? to review

Question 1

A Tarasoff duty would clearly exist in which of the following situations?

1. A patient’s spouse informs the patient’s psychologist that his wife has plans for serious violence against her boss.
2. A patient’s coworker informs the psychologist that the patient has a gun and is planning to shoot her next-door neighbor.
3. A patient tells her psychologist that she can’t stop thinking about killing her ex-husband.
4. A patient reveals to her psychologist imminent homicidal intent toward an unnamed acquaintance.

Answer 1

1. A patient’s spouse informs the patient’s psychologist that his wife has plans for serious violence against her boss.

Question 2

What does the law of the State of California mandate in terms of the maintenance of treatment records for minors?

1. All records must be maintained for seven years after termination.
2. All records must be maintained at least until the minor reaches the age of 18.
3. All records must be maintained at least seven years after the minor reaches the age of 18.
4. All records must be maintained at least until the minor reaches the age of 19, but for no fewer than seven years after termination.

Answer 2

3. All records must be maintained at least seven years after the minor reaches the age of 18.

Question 3

The relationship between a supervisor and a psychological associate who is accruing supervised professional experience (SPE) is best described as:

1. employerto employee.
2. teacher to student.
3. business owner to independent contractor.
4. partner to partner.

Answer 3

1. employerto employee.

Question 4

A parent has authorized treatment of a minor. According to California guidelines, in which of the following situations may the parent access the minor’s treatment records?

1. In all situations.
2. If the minor gives assent.
3. In all situations, unless the therapist believes access will have a detrimental effect on the therapeutic relationship or the child’s physical or emotional well-being.
4. In all situations, unless the therapist believes access is reasonably likely to endanger the life or physical safety of the individual or another person.

Answer 4

3. In all situations, unless the therapist believes access will have a detrimental effect on the therapeutic relationship or the child’s physical or emotional well-being.

Question 5

A new client confesses to having killed her boyfriend accidentally a few weeks ago. She states that she has come to therapy in order to relieve her guilt and to get help in avoiding getting arrested. What would be your most appropriate response in this situation?

1. If you are interrogated by the police, you should divulge relevant information because no privilege exists in this situation.
2. Explain to your client that there is no privilege because this situation constitutes a Tarasoff situation.
3. Inform your patient that all information will be held confidential.
4. Inform your patient that privilege will probably not be upheld in this situation because she is attempting to use therapy to avoid apprehension.

Answer 5

4. Inform your patient that privilege will probably not be upheld in this situation because she is attempting to use therapy to avoid apprehension.

Question 6

When a mandated reporting situation exists, confidentiality:

1. is always breached.
2. no longer applies.
3. should be breached to the minimum extent necessary.
4. is not breached.

Answer 6

3. should be breached to the minimum extent necessary.

Question 7

What does the law of the State of California mandate in terms of the maintenance of treatment records for minors?

1. All records must be maintained for seven years after termination.
2. All records must be maintained at least until the minor reaches the age of 18.
3. All records must be maintained at least seven years after the minor reaches the age of 18.
4. All records must be maintained at least until the minor reaches the age of 19, but for no fewer than seven years after termination.

Answer 7

3. All records must be maintained at least seven years after the minor reaches the age of 18.

Question 8

According to the Business and Professions Code, a psychologist licensed in another state who moves to California on January 1 and submits an application to the Board of Psychology on March 1, may practice for up to 180 calendar days from:

1. beginning residency.
2. submitting her application to the board.
3. the date the application is received by the board.
4. the date of her first patient contact in California.

Answer 8

1. beginning residency.

Question 9

Currently, the recommended course of action is for psychologists to:

1. obtain at the outset of therapy informed consent to treatment (written or oral) as well as written generalized consent to the psychologist’s privacy policy.
2. obtain at the outset of therapy written informed consent to treatment and written generalized consent to the psychologist’s privacy policy.
3. obtain at the outset of therapy written informed consent to treatment.
4. obtain at the outset of therapy written informed consent to treatment and to provide information about the psychologist’s privacy policy.

