Introduction
Definition: Ethical Aspirational Principle and Enforceable Standards
Explanation of how the clients in this case study would be affected by unethical disclosure of client information
An explanation of how the issues affect the practice of professional psychology, in regards to professional supervision
An analysis of what the APA Ethics Code would suggest as a resolution to the dispute
A discussion on how your research into the dilemma affected your prior views and assumptions
Conclusion
Reference
Introduction
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In this presentation we will review and discuss confidentiality and involvement of parents in mental health services for children and adolescents.
This presentation will provide a definition of which ethical aspirational principle and enforceable standards are relevant.
This presentation will provide an explanation of how the clients in this case study would be affected by unethical disclosure of client information.
This presentation will provide an explanation of how the issues affect the practice of professional psychology, in regards to professional supervision.
An analysis of what the APA Ethics Code would suggest as a resolution to the dispute. Finally we will discuss how our research into this dilemma affected our prior views and assumptions
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A Definition of Which Ethical Aspirational Principle and Enforceable Standards Are Relevant
4.01 Maintaining Confidentiality
4.02 Discussing Limits of Confidentiality
4.05 Disclosure
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When the patient is a minor child a psychologist faces difficulty because the patient is still entitled to confidentiality and prevention of disclosure of their information. The minor patients parents do act a legal representative the client must grant permission to disclose specifics of their treatment to anyone including their parents. Standards 4.01; 4.02 and 4.05 are the definition of principles that all psychologist in this situation should do
The standard 4.01 states, that a Psychologists is obligated to take precautions to protect confidential information obtained through counseling sessions and even stored information, recognizing the extreme measure that one must go through to maintain confidentiality and this may be regulated by law or established by institutional rules or professional or scientific relationship.
The second bullet discussed states that the standard 4.02 “(a) Psychologists discuss with persons and or organizations with whom they established a scientific or professional relationship.
Standard 4.05 discusses the disclosure and when to and when not to. Ethical Principles of Psychologist and Codes of Conducts (2010), standard 4.05 states, “(a) Psychologists may disclose confidential information with the appropriate consent of the organizational client, the individual client/patient or another legally authorized person on behalf of the client/patient unless prohibited by law. (b) Psychologists disclose confidential information without the consent of the individual only as mandated by law, or where permitted by law for a valid purpose such as to (1) provide needed professional services; (2) obtain appropriate professional consultations; (3) protect the client/patient, psychologist, or others from harm; or (4) obtain payment for services from a client/patient, in which instance disclosure is limited to the minimum that is necessary to achieve the purpose.
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Issues Affecting the Practice of of Professional Psychology
Implications of HIPPA
Confidentiality
Limits of Confidentiality
Individuals involved
Anytime a parent is involved with their child in a counseling therapy they must be knowledgeable to how HIPPA works. The psychologist has to keep all health records private during the sessions and after the sessions (Fisher, 2017). The parents are allowed access if they have consent to do so. The psychologists must review the rights of the child they are treating to receive confidential notes, sessions and feedback during the process of therapy (Fisher, 2017). There are however, limits when it comes to the information kept private or not. The child must not be expressing any suicidal ideation or of hurting someone else, otherwise, the psychologist has the obligations to divulge the information given by the client (Fisher, 2017). The psychologists must also have a great working relationship with the parents as much as the child must during the entire counseling process (Fisher, 2017). This relationship can affect both the psychologists and the child if the parents question everything the psychologist is doing. On the off chance that parents/guardians uncovered treatment information unscrupulously, there surely will be consequences on the therapist. To start with, there will be a critical impact on the relationship between the client and clinician. For instance, if there were a strong alliance between the client and therapist that the client’s information wouldn’t be shared, and then the information was disclosed to the parent/guardian, then the relationship would most likely be damaged. Following this occasion, the client would have no trust in disclosing more personal information to the therapist and might wish to end treatment. Nonetheless, suppose that the parent/guardian couldn’t obtain treatment information, they might choose to end treatment rather than not know what is being discussed during These are examples of what the text referred to when discussing boundaries and the importance of establishing the boundaries of patient/client confidentiality (Fisher, 2017).
In some cases experts can legitimately discharge treatment information if there is any kind of risky practices being reported such as self-harming behaviors . The therapist obtaining proper supervision or guidance from their direct supervisor or referring to the APA Code of Ethics best conducts the procedure of this disclosure. Once more, if this information is disclosed in the incorrect manner, there could be lawful outcomes from the customer and family.
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How Research Affected Prior View and Assumptions
The influence of personal beliefs and bias
Dilemma disputed by investigation
Analyzing every all angles
Obeying the APA Ethical guidelines when creating ethical decisions forces the psychologist to question their personal bias’s and beliefs. When considering confidentiality and HIPPA the psychologist must be competent in the standards that are applicable to “multiple relationships”. When a therapist uses or applies those standards, they have to verify how they correlate to each particular case. This can be difficult as the therapist must examine every aspect to determine a concise understanding. Lastly, the therapist must consider the likely penalties if there is a breach in the client/therapist relationship due to the disclosure of data provided to the parents that may be delicate to the child (Fisher, 2013). Emphasis should be set on the child and the child’s family as the ultimate objective is their protection and comfort. Therapist can keep the client’s best interest as the main focus by applying the APA Code of Ethics which allows therapist to effectively handle any issues that arise. Although each person in a party to include the child and their parents are included in the decision-making process. The therapist must keep in mind that their primary obligation is to the child. The therapist should utilize the APA guidelines to determine the client’s treatment to ensure that they are in good ethical standard.
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Conclusion
References
Fisher, C.B. (2017). Decoding the ethics code: A practical guide for psychologists. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Behnke, S. (2004). Disclosures of confidential information under the new APA Ethics Code: a process for deciding when, and how. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/monitor/sep04/ethics