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Clinical Psychology (PSY401)

LESSON 09

ETHICAL STANDARDS FOR CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS

Whether a psychologist is a researcher, teacher, therapist, or administrator, he or she is expected to

maintain the highest professional ethics in all professional activities at all times. In fact, psychology is

one of the few fields that have adopted ethical guidelines that hold members to a much higher standard

than the law. It is especially important for the field of psychology to focus on professional ethics since

psychologists generally have a high degree of responsibility that often significantly impacts the lives of

others. For example, clinical psychologists who conduct psychotherapy are entrusted with the emotional

and often physical vulnerabilities, confidences and well-being of the people who seek their guidance.

Clinical psychologists who are teachers or professors are called upon to provide objective, state-of-the-

art, and unbiased information to their students. Clinical psychologists conducting research must design

and conduct high quality research, protect the rights of subjects, and carefully interpret and report their

results in order to contribute meaningful information and knowledge about human behavior to the

professional community. Thus, clinical psychologists must closely and carefully follow ethical

principles to ensure that they behave in an appropriate, responsible, and professional manner protecting

the public as well as the profession.

RATIONALE

What are the ethical guidelines for psychologists? How exactly should a psychologist behave? How can

a psychologist be sure that he or she is behaving appropriately? While certain behaviors seem easy to

recognize as unethical such as sexual contact with current patients, falsifying research data or records,

breaking patient confidentiality, and over-billing, many other behaviors may not be so clear. The Ethics

Code has been updated nine times by the American Psychological Association since the original 1953

document was published. This current version of the APA Ethics Code was adopted by the American

Psychological Association's Council of Representatives during its meeting, August 21, 2002, and is

effective beginning June 1, 2003.

INTRODUCTION AND APPLICABILITY

The American Psychological Association's (APA's) Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of

Conduct (hereinafter referred to as the Ethics Code) consists of an Introduction, a Preamble, five

General Principles (A - E), and specific Ethical Standards. The Introduction discusses the intent,

organization, procedural considerations, and scope of application of the Ethics Code. The Preamble and

General Principles are aspirational goals to guide psychologists toward the highest ideals of psychology.

Although the Preamble and General Principles are not themselves enforceable rules, they should be

considered by psychologists in arriving at an ethical course of action. The Ethical Standards set forth

enforceable rules for conduct as psychologists. Most of the Ethical Standards are written broadly, in

order to apply to psychologists in varied roles, although the application of an Ethical Standard may vary

depending on the context.

This Ethics Code applies only to psychologists' activities that are part of their scientific, educational, or

professional roles as psychologists. Areas covered include but are not limited to the clinical, counseling,

and school practice of psychology; research; teaching; supervision of trainees; public service; policy

development; social intervention; development of assessment instruments; conducting assessments;

educational counseling; organizational consulting; forensic activities; program design and evaluation;

and administration. This Ethics Code applies to these activities across a variety of contexts, such as in

person, postal, telephone, internet, and other electronic transmissions.

Membership in the APA commits members and student affiliates to comply with the standards of the

APA Ethics Code and to the rules and procedures used to enforce them. Lack of awareness or

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misunderstanding of an Ethical Standard is not itself a defense to a charge of unethical conduct. APA

may impose sanctions on its members for violations of the standards of the Ethics Code, including

termination of AP membership, and may notify other bodies and individuals of its actions.

If this Ethics Code establishes a higher standard of conduct than is required by law, psychologists must

meet the higher ethical standard. If psychologists' ethical responsibilities conflict with law, regulations,

or other governing legal authority, psychologists make known their commitment to this Ethics Code and

take steps to resolve the conflict in a responsible manner. If the conflict is irresolvable via such means,

psychologists may adhere to the requirements of the law, regulations, or other governing authority in

keeping with basic principles of human rights.

PREAMBLE

Psychologists are committed to increasing scientific and professional knowledge of behavior and

people's understanding of themselves and others and to the use of such knowledge to improve the

condition of individuals, organizations, and society. Psychologists respect and protect civil and human

rights and the central importance of freedom of inquiry and expression in research, teaching, and

publication. They strive to help the public in developing informed judgments and choices concerning

human behavior. In doing so, they perform many roles, such as researcher, educator, diagnostician,

therapist, supervisor, consultant, administrator, social interventionist, and expert witness. This Ethics

Code provides a common set of principles and standards upon which psychologists build their

professional and scientific work.

