APA Ethics Code Over and Standards 1 & 2 Flashcards
The receptionist at the mental health clinic where you work tells you she’s concerned about the behavior of another psychologist who works at the clinic. Based on the receptionist’s description of the psychologist’s behavior, you conclude that the behavior violates the psychologist’s ethical obligations. Assuming that client confidentiality is not an issue and that you are not legally required to report the psychologist’s behavior to appropriate authorities, you:
A. may ignore the violation if you believe it hasn’t caused or is not likely to cause substantial harm.
B. may ignore the violation if you believe it’s not likely to occur again.
C. should discuss the matter with the involved client(s) to confirm that an ethical violation has actually occurred.
D. should attempt to resolve the situation informally by talking to the psychologist if it seems appropriate to do so.
Answer D is correct. Standards 1.04 and 1.05 of APA’s Ethics Code state that, when psychologists believe another psychologist has acted unethically, they attempt to resolve the problem. This requires first considering the confidentiality rights of the involved parties and, if confidentiality is not an issue, addressing the issue informally by discussing the situation with the psychologist when appropriate or reporting the violation to the appropriate authorities. Consequently, answer D is the best answer.
When psychologists think their own personal problems may impair their ability to provide therapy in a competent manner, the best course of action is to:
A. obtain the professional help they need to resolve their personal problems.
B. suspend their work activities until their personal problems have been resolved.
C. seek consultation to determine whether to limit or suspend their work-related activities.
D. monitor their effectiveness by seeking feedback from clients about their satisfaction with therapy.
Answer C is correct. This answer is most consistent with Standard 2.06(b) of the Ethics Code. It states that, “when psychologists become aware of personal problems that may interfere with their performing work-related duties adequately, they take appropriate measures, such as obtaining professional consultation or assistance, and determine whether they should limit, suspend, or terminate their work-related duties.” Seeking professional help for a personal problem may be beneficial (answer A), but it would not address any immediate problems related to competence when working with clients.
Dr. Schneider’s new clients are a single mother and her two daughters, ages 13 and 15. The family moved to the United States from Venezuela six years ago and they were referred to therapy by the high school counselor because the girls are having problems with their peers and teachers. Although both daughters are fluent in English, the mother is not, and the oldest daughter has volunteered to translate for her mother since Dr. Schneider does not speak Spanish. Having the daughter act as a translator:
A. is acceptable since she’s receiving therapy with her mother.
B. is acceptable as long as the daughter is fluent in both Spanish and English.
C. is acceptable as long as Dr. Schneider has had experience working with a translator.
D. is not acceptable.
Answer D is correct. Standard 2.05 requires psychologists to avoid delegating work to others “who have a multiple relationship with those being served that would likely lead to exploitation or loss of objectivity.” Having the daughter act as translator may affect the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and family members, and the daughter’s translations may be biased because of her relationship with her mother.
You receive a request for information about a former client of yours from the APA’s Ethics Committee which it needs for its investigation of a complaint the client has filed against you. You:
A. can refuse to provide the information if doing so will violate your right against self-incrimination.
B. can refuse to provide the information if doing so is likely to be harmful to the client.
C. must cooperate with the request as long as the client has signed an authorization to release confidential information.
D. must cooperate with the request whether or not the client has signed an authorization to release confidential information.
Answer C is correct. This situation is addressed in Standard 1.06 of the APA’s Ethics Code. It requires psychologists to cooperate with investigations and proceedings of the APA and affiliated state psychological associations to which they belong but also states that, before doing so, psychologists must “address any confidentiality issues.” The latter requirement includes ensuring that the client who filed the complaint has signed an authorization to release confidential information.
You’ve just been asked to provide mental health services to residents of a small town who have been traumatized by a shooting at the elementary school. To be consistent with ethical requirements, you should provide the requested services:
A. only if you have relevant training and experience.
B. even if you don’t have relevant training and experience as long as you’re able to obtain appropriate consultation while providing the services.
C. even if you don’t have relevant training and experience as long as alternative services are unavailable and you inform clients of their options during the informed consent process.
D. even if you don’t have relevant training and experience as long as alternative services are unavailable and you discontinue providing services when the emergency ends or appropriate services become available.
Answer D is correct. This answer is most consistent with the requirements of Standard 2.02 of APA’s Ethics Code. It states that psychologists may provide services in emergency situations when they do not have the necessary training if alternative mental health services are unavailable and “the services are discontinued as soon as the emergency has ended or appropriate services are available.”
