The Ethics Code: Ethical Standard 2 - Competence

Question 1

2.01: Psychologists should practice within the ________________________. When an understanding of the effect of certain factors (e.g., age, gender, gender identity, race…) is necessary for appropriate services or research, psychologists must make sure that they either have or obtain appropriate _________________, supervision, or consultation; otherwise, psychologists should make an ________________________, except in an emergency situation. When they desire to practic in new areas, psychologists should also seek appropriate training, supervision, or consultation.

Answer 1

• Boundaries of their competence
• Training
• Appropriate referral

Question 2

_________________________ are appropriate when psychologists are somewhat familiar with treating a particular disorder, but are not an expert in that arrea, or when psychologists have concerns about whether they can remain objective in treating a client.

Answer 2

Consultations.

Question 3

_________________________ might be required when psychologists are applying a newly learned technique (e.g., hypnosis, biofeedback), beginning to work with a specialized population such as the hearing-impaired, or treating a client with a disorder the psychologist has training in, but no clinical experience. Typically, this is sought when psychologists are not yet ready to practice independently in the area or with the new population.

Answer 3

Supervision.

Question 4

__________________ is vital when psychologists are unfamiliar with a certain area of knowledge, and is usually followed by supervised experience prior to practicing independently.

Answer 4

Training.

Question 5

____________________ would be appropriate in the following situations:

a) The therapist’s personal beliefs and issues interfere with the therapy
b) The client feels uncomfortable with the therapist
c) The therapist lacks competence in treating the presenting problem

Answer 5

Referring out.

Question 6

The Ethics Code stipulates that psychologists may provide services for which they are not fully competent if an individual would otherwise be _____________________________. The psychologist must have closely related prior training and experience in the area, and must then pursue further training or study in order to obtain the necessary competence.

Answer 6

Unable to obtain mental health services.

Question 7

2.02: In _______________________, psychologists may provide services for which they are not fully competent in order to ensure that individuals receive necessary treatment. They should terminate the services as soon as the ________________ has passed or more appropriate services have been secured.

Answer 7

• Clinical emergencies
• Emergency

Question 8

2.03: Psychologists should make an ongoing effort to _____________________.

Answer 8

Maintain competence.

Question 9

2.04: Psychologists should always base their work on the ________________________ that has been established in the field of psychology.

Answer 9

Scientific and professional knowledge.

Question 10

2.05: Psychologists should ensure that those to whome they delegate work perform only those duties for which they have _____________________ and that these delegated individuals have no harmful multiple relationship with the persons being served. In addition, psychologists should ensure that the services are performed competently.

Answer 10

Adequate competence.

Question 11

2.06: Psychologists should not initiate any activity when they know or should know that their _____________________________ will impair their competence. They are required to address these appropriately and to seek consultation about whether to limit, suspend, or terminate practice.

Answer 11

Personal problems.