Ethics

Question 1

Are the APA Ethics Code’s preamble and general principles enforceable?

Answer 1

No. They’re aspirational, and will provide general guidelines for practice. They cannot be used for disciplinary action against you.

Question 2

Is the APA Ethics Code’s standards subsection enforceable?

Answer 2

Yes. The ethical standards are mandatory and enforceable provisions. It is typically one or more of these ethical standards that are used as grounds for misconduct.

Question 3

“Reasonable”

Answer 3

The prevailing professional judgement of psychologists engaged in similar activities in similar circumstances, given the knowledge the psychologist had or should have had at the time

Question 4

Five general principles of the APA Ethics Code

Answer 4

Beneficence and Nonmaleficence (do no harm)
Fidelity and Responsibility (be professional and responsible)
Integrity (uphold science, don’t be a douche)
Justice (fairness, being aware of your limitations)
Respect for Rights and Dignity (privacy, confidentiality, self-determination)

Question 5

Pro bono services

Answer 5

Professional services rendered without charge.

Such services are noted in the APA Ethics Code’s general principles, and thus are recommended but not mandatory.

Question 6

Client Welfare

Answer 6

Maintaining the welfare and protections of pros s is rye primary goal of the APA Ethics Code.

This encompasses protecting vulnerable populations and research subjects, respecting client autonomy, and committing to doing no harm.

Question 7

Ethical Standard 1

Answer 7

Resolving Ethical Issues

Misuse of other psychologists work, ethical violations by colleagues, cooperation with the ethics committee, dealing with complaints

Question 8

1.01 Misuse of Psychologists’ Work

Answer 8

If psychologists learn of misuse or misrepresentation of their work, they take reasonable steps to correct or minimize the misuse or misrepresentation

Question 9

1.02 Conflicts Between Ethics And Law, Regulations, or Other Governing Legal Authority

Answer 9

If there’s conflict, psychologists must clarify the nature of the conflict, make commitment to the Ethics Code known, and take reasonable steps to resolve in accordance with the general principles and ethical standards

Question 10

1.03 Conflicts Between Ethics And Organizational Demands

Answer 10

If an organization’s demands conflict with that of the APA Ethics Code, the psychologist must clarify the nature of the conflict, make commitment to code known, and take reasonable steps to resolve the issue in accordance with the general principles and ethical standards

Question 11

1.04 Informal Resolution of Ethical Violations

Answer 11

When psychologists believe that there may have been an ethical violation by another psychologist, they attempt to resolve the issue by first bringing it to the attention of that individual

Question 12

1.05 Reporting Ethical Violations

Answer 12

If a violation has substantially harmed, or is likely to substantially harm, or isn’t resolved informally, psychologists must take further action.

Any include referral to state or local licensing boards, or institutional authorities.

Question 13

Exception to 1.05 Reporting Ethical Violations

Answer 13

1.05 does not apply when you are retained legally to review the work of another psychologist whose professional conduct is in question

Question 14

1.06 Cooperating with Ethics Committees

Answer 14

Cooperate and address any confidentially issues that come up.

Failing to cooperate is in and of itself an ethical violation.

Question 15

1.07 Improper Complaints

Answer 15

Do not file ethics complaints that are made with reckless disregard or willful ignorance of facts

Question 16

1.08 Unfair Discrimination Against Complainants or Respondents

Answer 16

Psychologists cannot discriminate simply on the basis of someone being the subject of an ethics complaint

Question 17

How to resolve ethical violations by colleagues

Answer 17

Resolve informally (1.04) and then formally if needed (1.05)

Consider client confidentiality (always takes precedence)

Question 18

“Substantial harm”

Answer 18

Sexual misconduct, insurance fraud, plagiarism

Question 19

Ethical Standard 2

Answer 19

Competence

Boundaries of competence, providing services in emergencies, maintaining competence, delegation of work to others, personal problems and conflicts

Question 20

2.01 Boundaries of Competence

Answer 20

Practice within your competence (as supported by relevant training, education, supervision, consultation, study, and professional experience)

