10_Therapy Flashcards
Informed Consent for Therapy:
Timeline
As early as is feasible
Informed Consent for Therapy:
Topics that should be discussed at the onset of therapy
Treatment
Fees and 9ther financial arrangements
Limits of confidentiality
*If therapist is the supervisee, client must be informed and given supervisors name
Informed consent for treatments for which generally recognized techniques and procedures have not been established
Inform client about developing nature of the treatment
Discuss potential risks and alternate alternative treatments
Emphasize that participation is voluntary
*This includes use of teletherapy
Couple and Family Therapy:
Considerations
One family member may not want to participate
Goals of various family members may differ
Couple and Family Therapy:
Two ways to avoid conflicts
Identify which individuals are the client/patient
Clarify the relationship that psychologist will have with each person
Psychologist must make their positions on all issues clear to all individuals at the beginning of treatment
Couple and Family Therapy:
When psychologists are required to assume potentially conflicting roles
Clarify, adjust, or withdraw from those roles in an appropriate manner
E.g. several years after providing couples therapy, husband contacts psychologist to testify in his behalf in a custody hearing. Psychologist should refuse since the “client” had been a couple, not just the husband
Clients Receiving Treatment from Another Professional
Acceptable: behavioral therapist provides treatment for nicotine dependence to a client who is receiving psychotherapy from psychodynamic therapist
&
Therapist cooperates fully with psychodynamic therapist while providing treatment
However, if that same person contacts another psychodynamic therapist to address the same issues, second therapist should discuss situation to determine if it is in their best interest to accept them as a client, and if not, to explain why they cannot do so
Sexual Intimacies:
Guidelines for sexual relationships with former clients
Minimum of two years after cessation of therapy
Acceptable only in the most unusual circumstances
Psychologist bears the burden of demonstrating that the relationship is not exploitative
True of False?
Sexual relationships with individuals known to be close relatives, guardians, or significant others of current clients are permitted.
False.
The relationships are strictly prohibited
True or False?
Psychologists may provide therapy to people with whom they’ve had a sexual relationship in the past.
False!
This exclusion is absolute – there are no time limits or other exceptions
Interruption and Termination of Therapy:
Ways to avoid abandonment
Discuss situation with client
Offer pre-termination counseling
Provide appropriate referrals
Best course of action when a client can no longer afford therapy
Continue providing therapy with a mutually agreed-upon reduced fee
If this is not feasible, help client locate alternative services
Situations in which a psychologist is permitted to terminate therapy
When client, or person a client has a relationship with poses a threat to the psychologist
No advance notification of termination is needed
Breaching client confidentiality is permitted if psychologist needs to contact police or obtain protection
Best course of action when insurance company denies additional coverage, and the clinician believes that treatment should be continued
File an appeal on behalf of the client
If appeal is denied, discuss situation and identify options for alternative treatment and payment