This Ethics Code is intended to provide specific standards to cover most situations encountered by

psychologists. It has as its goals the welfare and protection of the individuals and groups with whom

psychologists work and the education of members, students, and the public regarding ethical standards

of the discipline.

The development of a dynamic set of ethical standards for psychologists' work-related conduct requires

a personal commitment and lifelong effort to act ethically; to encourage ethical behavior by students,

supervisees, employees, and colleagues; and to consult with others concerning ethical problems.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

General Principles, as opposed to Ethical Standards, are aspirational in nature. Their intent is to guide

and inspire psychologists toward the very highest ethical ideals of the profession. General Principles, in

contrast to Ethical Standards, do not represent obligations and should not form the basis for imposing

sanctions. Relying upon General Principles for either of these reasons distorts both their meaning and

purpose.

PRINCIPLE A: BENEFICENCE AND NONMALEFICENCE

Psychologists strive to benefit those with whom they work and take care to do no harm. In their

professional actions, psychologists seek to safeguard the welfare and rights of those with whom they

interact professionally and other affected persons, and the welfare of animal subjects of research. When

conflicts occur among psychologists' obligations or concerns, they attempt to resolve these conflicts in a

responsible fashion that avoids or minimizes harm. Because psychologists' scientific and professional

judgments and actions may affect the lives of others, they are alert to and guard against personal,

financial, social, organizational, or political factors that might lead to misuse of their influence.

Psychologists strive to be aware of the possible effect of their own physical and mental health on their

ability to help those with whom they work.

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PRINCIPLE B: FIDELITY AND RESPONSIBILITY

Psychologists establish relationships of trust with those with whom they work. They are aware of their

professional and scientific responsibilities to society and to the specific communities in which they

work. Psychologists uphold professional standards of conduct, clarify their professional roles and

obligations, accept appropriate responsibility for their behavior, and seek to manage conflicts of interest

that could lead to exploitation or harm. Psychologists consult with, refer to, or cooperate with other

professionals and institutions to the extent needed to serve the best interests of those with whom they

work. They are concerned about the ethical compliance of their colleagues' scientific and professional

conduct. Psychologists strive to contribute a portion of their professional time for little or no

compensation or personal advantage.

PRINCIPLE C: INTEGRITY

Psychologists seek to promote accuracy, honesty, and truthfulness in the science, teaching, and practice

of psychology. In these activities psychologists do not steal, cheat, or engage in fraud, subterfuge, or

intentional misrepresentation of fact. Psychologists strive to keep their promises and to avoid unwise or

unclear commitments. In situations in which deception may be ethically justifiable to maximize benefits

and minimize harm, psychologists have a serious obligation to consider the need for, the possible

consequences of, and their responsibility to correct any resulting mistrust or other harmful effects that

arise from the use of such techniques.

PRINCIPLE D: JUSTICE

Psychologists recognize that fairness and justice entitle all persons to access to and benefit from the

contributions of psychology and to equal quality in the processes, procedures, and services being

conducted by psychologists. Psychologists exercise reasonable judgment and take precautions to ensure

that their potential biases, the boundaries of their competence, and the limitations of their expertise do

not lead to or condone unjust practices.

PRINCIPLE E: RESPECT FOR PEOPLE'S RIGHTS AND DIGNITY

Psychologists respect the dignity and worth of all people, and the rights of individuals to privacy,

confidentiality, and self-determination. Psychologists are aware that special safeguards may be

necessary to protect the rights and welfare of persons or communities whose vulnerabilities impair

autonomous decision making. Psychologists are aware of and respect cultural, individual, and role

differences, including those based on age, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national

origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, and socioeconomic status and consider these

factors when working with members of such groups. Psychologists try to eliminate the effect on their

work of biases based on those factors, and they do not knowingly participate in or condone activities of

others based upon such prejudices.

ETHICAL STANDARDS

1. RESOLVING ETHICAL ISSUES

1.01 Misuse of Psychologists' Work

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

or minimize the misuse or misrepresentation.

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

If psychologists' ethical responsibilities conflict with law, regulations, or other governing legal

authority, psychologists make known their commitment to the Ethics Code and take steps to resolve the

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conflict. If the conflict is un-resolvable via such means, psychologists may adhere to the requirements of

the law, regulations, or other governing legal authority.

1.03 Conflicts between Ethics and Organizational Demands

If the demands of an organization with which psychologists are affiliated or for whom they are working

conflict with this Ethics Code, psychologists clarify the nature of the conflict, make known their

commitment to the Ethics Code, and to the extent feasible, resolve the conflict in a way that permits

adherence to the Ethics Code.