Undertake steps to receive education and supervision in new areas

In forensic work, take steps to become familiar with judicial and administrative rules governing their work

Question 21

2.02 Providing Services in Emergencies

Answer 21

You can practice outside your competence to prevent that services are not being denied who need it…however, discontinue immediately when the emergency has ended or appropriate services are available

Question 22

2.03

Answer 22

Undertake ongoing efforts to maintain and develop your competence

Question 23

2.04 Bases for Scientific and Professional Judgments

Answer 23

Base your work on the established scientific and professional knowledge of the discipline

Question 24

2.05 Delegation of Work to Others

Answer 24

Don’t delegate work to those who will have a dual-role (or poor objectivity), give them work that is only in like with their training and experiences and supervision, see that the delegate services are performed competently

Question 25

2.06 Personal Problems and Conflicts

Answer 25

Do not engage in work where there is a substantial likelihood where personal opinions or bias will taint your work

When you become aware of a potential problem or bias that interferes with their work, they take appropriate measures (supervision, consultation, etc) and determine whether they should limit or suspend their practice

Question 26

“Competence”

Answer 26

Skill within an area based on prior training, education, supervised practice, and study, and or professional activities

Question 27

When should you examine your competence to practice

Answer 27

Incorporating a new technique into one’s practice

Working with a new population that one has not previously served

Question 28

A critical element of delegating work to others (supervisees)…

Answer 28

Providing them with regular performance feedback

Question 29

Does provision 2.05 regarding delegating work to inappropriate others include translators?

Answer 29

Yes. Should you has a family member to translate for a client, it places them in a dual-role that is inappropriate and unethical

Question 30

Vicarious Liability

Answer 30

Being responsible for the actions of supervisees or employees

Often seen in situations with a disparity in training and education between the two parties. You have a responsibility to control the actions of those who work under you (who have less training and experience)

Question 31

Ethical Standard 3

Answer 31

Human Relations

Discrimination, harassment, multiple relationships, conflict of interest, informant consent, request for services by third party, exploitation

Question 32

3.01 Unfair Discrimination

Answer 32

In work-related activities, do not engage in discrimination on any basis (age, gender identity, sex, disability, SES, race…)

Question 33

3.02 Sexual Harassment

Answer 33

Do not engage in sexual harassment (verbal, physical, advances…that is unwelcome/offensive, or severe enough to be abusive)

Can be a single event or multiple events

Question 34

3.03 Other Harassment

Answer 34

Do not knowingly engage in harassment that is demeaning or harassing based on protected class (and other) factors

Question 35

3.04 Avoiding Harm

Answer 35

Take reasonable steps to avoid harming those they work with (clients, supervisees, students, research subjects, etc.)

Question 36

3.05 Multiple Relationships

Answer 36

A multiple relationship occurs when you are in a professional role with a person (and a personal role with them or someone who knows them)

Avoid this, but not unethical if you can’t reasonably expect it to cause harm or risk of exploitation

If a multiple role occurs, take steps to remedy it

Question 37

3.06 Conflict of Interest

Answer 37

Refrain from taking on roles when personal interests can impair their objectivity or create harm/exploitation

Question 38

3.07 Third Party Requests for Services

Answer 38

When requested by a third party to deliver services, make all attempts to clarify the nature of the service (who is the client), probable uses of this service to the third party, and any limitations to confidentiality

Question 39

3.08 Exploitative Relationships

Answer 39

Don’t supervise people you have power over

Fees, bartering, sexual relations with supervisees, former therapy provisions, etc.

Question 40

3.09 Cooperation With Other Professionals

Answer 40

You’re permitted to work with other professionals to serve your patients appropriately and effectively

Question 41

3.10 Informed Consent

Answer 41

Always get it (exceptions apply)
Use language that is reasonably understandable

Obtain assent from persons who cannot provide consent (also turn to their legal guardian)

Document it!