Answer 9

4. obtain at the outset of therapy written informed consent to treatment and to provide information about the psychologist’s privacy policy.

Question 10

When records are kept electronically, what are the requirements?

1. Records are secure and intact with a backup stored offsite.
2. A backup is stored offsite and original hard copies are kept for at least seven years.
3. Records are unalterable and allow for electronic signature.
4. Records are backed up and unalterable.

Answer 10

1. Records are secure and intact with a backup stored offsite.

Question 11

You are referred a family for therapy. In the first session you realize that you and the mother are members of the same book club. You should:

1. withdraw from the book club.
2. consider objectivity in this matter.
3. treat the family.
4. refer the family to another therapist.

Answer 11

2. consider objectivity in this matter.

Question 12

A VA psychologist is experiencing difficulty treating a patient with borderline personality disorder. The psychologist would like to discuss the case with her VA colleagues. She:

1. should let the patient know that his case will be discussed, but she does not need the patient’s consent.
2. should obtain the patient’s consent prior to discussing the case.
3. does not need the patient’s consent as this is an exception to confidentiality.
4. does not need the patient’s consent as this is an exception to privilege.

Answer 12

3. does not need the patient’s consent as this is an exception to confidentiality.

Question 13

A patient you treated 5 years ago has been charged with vehicular manslaughter. Your records are subpoenaed as part of this patient’s competency proceedings. You should:

1. attempt to contact the patient to clarify whether or not he wants the records released.
2. appear and assert privilege.
3. appear and release the records because this is an exception to privilege.
4. seek consultation.

Answer 13

3. appear and release the records because this is an exception to privilege.

Question 14

You have a plumbing emergency at your home. When the plumber finds out you are a psychologist, he states he has begun to worry that he might be drinking too much, and wants to see you for treatment. Your best course of action would be to:

1. give him your business card and suggest he call your office to make an appointment.
2. explain that you are unable to see him, and make a referral.
3. raise the possibility of a barter, if there is additional work you need done.
4. explain to him that given the nature of his problem he would better be served in a treatment program rather than in individual therapy, and make the appropriate referral.

Answer 14

2. explain that you are unable to see him, and make a referral.

Question 15

Which of the following would be the most accurate statement regarding a psychologist who posts information about how patients can contact the Board of Psychology for consumer questions or complaints?

1. The psychologist is adhering to a higher standard of ethical practice.
2. The psychologist is complying with the law.
3. The psychologist is not fulfilling the obligation to inform each patient in writing of options regarding consumer questions and complaints.
4. The psychologist is not fulfilling the obligation to verbally inform each patient of options regarding consumer questions and complaints.

Answer 15

2. The psychologist is complying with the law.

Question 16

When a psychology license is revoked, the person may:

1. petition for reinstatement after three years.
2. petition for reinstatement after whatever period of time is specified in the revocation order.
3. petition for reinstatement only if the revocation was stayed.
4. never be licensed to practice psychology in the State of California again.

Answer 16

1. petition for reinstatement after three years.

Question 17

A psychologist learns that the man she has just begun having sexual relations with is a close relative of a client of hers. To comply with the ethical standards of the 2002 APA Ethics Code, the psychologist:
1. should assess whether this multiple relationship is likely to impair her functioning, or causes harm or exploitation to the client, and then take appropriate action to clarify, withdraw from, or adjust her roles.

2. may terminate the therapy, after appropriate pre-termination counseling.
3. should terminate the relationship with the man.

4.should take reasonable steps to resolve this multiple relationship in a manner that allows for maximal compliance with the Ethics Code.

Answer 17

3. should terminate the relationship with the man.

Question 18

You agree to a patient’s proposal that he barter goods in exchange for therapy. You come to learn that the merchandise he is giving you is stolen. Which of the following would be your best course of action?

