Ethical Standard10.Therapy Flashcards
When obtaining informed consent to therapy, what are the things that psychologists inform clients/patients as early as is feasible in the therapeutic relationship?
10.01 Informed Consent to Therapy
-nature and anticipated course of therapy
-fees
-involvement of third parties
-limits of confidentiality
-provide sufficient opportunity for the client/patient to ask questions and receive answers
(see 4.02 discussing the limits of confidentiality, and 6.04 fees and financial arrangements)
When obtaining informed consent for treatment for which generally recognized techniques and procedures have not been established, how do psychologists inform clients/patients?
10.01 (b)
Psychologists inform clients/patients of the developing nature of the treatment, the potential risks involved, alternative treatments that may be available, and the voluntary nature of their participation.
EX: Mental health services that are provided over the internet via e-mail, videoconferencing, or chat rooms.
(see 2.01e, boundaries of competence, and 3.10 informed consent)
When a therapist is a trainee and the legal responsibility for the treatment provided resides with the supervisor, does the trainee need to inform the client who the name of the supervisor is?
10.01 (c)
YES, the trainee needs to report they are in training and need to report the name of the supervisor
When psychologists agree to provide services to a couple or family what are the reasonable steps they must clarify at the outset when working with them?
10.02 Therapy involving couples or families
(a)(1)which individuals are the client/patients
(2) the relationship the psychologist will have with each person.
This clarification includes the psychologist’s role and the probable uses of the services provided or the information obtained (see 4.02 discussing limits of confidentiality)
EX: A systems-oriented family therapist is likely to view the entire family as the client and may not be willing to see family members individually or to keep information revealed by one family member secret; while a family therapist with a different orientation might view individual therapy and confidentiality as important components of treatment.Psychologists state at the outset of treatment their positions.
When psychologists may be called to perform conflicting roles (e.g., family therapists and then witness for one party in divorce proceedings), what do psychologists do?
10.02(b) Psychologists take reasonable steps to clarify and modify or withdraw from, roles appropriately.
(see 3.05c multiple relationships)
EX: after providing therapy to a couple, a psychologists might be contracted by the husband who wants the psychologist to testify on his behalf in a custody hearing. In this situation, the best course of action would be to refuse to do so since “client” had been the couple, not just the husband.
When psychologists provide services in a group setting, what do they describe at the outset?
- 03 Group Therapy
- the roles and responsibilities of all parties and the limits of confidentiality
When is it appropriate for a client or prospective client to receive services from another mental health professional and a psychologist to decide whether he/she will also provide services simultaneously?
10.04 Providing Therapy to Those Served by Others
Psychologists much consider the treatment issues and the potential client’s/patient’s welfare. Psychologists discuss these issues with the client/patient or another legal authorized person on behalf of the client/patient in order to minimize the risk of confusion and conflict, consult with other service providers when appropriate, and proceed with caution and sensitivity to the therapeutic issues.
EX: overriding consideration is client’s welfare. If person is receiving psychotherapy and psychodynamic therapist calls behavioral therapist to request treatment for nicotine dependence, it probably would be in person’s best interest to provide the desired treatment. Collaboration with therapist. In contrast, if client working with psychodynamic therapist and seeking another psychodynamic therapist then it’s not in best person’s interest to accept person as new client.Discuss situation with person.
Do psychologists engage in sexual intimacies with Current therapy clients/patients?
10.05 Sexual Intimacies With Current Therapy Clients/Patients
NO
Do psychologists engage in sexual intimacies with individuals they know to be close relatives, guardians, or significant others of Current therapy clients/patients?
10.06 Sexual Intimacies With Relatives or Significant Others of Current Therapy Clients/Patients
NO. Psychologists do not engage in sexual intimacies with relatives or sig. others of clients. Psychologists DO NOT TERMINATE therapy to circumvent this standard.
Do psychologists accept persons as clients/patients with whom they have engaged in sexual intimacies?
10.07 Therapy With Former Sexual Partners
NO
What is the time period that forbids psychologists from having sexual intimacies with a former client?
- 08 Sexual Intimacies With Former Therapy Clients/Patients
(a) For at least Two Years after the cessation or termination of therapy
Even after the 2 year limit has passed, a sexual relationship between a psychologist and a former client may be acceptable only in the “most unusual circumstances” and the psychologists must bear the burden of demonstrating that the relationship is not exploitative. What are the 7 factors a psychologist must consider whether to become sexually involved with a former client?
10.08(b) (1)the amount of time that has passed since therapy terminated
(2) the nature, duration, and intensity of the therapy
(3) the circumstances of termination
(4) the client’s/patient’s personal history
(5) The client’s/patient’s current mental status
(6) the likelihood of adverse impact on the client/patient
(7) any statements or actions made by the therapist during the course of therapy suggesting or inviting the possibility of a posttermination sexual or romantic relationship with the client/patient
(see 3.05 multiple relationships)
In the event that therapy is interrupted, are psychologists responsible for client’s welfare and taking reasonable steps to assist client to continue therapy?
10.09 Interruption of therapy
YES, psychologists make reasonable efforts to provide orderly and appropriate resolution of responsibility for client/patient care.
When do psychologists terminate therapy?
- 10 Terminating Therapy
- it becomes reasonably clear that the client/patient no longer needs the service, is not likely to benefit, or is being harmed by continued service
- Psychologist may terminate when threatened or otherwise endangered by the client/patient or another person with whom the client/patient has a relationship.
- EXCEPT: To avoid abandonment, psychologists discuss situation with client and offer pretermination counseling and provide appropriate referrals, or help locate alternative services.