Question 42

3.11 Psychological Services Delivered To or Through Organizations

Answer 42

Provide information about the nature of the services, who the recipients of the information are, the relationship of the psychologist to the organization, probable uses of obtained information, and limits to confidentiality

Question 43

3.12 Interruptions of Psychological Services

Answer 43

Make efforts to facilitate interruptions in services (illness, vacation, death, relocation, financial limitations, etc.).

Question 44

Three factors to consider when determining the acceptability of a multiple relationship:

Answer 44

Power differential (the more influence, the less ethical)

Duration of the relationship (the longer, the less ethical)

Clarity of termination (the more easy and quick the termination, the more ethical)

Question 45

Three conditions that must be met for consent to be “informed”:

Answer 45

Capacity (the individual is able to make a rational decision)

Comprehension (the individual is given adequate information and can understand it enough to make an informed decision)

Voluntariness (the individual has given consent freely and without coercion)

Question 46

Assent

Answer 46

Agreement

Seek this when the person cannot legally provide consent
And take steps to ensure they understand

Question 47

Ethical Standard 4

Answer 47

Confidentiality

Maintaining, discussing limits of, recording, disclosures, consultations…

Question 48

4.01 Maintaining Confidentiality

Answer 48

Our primary obligation is to maintain confidentiality and to take reasonable precautions to protect such information.

Question 49

4.02 Discussing the Limits of Confidentiality

Answer 49

Discuss with persons (able to consent, not able, legal guardians) and organizations…
1 - relevant limits to confidentiality
2 - foreseeable uses of the information gathered

Unless not feasible or contraindicated, do so at the outset and as new circumstances may warrant.

This includes when working over electronic transmission.

Question 50

4.03 Recording

Answer 50

Before recording voices or images of persons, you must obtain permission from people or their legal representatives.

Question 51

4.04 Minimizing Intrusions on Privacy

Answer 51

Only include information germane to the purpose of communications.

Question 52

4.05 Disclosures

Answer 52

You can discuss confidential information with the appropriate consent of the person or organization or legally authorized representative.

Disclose without consent only as mandated by law or for other valid purpose (provide needed professional services, obtain appropriate consultations, obtain payment)

Question 53

4.06 Consultations

Answer 53

When consulting, psychologists do not disclose confidential information that reasonably could lead identification of the person unless you’ve obtained prior consent. Disclose information only to the extent necessary to achieve consultation.

Question 54

4.07 Use of Confidential Information for Didactic or Other Purposes

Answer 54

Do not disclose information concerning clients, research participants, students, etc. obtained during their work unless they:

Take reasonable steps to disguise the person or organization,
The person has consented in writing, or
There is legal authorization to do so

Question 55

Privacy vs. Confidentiality vs. Privilege

Answer 55

Privacy - Freedom for people to choose when information about them is shared

Confidentiality - Obligation of psychologists to protect clients from unauthorized disclosure of their information revealed in the professional relationship

Privilege - Legal concept that protects confidentiality in the context of legal proceedings (Jaffee v. Redmond)

Question 56

Holder of privilege in a legal proceeding

Answer 56

Normally rests with client unless called to testify in court. Then, the psychologist holds the privilege and should only disclose when court ordered to do so or when the client or their representative consents to the release.

Question 57

Common exceptions to patient-psychologist privilege

Answer 57

Waivers (a client authorizes the release)

Mandatory reporting (danger to vulnerable parties)

Danger to self or others

Legal or regulatory actions (malpractice investigations, custody, or curt-ordered evaluations)

Question 58

Confidentiality and minors

Answer 58

A minor’s parent or legal guardian has a legal right to be informed of the information revealed by the minor during the course of his or her treatment.