1. Terminate because he’s including you in a crime.
2. Terminate because accepting goods in exchange for therapy is unethical.
3. Make a report to the police, because no privilege exists when a client involves a therapist in a crime.

4.Maintain confidentiality.

Answer 18

4.Maintain confidentiality.

Question 19

A minor is court ordered to receive therapy for substance use disorder with treatment summaries to be sent to his probation officer. After one month of treatment, at which time the first report is due, the minor’s father states he doesn’t want the psychologist to release any part of the treatment record to the probation officer. The psychologist should:

1. inform the probation officer why the report will not be forthcoming.
2. discuss the situation further with the father, informing him of the potential negative consequences to his son.
3. send the report.
4. seek the minor’s assent to send the report, and if obtained, send the report.

Answer 19

3. send the report.

Question 20

When a minor under the age of 12 is a dependent child of the court, what is the guideline with regard to obtaining consent for HIV testing?

1. Consent may be obtained from the court.
2. Consent may be obtained from the minor’s parents).
3. Consent may be obtained from the minor.
4. As a ward of the court, consent is implied.

Answer 20

1. Consent may be obtained from the court.

Question 21

A patient is placed on a 5150 because he is a gravely disabled. Which of the following best describes his legal rights to challenge the hold?

1. The patient has no right to challenge the hold.
2. The patient may challenge the hold if he files a writ and then attends a probable cause hearing.
3. The patient or the patient’s family may challenge the hold if a writ is filed and a probable cause hearing is attended.
4. The patient cannot challenge the hold, but the patient’s family can challenge the hold if a writ is filed and a probable cause hearing is attended.

Answer 21

1. The patient has no right to challenge the hold.

Question 22

According to the American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (2002), when a psychologist recognizes that a harmful multiple relationship does exist, the psychologist should:

1. terminate the multiple relationship as soon as possible.
2. refer the patient to a different therapist as soon as possible.
3. proceed with caution, and consult with colleagues.
4. attempt to resolve the conflict with due regard for the patient, and maximal compliance with the Ethics Code.

Answer 22

4. attempt to resolve the conflict with due regard for the patient, and maximal compliance with the Ethics Code.

Question 23

As a psychologist, in terms of recommending psychotropic medications for your patients, you:

1. may not recommend psychotropic medications as that is beyond a psychologist’s scope of practice.
2. may recommend specific psychotropic medications for specific disorders, as long as the medications have been approved for the patient’s disorder (e.g., Ritalin for ADHD).
3. may recommend a general class of psychotropic medications for a disorder (e.g., antipsychotic medications for schizophrenia).
4. may recommend medications as an adjunct to psychotherapy.

Answer 23

4. may recommend medications as an adjunct to psychotherapy.

Question 24

Which of the following is not explicitly mentioned in the 2002 APA Ethics Code as a situation in which researchers may dispense with informed consent?

1. The study of normal educational practices in an educational setting.
2. The use of assessment results that were obtained in the course of clinical practice.
3. Anonymous questionnaires.
4. Studies of organizational effectiveness.

Answer 24

2. The use of assessment results that were obtained in the course of clinical practice.

Question 25

You are treating Oscar for major depression. Oscar has joint legal custody of his 15-year-old daughter Lucy, with his ex-wife Claudia. As treatment progresses, Oscar receives full custody of Lucy, secondary to both allegations and determination of ongoing sexual abuse of Lucy by her step-father. Oscar describes feeling overwhelmed by his new responsibilities of full-time parenting, as well as being in a “continual state of rage over what was done to my daughter.” At this point you should:

1. refer Oscar for a medication re-evaluation.
2. assess for possible danger to others, and determine whether Oscar is able to care for Lucy appropriately.
3. refer Oscar for a medication re-evaluation, and increase the frequency of sessions.
4. assess for child neglect, and refer Oscar to a support group for single parents.

Answer 25

2. assess for possible danger to others, and determine whether Oscar is able to care for Lucy appropriately.