1.04 Informal Resolution of Ethical Violations

When psychologists believe that there may have been an ethical violation by another psychologist, they

attempt to resolve the issue by bringing it to the attention of that individual, if an informal resolution

appears appropriate and the intervention does not violate any confidentiality rights that may be

involved.

1.05 Reporting Ethical Violations

If an apparent ethical violation has substantially harmed or is likely to substantially harm a person or

organization and is not appropriate for informal resolution under Standard 1.04, Informal Resolution of

Ethical Violations, or is not resolved properly in that fashion, psychologists take further action

appropriate to the situation. Such action might include referral to state or national committees on

professional ethics, to state licensing boards, or to the appropriate institutional authorities. This standard

does not apply when an intervention would violate confidentiality rights or when psychologists have

been retained to review the work of another psychologist whose professional conduct is in question.

1.06 Cooperating With Ethics Committees

Psychologists cooperate in ethics investigations, proceedings, and resulting requirements of the APA or

any affiliated state psychological association to which they belong. In doing so, they address any

confidentiality issues. Failure to cooperate is itself an ethics violation. However, making a request for

deferment of adjudication of an ethics complaint pending the outcome of litigation does not alone

constitute non-cooperation.

1.07 Improper Complaints

Psychologists do not file or encourage the filing of ethics complaints that are made with reckless

disregard for or willful ignorance of facts that would disprove the allegation.

1.08 Unfair Discrimination Against Complainants and Respondents

Psychologists do not deny persons employment, advancement, admissions to academic or other

programs, tenure, or promotion, based solely upon their having made or their being the subject of an

ethics complaint. This does not preclude taking action based upon the outcome of such proceedings or

considering other appropriate information.

2. COMPETENCE

2.01 Boundaries of Competence

(a) Psychologists provide services, teach, and conduct research with populations and in areas only

within the boundaries of their competence, based on their education, training, supervised experience,

consultation, study, or professional experience.

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(b) Where scientific or professional knowledge in the discipline of psychology establishes that an

understanding of factors associated with age, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national

origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, or socioeconomic status is essential for effective

implementation of their services or research, psychologists have or obtain the training, experience,

consultation, or supervision necessary to ensure the competence of their services, or they make

appropriate referrals.

techniques, or technologies new to them undertake relevant education, training, supervised experience,

consultation, or study.

(d) When psychologists are asked to provide services to individuals for whom appropriate mental health

services are not available and for which psychologists have not obtained the competence necessary,

psychologists with closely related prior training or experience may provide such services in order to

ensure that services are not denied if they make a reasonable effort to obtain the competence required by

using relevant research, training, consultation, or study.

(e) In those emerging areas in which generally recognized standards for preparatory training do not yet

exist, psychologists nevertheless take reasonable steps to ensure the competence of their work and to

protect clients/patients, students, supervisees, research participants, organizational clients, and others

from harm.

(f) When assuming forensic roles, psychologists are or become reasonably familiar with the judicial or

administrative rules governing their roles.

2.02 Providing Services in Emergencies

In emergencies, when psychologists provide services to individuals for whom other mental health

services are not available and for which psychologists have not obtained the necessary training,

psychologists may provide such services in order to ensure that services are not denied. The services are

discontinued as soon as the emergency has ended or appropriate services are available.

2.03 Maintaining Competence

Psychologists undertake ongoing efforts to develop and maintain their competence.

2.04 Bases for Scientific and Professional Judgments

Psychologists' work is based upon established scientific and professional knowledge of the discipline.

2.05 Delegation of Work to Others

Psychologists who delegate work to employees, supervisees, or research or teaching assistants or who

use the services of others, such as interpreters, take reasonable steps to (1) avoid delegating such work

to persons who have a multiple relationship with those being served that would likely lead to

exploitation or loss of objectivity; (2) authorize only those responsibilities that such persons can be

expected to perform competently on the basis of their education, training, or experience, either

independently or with the level of supervision being provided; and (3) see that such persons perform

these services competently.

2.06 Personal Problems and Conflicts

(a) Psychologists refrain from initiating an activity when they know or should know that there is a

substantial likelihood that their personal problems will prevent them from performing their work-related

activities in a competent manner.

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(b) When psychologists become aware of personal problems that may interfere with their performing

work-related duties adequately, they take appropriate measures, such as obtaining professional

consultation or assistance, and determine whether they should limit, suspend, or terminate their work-

related duties.