Exception: minor is emancipated or legally able to consent to their own treatment

Question 59

Who holds privilege when treating a minor

Answer 59

The minor’s legal guardian

But legal exceptions apply

Question 60

Confidentiality in group therapy

Answer 60

Inform group members about limits to confidentiality

Discuss need for confidentiality, encourage members to bring up potential violations, and remind group members to maintain until group treatment ends

Question 61

Confidentiality in couple and family therapy

Answer 61

Suggested that information in individual sessions be divulged in couple or family therapy to the extent that the psychologist sees fit in accordance with the greatest benefit for the couple or family

Question 62

Confidentiality and deceased clients

Answer 62

Varies on the states, however many states have clauses that say confidentiality is awarded to patients in perpetuity

In such cases, records cannot be released unless consent is given by an executor of the estate

Question 63

Confidentiality and military psychologists providing services to military personnel

Answer 63

Include in limits of confidentiality that you must divulge if at any point you believe the client is unfit for duty, or a threat to national security

Question 64

Confidentiality and EAPs

Answer 64

Can breach if authorized to do so or if danger to self or others

Question 65

Ethical Standard 5

Answer 65

Advertising and Other Public Statements

Avoidance of false or deceptive statements, statements by others, workshops, media presentations, testimonials, and in-person solicitations

Question 66

5.01 Avoidance of False or Deceptive Statements

Answer 66

Public statements include: advertising, endorsements, applications (grants, licensing, etc.), CVs, lectures, statements in legal proceedings, published materials…

Basically, don’t lie about your credentials, experience, affiliations, offered services, fees, or research findings.

You can only claim degrees as credentials if they are earned from a regionally accredited institution, or were the basis for licensure in the state in which they practice.

Question 67

5.02 Statements by Others

Answer 67

You are responsible for statements people submit.

Do not compensate for publicity in a news item.

Paid advertisements must be clearly identified as such.

Question 68

5.03 Descriptions of Workshops and Non-Degree-Granting Educational Programs

Answer 68

You are responsible for all the materials of your workshop (materials, advertising, brochures…), and that such materials clearly communicate relevant information (presenters, objectives, fees…)

Question 69

5.04 Media Presentations

Answer 69

When psychologists provide public advice…

Must be based on knowledge, training, and current research…
Must be consistent with Ethics Code…
And does not indicate that a professional relationship has been established with the recipient of the information.

Question 70

5.05 Testimonials

Answer 70

Do not solicit testimonials from current clients or patients (or other persons because of risk of undue influence)

Question 71

5.06 In-Person Solicitation

Answer 71

Do not engage in uninvited solicitation of business from actual or potential clients

Question 72

Factors that can contribute to client vulnerability (when discussing when not to solicit testimonials)

Answer 72

Insecurities, emotional problems, naïveté, lack of information, being in awe of the professional

Question 73

Ethical Standard 6

Answer 73

Record Keeping and Fees

Documentation, dissemination, withholding records, fees, bartering, referrals

Question 74

6.01 Documentation of Professional and Scientific Work and Maintenance of Records

Answer 74

Create and manage records in order to

1. Facilitate provision of services later by them or another professional
2. Allow for replication of research design and analyses
3. Meet institutional requirements
4. Ensure accuracy of billing and payments
5. Ensure compliance with law

Question 75

6.02 Maintenance, Dissemination, and Disposal of Confidential Records of Professional and Scientific Work

Answer 75

Maintain confidentiality in your records

If not provided consent by the patient, document and encode data in databases without personal identifiers

Make plans in advance to facilitate appropriate transfer of records to keep confidentiality

Question 76

6.03 Withholding Records for Nonpayment

Answer 76

Psychologists cannot with old records needed for emergency provision of treatment solely because payments have not been received.

Question 77

6.04 Fees and Financial Arrangements

Answer 77

Set and reach an agreement on fees as early as possible.

Fees must be consistent with the law and not misrepresented.

If there are limitations of services due to limitations in financing, discuss ASAP.

If a person does not pay for services and you are going to send them to collections, you must notify them and allow the time to make prompt payment.

Question 78

Bartering

Answer 78

The acceptance of goods, services, or other nonmonetary remuneration from patients in exchange for psychological services.

