I Need Help
If you have been exploited by a professional — a therapist, physician, clergy member, attorney, or anyone else in a position of trust — you have come to the right place. Help is available.
If you are in immediate crisisPlease reach out to a crisis line right now. The resources below are free, confidential, and available around the clock.
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 to reach a trained crisis counselor, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Free and confidential.
Text HOME to 741741RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline
Call or chat online with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.
1-800-656-HOPE (4673)National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
If you are in crisis or emotional distress, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Call or text 988Things You Need to Know
What happened to you was not your fault.
Professionals — therapists, physicians, clergy, attorneys, and others — hold positions of trust and authority. When they exploit that relationship sexually or emotionally, the responsibility is entirely theirs. It does not matter how the relationship developed, what you felt, or what you did. The professional had the obligation to maintain appropriate boundaries. They failed that obligation.
Your feelings are valid.
Survivors of professional exploitation often experience a complicated mix of emotions — love, grief, shame, anger, confusion, and loyalty — sometimes all at once. These feelings are a predictable result of exploitation, not a sign that something is wrong with you or that what happened was acceptable.
You are not alone.
This form of abuse is far more common than most people realize. Research suggests that between 7 and 12 percent of male therapists and 1 to 3 percent of female therapists have had sexual contact with a patient. Across all professions — medicine, clergy, law, education — the numbers are significant. Many survivors have walked this path before you.
Help exists.
There are people who understand what you have been through — advocates, attorneys, therapists who specialize in recovery from professional exploitation, and organizations like AdvocateWeb that exist specifically to support survivors. You do not have to navigate this alone.
Where to Go From Here
There is no single right path. Some survivors want to understand what happened. Others want to take action. Others simply need to know they are not alone. Start wherever feels right for you.
You Are Not Alone
Read about what other survivors have experienced and felt. Understanding that this happens to others — and that healing is possible — can be the first step.
Read survivor voices →Understand What Happened
Learn what professional exploitation is, why it is harmful, and why the responsibility lies entirely with the professional — not with you.
Learn more about exploitation →Find Victim Resources
Explore resources organized by topic — psychology boards, law enforcement, advocates, spiritual support, and more.
Browse victim resources →Understand Your Legal Options
Learn about state laws, how to file a complaint with a licensing board, and how to find an attorney who handles these cases.
Explore law and ethics →Find an Advocate
Connect with advocates who understand professional exploitation and can help guide you through your options.
Find an advocate →Contact AdvocateWeb
You may contact us directly. You may remain anonymous if you wish. We are not a crisis line, but we will do our best to respond and point you toward help.
Contact us →A Note From AdvocateWeb
AdvocateWeb was founded by survivors and those who care about them. We understand that reaching out for help takes courage. We are here to provide information, point you toward resources, and remind you that what happened to you was not your fault.
We are not a crisis line and cannot provide professional counseling. Please read our full Disclaimer for important information about the nature of the help we can offer.
If you would like to reach us directly, please use our contact form. You may remain anonymous.