When practicing psychology, licensed professionals must adhere to a code of ethical standards provided by the American Psychological Association. If a psychologist fails to follow the ethics code, he or she may by disciplined by the APA, or even be subjected to losing his or her state license to practice. The following principles represent the core values upheld by the APA ethics code.
Confidentiality in Psychology
When counseling a client, therapists must agree not to breach confidentiality. That is to say, the therapist must not share any information that a client provides in therapy without the consent of the client.
The following are extreme circumstances under which confidentiality may be broken:
- Client is in Danger to Himself or Others
- Therapist has Reason to Believe that a Child, Elder, or Mentally-Disabled Person is Being Abused
- Client is a Minor
- Court Orders Records
Avoiding Multiple Relationships in Psychology
The ethics code also states that therapists must attempt to avoid multiple relationships with clients. For example, a therapist may not provide counseling services to a relative, or to his or her child's teacher. In these cases, the therapist must refer the client to another therapist.
According to Dr. Colby Srsic, a counseling psychologist in Worthington, a suburb of Columbus, Ohio, there are some instances when it is impossible to avoid multiple relationships. In such situations, the psychologist must be prepared to explain to the ethics board that multiple relationships were unavoidable.
The APA states that psychologists cannot engage in a sexual relationship with a present client. Sexual relationships with former clients are prohibited until twenty-four months after therapy ends.
Sexual Relationships with Clients
Even if therapy has been terminated for twenty-four months, sexual relationships are likely still unethical. A therapist who has a sexual relationship with a former client must be prepared to prove that he or she did not exploit, or otherwise take advantage of the client.
Srsic believes that engaging in sexual relationships with former clients is a recipe for disaster.
"Twenty percent of all malpractice lawsuits involve sexual misconduct, which accounts for forty-five percent of all malpractice costs," she said.
Other Ethical Issues
Psychologists must also be aware of their responsibility to do no harm to clients.
In addition, they must engage in informed consent with clients, ensuring that they understand and agree to the implications of therapy.
When dealing these and other ethical issues, psychologists should always use their best judgment. As Srsic warned, there is often "gray area" when it comes to ethical dilemmas.
References:
Todd, J., & Bohart, A.C. (2006). Foundations of Clinical and Counseling Psychology (4th ed.). Long Grove, IL: Waveland Press, Inc.
Jennifer Long - Jennifer Long holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from the Ohio State University and has completed research projects in the field.