Question 79

6.05 Barter with Clients/Patients

Answer 79

You may barter only if…
1 - It is not clinically contraindicated
2 - The resulting arrangement is not exploitative

Question 80

6.06 Accuracy in Reports to Payors and Funding Sources

Answer 80

Take reasonable steps to ensure accuracy when reporting on fees, diagnosis, research, etc.

Question 81

6.07 Referrals and Fees

Answer 81

When splitting fees with another provider, the split is determined by the work done by each provider, and not simply based on a referral

Question 82

Ethical Standard 7

Answer 82

Education and Training

Education and training programs, teaching, student disclosure, mandatory therapy, supervision

Question 83

7.01 Design of Education and Training Programs

Answer 83

If you’re in charge of educational or training programs, you take steps to make sure the material you are teaching is appropriate to provide knowledge for practice, licensure, etc.

Question 84

7.02 Descriptions of Education and Training Programs

Answer 84

If you are responsible for education and training programs, make sure you display accurate information about the program: stipend, training goals, course content, requirements…

These things must be made available to all interested parties

Question 85

7.03 Accuracy in Teaching

Answer 85

Ensure course syllabi are accurate, as well as your basis for evaluating students. This does not preclude someone from modifying a syllabus.

Question 86

7.04 Student Disclosure of Personal Information

Answer 86

Psychologists do not require supervisees or students to disclose personal information in course- or program-related activities regarding sexual abuse, family history, relationships, treatment history, etc… except if

(1) It’s written out and part of program expectations and guidelines
(2) the info is necessary for evaluation or remedy of issues related to successful training

Question 87

7.08 Mandatory Individual or Group Therapy

Answer 87

If required, students should be allowed to choose form a list of practitioners unaffiliated with the program

Faculty in charge of evaluating the student’s performance is not providing the therapy

Question 88

7.08 Assessing Student and Supervisee Performance

Answer 88

Establish a timely and specific process for providing feedback. Information regarding this process is given to the student at the outset of the supervision.

Evaluations must be based on relevant skills and established program requirements.

Question 89

7.07 Sexual Relationships with Students and Supervisees

Answer 89

Don’t do it

Anyone you evaluate or might evaluate

Question 90

Ethical Standard 8

Answer 90

Research and publication

Informed consent, subordinate research participants, deception, debriefing, animal research, reporting results, publication credit, etc.

Question 91

8.01 Institutional Approval

Answer 91

If it’s required, provide the information necessary

DO IT

Question 92

8.02 Informed Consent to Research

Answer 92

Include: purpose, duration, procedures
Right to decline or withdraw
Any foreseeable consequences to withdrawing
Risks, discomforts, or other factors in decision making (ctrl group selection, etc.)
Prospective research benefits
Limits of confidentiality
Incentives
Whom to contact

Question 93

8.03 Informed Consent for Recording Voices and Images in Research

Answer 93

Obtain consent before recording voices or images unless…

(1) study is entirely naturalistic observation and recording will not cause personal identification or harm
(2) if the research design includes deception (in which case, wait for debriefing)

Question 94

8.04 Client/Patient, Student, and Subordinate Research Participants

Answer 94

Take steps to avoid any adverse consequences to declining or withdrawing…

If research participation is required for course credit, make sure reasonable alternatives are available

Question 95

8.05 Dispensing with Informed Consent for Research

Answer 95

Informed consent needn’t be required if

(1) Research would not be expected to cause distress or harm
(2) Involves educational practices
(3) Involves anonymous collection of data
(4) If otherwise permitted by law
(5) If employment research is taking place with no impact on employability

Question 96

8.06 Offering Inducements for Research Participation

Answer 96

Nothing excessive or inappropriate (likely to coerce)

If you’re offering professional services as inducements, clarify the nature of the services and other relevant information upfront

Question 97

8.07 Deception

Answer 97

Do not conduct a research involving deception unless it is justified and absolutely necessary

Do not use deception in research that is expected to cause pain or severe emotional distress

At the conclusion of participation, psychologists must explain why deception was necessary and allow participants to withdraw their data