Question 26

As a psychologist providing services to a patient in a language other than English, a language you are reasonably proficient in, you should:
1. seek consultation and peer review on a regular basis.

2. secure the services of a translator.
3. translate required or approved notices and publications when these publications are not available in the language in which the services are provided.
4. discuss with the patient as appropriate the content of required or approved notices and publications when these publications are not available in the language in which the services are provided.

Answer 26

4. discuss with the patient as appropriate the content of required or approved notices and publications when these publications are not available in the language in which the services are provided.

Question 27

Effective January 1, 2022, the Board of Psychology (BOP) directly regulates:

1. licensed psychologists.
2. licensed psychologists and registered psychologists.
3. licensed psychologists and registered psychological associates.
4. licensed psychologists, registered psychological associates, and psychological interns.

Answer 27

3. licensed psychologists and registered psychological associates.

Question 28

At the outset of family therapy the psychologist should:

1. clarify who is the patient, clarify roles, and discuss limits of confidentiality.
2. clarify who is the patient, clarify roles, discuss treatment goals, and discuss limits of confidentiality.
3. discuss treatment goals and limits of confidentiality.
4. discuss fees and billing arrangements, treatment goals, and limits of confidentiality.

Answer 28

1. clarify who is the patient, clarify roles, and discuss limits of confidentiality.

Question 29

A patient sends you a written request for a copy of her entire record that she plans to use in a custody dispute. There are no safety concerns for the patient. You should:

1. send the part of the file that is relevant.
2. send her complete file.
3. send a summary of her records.
4. send a copy of her records consistent with HIPAA regulations.

Answer 29

4. send a copy of her records consistent with HIPAA regulations.

Question 30

A psychologist is charged with molesting a neighborhood adolescent. The BOP will:

1. immediately place the psychologist on probation.
2. suspend the psychologist’s license.
3. revoke the psychologist’s license.
4. not take disciplinary action.

Answer 30

4. not take disciplinary action.

Question 31

Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5150 allows for involuntary confinement under which of the following conditions?

1. A person is a danger to self, others, or is gravely disabled.
2. A person is a danger to self or others.
3. A person, as a result of a mental disorder, is a danger to self, others, or is gravely disabled; or the LPS conservator deems the person to be “at risk.”
4. A person, as a result of a mental disorder, is a danger to self, others, or is gravely disabled.

Answer 31

4. A person, as a result of a mental disorder, is a danger to self, others, or is gravely disabled.

Question 32

A psychologist works at an LGBT center. A patient who is diagnosed HIV+ expresses imminent intent of violence toward his brother who is a physician, stating that his brother has treated him in a very derogatory manner. In this situation the psychologist should:

1. notify the patient’s brother and the police of his threat of violence.
2. notify the patient’s brother and the police of his threat of violence, and terminate treatment.
3. notify the patient’s brother and the police of his threat of violence, and notify the patient’s brother of the patient’s HIV+ status.
4. maintain the patient’s confidentiality and attempt to diffuse the situation clinically.

Answer 32

1. notify the patient’s brother and the police of his threat of violence.

Question 33

With regard to the supervisor-supervisee agreement, the Board of Psychology (BOP):

1. recommends that the primary supervisor and the supervisee prepare and sign an agreement prior to the start of the SPE.
2. recommends that the primary supervisor, any delegated supervisors, and the supervisee prepare and sign an agreement prior to the start of the SPE.
3. requires that the primary supervisor and the supervisee prepare and sign an agreement prior to the start of the SPE.
4. requires that the primary supervisor, any delegated supervisors, and the supervisee prepare and sign an agreement prior to the start of the SPE.

Answer 33

3. requires that the primary supervisor and the supervisee prepare and sign an agreement prior to the start of the SPE.

Question 34

When treating a patient who has been the victim of assault, who is mandated to make a report?

1. All health practitioners.
2. Medical doctors.
3. Health practitioners who provide medical services.
4. Health practitioners who have a reasonable suspicion that failure to make such a disclosure would put the patient at additional risk.