3. HUMAN RELATIONS

3.01 Unfair Discrimination

In their work-related activities, psychologists do not engage in unfair discrimination based on age,

gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability,

socioeconomic status, or any basis proscribed by law.

3.02 Harassment

Psychologists do not knowingly engage in behavior that is harassing or demeaning to persons with

whom they interact in their work based on factors such as those persons' age, gender, gender identity,

race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, or

socioeconomic status.

3.03 Avoiding Harm

Psychologists take reasonable steps to avoid harming their clients/patients, students, supervisees,

research participants, organizational clients, and others with whom they work, and to minimize harm

where it is foreseeable and unavoidable.

3.04 Multiple Relationships

(a) A multiple relationship occurs when a psychologist is in a professional role with a person and (1) at

the same time is in another role with the same person, (2) at the same time is in a relationship with a

person closely associated with or related to the person with whom the psychologist has the professional

relationship, or (3) promises to enter into another relationship in the future with the person or a person

closely associated with or related to the person.

A psychologist refrains from entering into a multiple relationship if the multiple relationship could

reasonably be expected to impair the psychologist's objectivity, competence, or effectiveness in

performing his or her functions as a psychologist, or otherwise risks exploitation or harm to the person

with whom the professional relationship exists.

Multiple relationships that would not reasonably be expected to cause impairment or risk exploitation or

harm are not unethical.

(b) If a psychologist finds that, due to unforeseen factors, a potentially harmful multiple relationship has

arisen, the psychologist takes reasonable steps to resolve it with due regard for the best interests of the

affected person and maximal compliance with the Ethics Code.

in more than one role in judicial or administrative proceedings, at the outset they clarify role

expectations and the extent of confidentiality and thereafter as changes occur.

3.05 Conflict of Interest

Psychologists refrain from taking on a professional role when personal, scientific, professional, legal,

financial, or other interests or relationships could reasonably be expected to (1) impair their objectivity,

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competence, or effectiveness in performing their functions as psychologists or (2) expose the person or

organization with whom the professional relationship exists to harm or exploitation.

3.06 Third-Party Requests for Services

When psychologists agree to provide services to a person or entity at the request of a third party,

psychologists attempt to clarify at the outset of the service the nature of the relationship with all

individuals or organizations involved. This clarification includes the role of the psychologist (e.g.,

therapist, consultant, diagnostician, or expert witness), an identification of who is the client, the

probable uses of the services provided or the information obtained, and the fact that there may be limits

to confidentiality.

3.07 Exploitative Relationships

Psychologists do not exploit persons over whom they have supervisory, evaluative, or other authority

such as clients/patients, students, supervisees, research participants, and employees.

3.08 Cooperation with Other Professionals

When indicated and professionally appropriate, psychologists cooperate with other professionals in

order to serve their clients/patients effectively and appropriately.

3.09 Informed Consent

(a) When psychologists conduct research or provide assessment, therapy, counseling, or consulting

services in person or via electronic transmission or other forms of communication, they obtain the

informed consent of the individual or individuals using language that is reasonably understandable to

that person or persons except when conducting such activities without consent is mandated by law or

governmental regulation or as otherwise provided in this Ethics Code.

(b) For persons who are legally incapable of giving informed consent, psychologists nevertheless (1)

provide an appropriate explanation, (2) seek the individual's assent, (3) consider such persons'

preferences and best interests, and (4) obtain appropriate permission from a legally authorized person, if

such substitute consent is permitted or required by law. When consent by a legally authorized person is

not permitted or required by law, psychologists take reasonable steps to protect the individual's rights

and welfare.

individual of the nature of the anticipated services, including whether the services are court ordered or

mandated and any limits of confidentiality, before proceeding.

(d) Psychologists appropriately document written or oral consent, permission, and assent.

3.10 Psychological Services Delivered To or Through Organizations

(a) Psychologists delivering services to or through organizations provide information beforehand to

clients and when appropriate those directly affected by the services about (1) the nature and objectives

of the services, (2) the intended recipients, (3) which of the individuals are clients, (4) the relationship

the psychologist will have with each person and the organization, (5) the probable uses of services

provided and information obtained, (6) who will have access to the information, and (7) limits of

confidentiality. As soon as feasible, they provide information about the results and conclusions of such

services to appropriate persons.

(b) If psychologists will be prohibited by law or by organizational roles from providing such

information to particular individuals or groups, they so inform those individuals or groups at the outset

of the service.