Question 98

8.09 Debriefing

Answer 98

Take reasonable steps to prevent misconceptions
Answer any questions that participants have
If it is justifiable to withhold information, do so minimizing the risk of harm
If harm occurs, take steps to minimize as soon as you know about it

Question 99

8.09 Humane Care and Use of Animals in Research

Answer 99

Acquire, use, and dispose of animals in accordance with all state, federal, and local laws

Psychologists training in animal research take responsibility for the other subordinate researchers and the wellbeing of the animals (ensure proper training to researchers)

Take steps to minimize discomfort to the animals - surgery should be under anesthesia with proper anti-infection procedures

Inflict pain only when absolutely necessary and there is no other alternative

Should an animal’s life be terminated, do it quickly, painlessly, and in accordance with accepted procedures

Question 100

8.10 Reporting Research Results

Answer 100

Don’t fabricate data

If you discover errors in your published data, take reasonable steps to correct the error in a correction, retraction, or other means

Question 101

8.11 Plagarism

Answer 101

Don’t do it

Question 102

8.12 Publication Credit

Answer 102

Only take credit for work you have done

Principal authorship and other publication credits accurately reflect the role you had (being of higher academic standing does not mean first author)

Discuss publication credit throughout the project with faculty supervisors

Question 103

8.13 Duplicate Publication of Data

Answer 103

Don’t publish the same thing in multiple places

Question 104

8.14 Sharing Research Data for Verification

Answer 104

Don’t withhold your data after publication if people want to reanalyze your claims

Requesting data for this purpose must be in writing, and data could only be used for that purpose (don’t jack someone’s data and then use it for something else)

Question 105

8.15 Reviews

Answer 105

Maintain confidentiality of the research proposals that you review

Question 106

Ethical Standard 9

Answer 106

Assessment

Question 107

9.01 Bases for Assessment

Answer 107

Always substantiate your findings and base them off the data you collected

Clinical interviews, and if not available document thoroughly

Question 108

9.02 Use of Assessments

Answer 108

Administer, score, interpret, and write about assessments in line with current research and practice

Use measures that have good reliability and validity for the purpose you are using them for

Use assessment methods that are appropriate to the persons language, developmental level, culture, etc. Exception if use of an alternative language test is necessitated

Question 109

9.03 Informed Consent in Assessments

Answer 109

Obtain informed consent except when mandated by law, implied as part of routine procedures (education), or if a purpose is to evaluate decisional capacity

Use language appropriate to the persons education and background

Obtain informed consent when using an interpreter and make sure that utilization is clear

Question 110

9.04 Release of Test Data

Answer 110

May refrain from releasing to protect the client or test

In the absence of client or patient request, provide test data only when required by court order

Question 111

“Test Data”

Answer 111

Raw and scaled scores, responses to test items, notes about statements and behavior

Question 112

9.05 Test Construction

Answer 112

If you develop tests, use sound psycho metrics

Question 113

9.06 Interpreting Assessment Results

Answer 113

When interpreting, take into account the purpose of the assessment, as well as other contextual factors, and indicate limitations on your interpretation.

Question 114

9.07 Assessment by Unqualified Persons

Answer 114

Don’t promote this unless it is a supervised part of a training or educational experience

Question 115

9.08 Obsolete Tests and Outdated Test Results

Answer 115

Don’t base assessment recommendations or interpretations on outdated data or tests for the current purpose

Question 116

9.08 Test Scoring and Interpretation Services

Answer 116

If you provide such a service, accurately describe the purpose, norms, validity, reliability, and applications for the scores.

Select scoring programs based on evidence and appropriateness

Psychologists are ultimately responsible for their assessments, regardless of whether or not interpretation services are used.

Question 117

9.10 Explaining Assessment Results

Answer 117

Psychologists take reasonable steps to ensure all explanations of the test results are properly delivered and explained

Unless the relationship precludes such explanation (preemployment testing, etc.), in which case the person is notified of that at the outset.