Answer 34

3. Health practitioners who provide medical services.

Question 35

In which of the following situations would a psychotherapist definitely be mandated to file a child abuse report?

1. A patient reports spanking her four-year-old child.
2. A neighbor tells the psychotherapist that the Little League coach molested her eight-year-old nephew.
3. A patient reports that her neighbor’s 17-year-old daughter confided in her that she posed naked for a magazine.
4. At a child’s birthday party, the psychotherapist witnesses an adult slapping a child on the face so hard that welts appear.

Answer 35

3. A patient reports that her neighbor’s 17-year-old daughter confided in her that she posed naked for a magazine.

Question 36

A 33-year-old woman is court-ordered to attend treatment for twenty-five sessions. Her diagnosis is alcohol use disorder. She is a single mother of two young children. She reports a history of spotty employment and has been receiving welfare for the past three years. She states, “I’m just doing this stuff to get the court off my back.” To fulfill ethical and legal obligations in this situation, the treating psychologist should:

1. inform the woman that because the treatment is court-ordered, there will be no contidentiality.
2. clarify the limits of confidentiality and explain the nature of treatment in understandable language.
3. secure informed consent, including clarification of the limits of confidentiality.
4. make a comprehensive report to the court regarding assessment and treatment.

Answer 36

3. secure informed consent, including clarification of the limits of confidentiality.

Question 37

Which of the following patients would likely have “legal capacity?”

1. A minor.
2. A person with intellectual disability, moderate.
3. A patient court ordered for treatment.
4. A gravely disabled person with schizophrenia.

Answer 37

3. A patient court ordered for treatment.

Question 38

According to APA’s 2010 amendments to the Ethics Code, when ethics and law conflict, psychologists should:

1. make known their commitment to the Ethics Code, and take steps to resolve the conflict consistent with the Ethics Code; this standard should not be used to justify violating human rights.
2. comply with the law, after making known their commitment to the Ethics Code.
3. take steps to resolve the conflict; if the conflict is not resolved, they should uphold the higher ethical standard.
4. make known their commitment to the Ethics Code, and take steps to resolve the conflict; if the conflict is not resolved, they may then comply with the law.

Answer 38

1. make known their commitment to the Ethics Code, and take steps to resolve the conflict consistent with the Ethics Code; this standard should not be used to justify violating human rights.

Question 39

Which of the following statements is most accurate in regard to the American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (2002) and the laws of the State of California?

1. The Ethics Code has the full force of law in the State of California.
2. A psychologist may be sanctioned by the Board of Psychology for failure to uphold the Ethics Code.
   The Ethics Code only applies to members of the American Psychological
3. Association, or other associations that have endorsed the code (e.g., California Psychological Association, Los Angeles County Psychological Association, etc.).
4. Violations of the Ethics Code may be cause for civil prosecution but not criminal prosecution or disciplinary action by the Board of Psychology.

Answer 39

2. A psychologist may be sanctioned by the Board of Psychology for failure to uphold the Ethics Code.
   The Ethics Code only applies to members of the American Psychological

Question 40

Dave D. is referred for evaluation and treatment by his employer who has concerns about Dave’s capacity to perform his job. The request is specified in writing, and the employer is paying the psychologist. In this scenario the psychologist:

1. may not reveal any information to the employer.
2. may only reveal to the employer whether or not Dave D. has been attending treatment.
3. may reveal to the employer Dave’s functional limitations related to his fitness to perform his present job.
4. may reveal to the employer Dave’s diagnosis and resulting functional limitations related to his fitness to perform his present job.

Answer 40

3. may reveal to the employer Dave’s functional limitations related to his fitness to perform his present job.

Question 41

What are the guidelines with regard to videotaping in naturalistic observational research?

1. The researcher must obtain consent if minors are involved.
2. The researcher must obtain consent.
3. The researcher need not obtain consent.
4. The researcher need not obtain consent if the recording will not be used in a manner that could cause personal identification.

