I’m an attorney specializing in your area of law. I’m happy to help. Is the company still marketing the service as music therapy to clients?
No, they are calling all groups psychoeducational, skills building, or creative and expressive arts. The word “therapy” is never used.
Legal Eagle
Thanks. Have clients already signed up for these services believing they are psychoeducational?
This went into effect less than a week ago. I’m assuming any new clients probably did.
Legal Eagle
Understood. What is your legal question for me?
I’m concerned I’m being asked to go against my ethical codes by not informing clients I am a music therapist and that they are receiving music therapy services. Also, the music therapy curriculum I’m required to use is not at all psychoeducational. I’m concerned this is misrepresentation, that clients are not providing informed consent, and that they are not informed they’re receiving services at an IOP level from an MT-BC.
Legal Eagle
You’re right to be concerned. If you’re being told not to disclose your credentials or the true nature of services, that raises ethical red flags and possible legal ones (Miss. Code Ann. § 75-24-5). Presenting therapy as merely “psychoeducational” when it’s actually clinical may violate informed consent principles and could mislead clients. You’re also at risk professionally if your license or certification requires specific disclosure or practice guidelines.
If clients are told they’re attending psychoeducational or expressive arts groups but are actually receiving structured music therapy from a credentialed MT-BC, that mismatch can constitute misrepresentation, especially if billing is under a different service category or level of care. Informed consent requires clients to know who is providing the service and what it entails (Mississippi Admin. Code Title 24, Part 1, Rule 4.1.8). If your title is hidden and the model is inaccurately described, clients can’t make an informed decision. Most boards (including CBMT and state licensure where applicable) require transparency about credentials and scope of practice.
What you can do:
- Don’t sign the new job description until you understand its implications.
- Send a written request for clarification about your role, how services are described to clients, and how that aligns with your professional obligations.
- If concerns aren’t resolved internally, consult your board or professional association; if needed, escalate legally to protect your license.
Is there a way I could send you the document I’ve already typed up for you to review? I don’t see a way to attach files here.
Legal Eagle
I’d love to help, but the website doesn’t allow document review.
Got it. Thank you so much!
Legal Eagle
I’m very sorry about the situation. Were there any details I missed or concerns that still need addressing?
No, you answered everything. Thank you!
Legal Eagle
Thank you for contacting us! We’re here whenever you need help.
Legal Eagle
128,690 satisfied customers
5 lawyers online now
Disclaimer
By messaging AskaLawyer.com, you agree to our Terms and have read our Privacy Policy.
The information provided on AskaLawyer.com is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information presented, we make no guarantees regarding its completeness or applicability to your specific circumstances.
Use of this website does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and AskaLawyer.com or any of its attorneys. Communications through this website, including any responses from attorneys, are not privileged or confidential. For advice tailored to your individual situation, we recommend consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.
AskaLawyer.com disclaims any liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this site. We are not responsible for any third-party content that may be accessed through this website. Reliance on any information provided herein is solely at your own risk.
