Ethical & Legal Flashcards
APA ethical guidance on multiple relationships
The 2002 Ethics Code states that “multiple relationships that would not reasonably be expected to cause impairment or risk exploitation or harm are not unethical.” There is no stipulation that multiple relationships should generally be avoided
Ethical for psychologist to advertise a fee or offer a free session?
Psychologists are allowed to advertise and offer the first session (consultation) for free, provided that there is then no coercion or undue influence to get the client to continue.
What to do if a client tells you about unethical behavior committed by another mental health provider
Typically recommend that the client terminate treatment and file an ethics charge. You are not allowed to report the other provider as that would be a breach of confidentiality. You cannot however insist that the patient do so. Ultimately it is up to them whether they file an ethics complaint or continue treatment.
Professional psychologist vs clinical psychologist
The term professional psychologist describes a person with a doctorate in psychology from a regionally accredited school. One does not need to be licensed in order to be designated as a professional psychologist. For example, a person may call herself a Social Psychologist or Developmental Psychologist without having a license. Many academicians are designated as psychologists and never get licensed. One may not call oneself a “clinical psychologist” without a license.
Can you treat a patient who is a former sexual partner?
You may never accept a former sexual partner as a therapy patient. No matter how long it has been.
When deception is used in research, how does that affect informed consent?
the researcher must inform subjects of the purpose of the study afterwards.
You must still obtain consent beforehand
Priviledge
Client is the holder of priviledge. Psychologist may claim priviledge on behalf of a client if they receive a supeaona and are asked to disclose information in a legal proceeding. They would need to go to court to do so. If the client is a minor, the parent or legal guardian is the holder of priviledge and they have a legal right to be informed of information that is revealed by a minor in treatment.
Tarasoff decision
Duty to protect tha intnded victim by warning them, notifying the police, or taking other steps.
Fees
You can never withold records even if someone has not paid. Fee-splitting can be done if it is based on services provided. If you are going to have fees go into collection, you must inform client and give them a fair opportunity to pay.
Maintenance of records
retain records for 7 years past last date of service for adults and 3 years after a minor reaches age of majority
Sexual intimacies
Not with patients
Not with relativesm guardians, or signifcant others of client. Do not terminate therapy to circumvent.
Not with former clients for 2 years.
Prediction of violence
Several factors help to predict chance of future violence: age at first offense, history of parental criminality, comorbid psych conditions, number of past violent offenses, substance abuse, impulse control problems. Several instruments have been designed to obtain info to determine risk for future violence.
Responding to subpeona
Is it valid. If yes a formal response is required. Contact client to discuss subpeona. If they consent, send info. If the client does not consent, the psychologist can informally seek guidance from court. you can assert psychotherapist-patient priviledge and refuse to provide info until required by court order. If you recieve court order you must comply.