Answer 41

4. The researcher need not obtain consent if the recording will not be used in a manner that could cause personal identification.

Question 42

According to the American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (2002), a psychologist should provide feedback after an evaluation and assessment:

1. when requested to do so by the patient.
2. unless it would not be in the best interest of the patient.
3. in all cases, unless precluded by legal or organizational reasons.
4. in all cases.

Answer 42

3. in all cases, unless precluded by legal or organizational reasons.

Question 43

Which of the following may not fulfill continuing education requirements?

1. Continuing Medical Education (CME) courses accredited by the California Medical Association (CMA) or the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME).
2. Courses sponsored by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
3. Courses provided by a California Psychological Association (CPA) approved sponsor.
4. Courses provided by the Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi).

Answer 43

2. Courses sponsored by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.

Question 44

Which of the following most accurately describes the supervision requirement for psychology interns and other supervisees?

1. Supervision must comprise at least 10% of total time worked each week.
2. Face-to-face individual supervision must comprise at least 10% of total time worked each week.
3. Supervision must comprise at least 10% of total time worked each week, and at least one hour must be direct face-to-face individual supervision.
4. Supervision and/or clinical training must comprise at least 10% of total time worked each week, and at least one hour must be direct face-to-face individual supervision.

Answer 44

2. Face-to-face individual supervision must comprise at least 10% of total time worked each week.

Question 45

A patient reports that he got into a street fight the day before and killed the other man. Your best course of action would be to:

1. report the man immediately to the police.
2. encourage the man to turn himself in to the police.
3. assess his potential dangerousness to others.
4. maintain confidentiality.

Answer 45

3. assess his potential dangerousness to others.

Question 46

Which of the following is considered a discretionary reporting situation for elder abuse?

1. Neglect.
2. Abandonment or isolation.
3. Financial abuse.
4. Emotional abuse.

Answer 46

4. Emotional abuse.

Question 47

A psychologist receives a patient request for a copy of his records. After discussing the request with the patient, the therapist and patient agree that the therapist will provide the patient with a summary. Within how many days must the therapist comply?

1. 5 working days.
2. 10 working days.
3. 15 days.
4. 30 days.

Answer 47

2. 10 working days.

Question 48

Which of the following statements best summarizes the attitude of the 2002 APA Ethics Code toward multiple relationships?

1. It is unethical to enter into a multiple relationship that can be avoided.
2. Multiple relationships that cannot be avoided may be ethically permissible if they do not impair the psychologist’s functioning or risk harm or exploitation.
3. Multiple relationships that do not impair the psychologist’s functioning or risk harm or exploitation are not unethical.
4. Multiple relationships are not inherently unethical unless they violate other ethical standards against risking harm or exploitation to clients.

Answer 48

3. Multiple relationships that do not impair the psychologist’s functioning or risk harm or exploitation are not unethical.

Question 49

The Business and Professions Code defines telehealth as “delivering heath care services and public health via information and communication technologies to facilitate the diagnosis, consultation, treatment, education, care management, and self-management of a patient’s health.” The patient is at one site, while the health care provider is at another. Prior to delivery of telehealth services:

1. the provider must secure written consent.
2. the provider must secure verbal or written consent.
3. the provider must secure written and verbal consent.
4. the provider must secure the patient’s assent.

Answer 49

2. the provider must secure verbal or written consent.

Question 50

You are an independent contractor hired by a corporation to provide pre-employment screenings. The corporation fails to pay you according to your agreement with them, and you have sent them to collections. On what basis may you ethically withhold these assessments?

1. You are permitted to withhold the reports because they are assessments and not treatment records.
2. You are permitted to withhold the reports if you have secured the services of a collections agency.
3. You are permitted to withhold records if the employees will not be harmed.
4. You are permitted to withhold records if the employer will not be harmed.

Answer 50

4. You are permitted to withhold records if the employer will not be harmed.