Question 118

9.11 Maintaining Test Security

Answer 118

Maintain the integrity and security of testing materials

Question 119

“Test Materials”

Answer 119

Manuals, instruments, protocols, stimulus items, test questions

Question 120

Ethical Standard 10

Answer 120

Therapy

Informed consent, couples and families, group therapy, treatment to those served by others, sexual interactions, interruption of therapy, termination of therapy

Question 121

10.01 Informed Consent to Therapy

Answer 121

Notify them as early as is feasible about nature of relationship, anticipated course of treatment, fees, third party involvement, and limits to confidentiality. Also include alternative treatment information.

Solicit questions from patient.

If you’re a trainee, make that known and provide information regarding your supervisor.

Question 122

10.02 Therapy Involving Couples or Families

Answer 122

Take steps to clarify at outset who is are the patients and the relationship the psychologist has with each one.

If conflicting roles emerge, take reasonable steps to clarify, modify, or withdraw from roles.

Question 123

10.03 Group Therapy

Answer 123

Describe at the outset the expectation of privacy and confidentiality for all group members.

Question 124

10.04 Providing Therapy to Those Served by Others

Answer 124

If you are considering providing tx to someone who is already receiving tx elsewhere, consider treatment issues and the clients welfare.

Proceed with caution, and raise concerns to pt or legal representative

Question 125

10.05 Sexual Intimacies with Current Therapy Clients

Answer 125

Don’t do it

Question 126

10.06 Sexual Intimacies with Relatives or Significant Others of Current Therapy Clients

Answer 126

Don’t do it and don’t terminate therapy to circumvent this Standard

Question 127

10.07 Therapy with Former Sexual Partners

Answer 127

Don’t do it

Question 128

10.08 Sexual Intimacies with Former Therapy Clients/Patients

Answer 128

Don’t do it for at least two years after termination of services

If you do it, you bear the burden to ensure there is no exploitation

Question 129

10.09 Interruption of Therapy

Answer 129

Take reasonable efforts to resolve interruption of services

Question 130

10.10 Terminating Therapy

Answer 130

Terminate therapy when the patient no longer needs the service, is unlike to benefit from further services, or is being caused harm

You can terminate if you feel threatened or otherwise endangered by the client or someone with whom the client has a relationship

Except when precluded, offer alternatives to other treatment or counseling about the termination

Question 131

Psychological Services Unit

Answer 131

A functional unit that provides psych services comprised of at least one professional psychologist and supporting staff

Question 132

Users

Answer 132

Direct recipients of psychological services

Institutions receiving services

Question 133

Four conditions for a malpractice claim

Answer 133

Must have a professional relationship with plaintiff

Must be a demonstrated breech in standard of care

Plaintiff must have suffered harm or injury

The breech in care had proximate cause to the injury or harm

Question 134

The best defense against litigation is…

Answer 134

…adequate record keeping.

Question 135

Steps to responding to a subpoena

Answer 135

Is it legally valid

Contact the client to discuss implications of releasing the information

Respond based on client’s wishes: give up the info requested, or negotiate with a legal representative

Should the court continue - file motion to quash the subpoena or a motion for a protective order

Question 136

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Answer 136

Comparing costs and benefits of a treatment or program in monetary terms.

May be difficult to assign monetary values to an outcome.

Question 137

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

Answer 137

Costs are compared to nonmonetary outcomes (six improvement, number of dropouts, etc.)

Which intervention has the greatest effect per dollar spent.

Question 138

Cost-Utility Analysis

Answer 138

Comparing costs of a treatment with outcomes in terms of quality life years.

Question 139

Cost-Feasibility Analysis

Answer 139

Evaluates the feasibility of a treatment based on the resources it would require

Is the intervention worth considering?

Question 140

Cost-Minimization Analysis

Answer 140

Used to determine the least costly option that achieves the same outcomes

Ex. can paraprofessionals offer the same services as psychologists and a fraction of the cost?

Question 141

Cost-Offset Analysis

Answer 141

Examines the reduction in medical costs as a result of a mental health (or other non-medical) treatment