Coun 200

Question 1

Scope of Competence

Answer 1

What you know how to do
•Education
•Training
•Experience

If the scope of competence includes things outside of the scope of practice, you may not practice these things.

Question 2

Scope of Practice

Answer 2

What your license says you can do. This comes from the law and dictates what practices you can and cannot do.

Question 3

No Secrets Policy

Answer 3

In family and couples therapy, it is a good idea to inform the clients that you have a no secrets policy.

Question 4

Van Hoose & Kottler

Protections Provided by the Code of Ethics

Answer 4

From the government
•From other professionals
•From the public

Question 5

Privilege

Answer 5

Name given to confidentiality when used in court

The client is the main privilege holder, except for in the case of one or more of the exceptions. The client can sign over privilege in the form of a waiver or release of information.

Privilege exists even after the client has passed away.

Question 6

Exceptions to Privilege

Answer 6

Evidence Code 1010-1027
•Court order to report
•The court has appointed the therapist to treat the patient
•The client files a petition to have a professional evaluate his or her competence

The client is under the age of 16, is the victim of a crime, or reporting is in the best interest of the client

Question 7

Exceptions to Confidentiality

Answer 7

Evidence Code 1024
•The client is a danger to him/herself
•The client is a danger to someone else (Tarasoff)
•Child abuse
•Elder and dependent adult abuse or neglect
•Court order

Question 8

Ethics and the DSM

Answer 8

The DSM is written for medical professionals and insurance companies, not for MFTs.

Be careful when diagnosing clients, especially children, because the diagnosis will stay with that person.

Question 9

Fiduciary Relationship

Answer 9

A relationship of special trust that starts with the first phone call

Question 10

The Role of an MFT in the Legal System

Answer 10

• Source of information
• Resource for services
• Expert witness

Question 11

Suicide

Answer 11

Assess for:
•Ideation
•Plan
•Method/Mode
•Lethality of Method/Mode
•Availability of Method/Mode
•Access to Method/Mode
•Intent
•Previous attempts

Question 12

Dependent Adult

Answer 12

An adult ages 18-64 who is under the care of another person

Question 13

Duty to Protect & Warn

Answer 13

Tarasoff

When the therapist knows of a serious threat of violence against a reasonably identifiable victim, he or she must not only inform the police, but also the intended victim.

Question 14

Tort

Answer 14

A civil wrong or wrongful act, whether intentional or accidental, from which injury occurs to another.

Question 15

Informed Consent

Answer 15

Giving the client sufficient information about the therapist and the therapeutic process.
This includes reviewing the limits to confidentiality.

Question 16

Dual Relationship

Answer 16

When a therapist and client engage in a separate and distinct relationship.
This can include borrowing money, close personal or intimate relationship, etc.

Question 17

Standard of Care

Answer 17

Referral to a psychiatrist for medication, voluntary hospitalization, involuntary hospitalization

Question 18

Tender Years Doctrine

Answer 18

Idea that pre-adolescent children belong with their mothers.

Question 19

Child Abuse Reporting

Answer 19

• Report suspicion of abuse or neglect.
• The pregnancy of a minor does not, constitute a basis for a reasonable suspicion of sexual abuse
• The reporting agency shall be notified and a report shall be made even if the child has died.
• If the client is over 18 and the abuse took place when the client was under 18, reporting is not mandatory UNLESS the perpetrator has access to children
• Must call immediately
• Get the name of the person taking the report
• Fill out and submit form PC11166 within 36 hours
• Report must be made to the county in which the perpetration occurred.
• Reporting emotional abuse is optional

Question 20

Kidder

Ethical Decision Making

Answer 20

• Ethical decisions are:
• End-based – greatest good for the greatest number of people
• Rule-based – relies on obligations to a set of codes or principles, regardless of outcome
• Care-based – committed to the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you

Question 21

Legal Issues

Answer 21

• Confidentiality
• Standard of Care
• Record-keeping