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3.11 Interruption of Psychological Services

Unless otherwise covered by contract, psychologists make reasonable efforts to plan for facilitating

services in the event that psychological services are interrupted by factors such as the psychologist's

illness, death, unavailability, relocation, or retirement or by the client's/patient's relocation or financial

limitations.

4. PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY

4.01 Maintaining Confidentiality

Psychologists have a primary obligation and take reasonable precautions to protect confidential

information obtained through or stored in any medium, recognizing that the extent and limits of

confidentiality may be regulated by law or established by institutional rules or professional or scientific

relationship.

4.02 Discussing the Limits of Confidentiality

(a) Psychologists discuss with persons (including, to the extent feasible, persons who are legally

incapable of giving informed consent and their legal representatives) and organizations with whom they

establish a scientific or professional relationship (1) the relevant limits of confidentiality and (2) the

foreseeable uses of the information generated through their psychological activities.

(b) Unless it is not feasible or is contraindicated, the discussion of confidentiality occurs at the outset of

the relationship and thereafter as new circumstances may warrant.

clients/patients of the risks to privacy and limits of confidentiality.

4.03 Recording

Before recording the voices or images of individuals to whom they provide services, psychologists

obtain permission from all such persons or their legal representatives.

4.04 Minimizing Intrusions on Privacy

(a) Psychologists include in written and oral reports and consultations, only information relevant to the

purpose for which the communication is made.

(b) Psychologists discuss confidential information obtained in their work only for appropriate scientific

or professional purposes and only with persons clearly concerned with such matters.

4.05 Disclosures

(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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4.06 Consultations

When consulting with colleagues, (1) psychologists do not disclose confidential information that

reasonably could lead to the identification of a client/patient, research participant, or other person or

organization with whom they have a confidential relationship unless they have obtained the prior

consent of the person or organization or the disclosure cannot be avoided, and (2) they disclose

information only to the extent necessary to achieve the purposes of the consultation.

4.07 Use of Confidential Information for Educational or Other Purposes

Psychologists do not disclose in their writings, lectures, or other public media, confidential, personally

identifiable information concerning their clients/patients, students, research participants, organizational

clients, or other recipients of their services that they obtained during the course of their work, unless (1)

they take reasonable steps to disguise the person or organization, (2) the person or organization has

consented in writing, or (3) there is legal authorization for doing so.

5. RECORD KEEPING AND FEES

5.01 Documentation of Professional and Scientific Work and Maintenance of Records

Psychologists create, and to the extent the records are under their control, maintain, disseminate, store,

retain, and dispose of records and data relating to their professional and scientific work in order to (1)

facilitate provision of services later by them or by other professionals, (2) allow for replication of

research design and analyses, (3) meet institutional requirements, (4) ensure accuracy of billing and

payments, and (5) ensure compliance with law.

5.02 Maintenance, Dissemination, and Disposal of Confidential Records of Professional and

Scientific Work

(a) Psychologists maintain confidentiality in creating, storing, accessing, transferring, and disposing of

records under their control, whether these are written, automated, or in any other medium.

b) If confidential information concerning recipients of psychological services is entered into databases

or systems of records available to persons whose access has not been consented to by the recipient,

psychologists use coding or other techniques to avoid the inclusion of personal identifiers.

(c) Psychologists make plans in advance to facilitate the appropriate transfer and to protect the

confidentiality of records and data in the event of psychologists' withdrawal from positions or practice.

5.03 Withholding Records for Nonpayment

Psychologists may not withhold records under their control that are requested and needed for a

client's/patient's emergency treatment solely because payment has not been received.

5.04 Fees and Financial Arrangements

(a) As early as is feasible in a professional or scientific relationship, psychologists and recipients of

psychological services reach an agreement specifying compensation and billing arrangements.

(b) Psychologists' fee practices are consistent with law.

(c) Psychologists do not misrepresent their fees.

(d) If limitations to services can be anticipated because of limitations in financing, this is discussed with

the recipient of services as early as is feasible.

(e) If the recipient of services does not pay for services as agreed, and if psychologists intend to use

collection agencies or legal measures to collect the fees, psychologists first inform the person that such

measures will be taken and provide that person an opportunity to make prompt payment.

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5.05 Barter with Clients/Patients

Barter is the acceptance of goods, services, or other non-monetary remuneration from clients/patients in

return for psychological services. Psychologists may barter only if (1) it is not clinically contraindicated,

and (2) the resulting arrangement is not exploitative.

5.06 Accuracy in Reports to Payors and Funding Sources

In their reports to payors for services or sources of research funding, psychologists take reasonable steps

to ensure the accurate reporting of the nature of the service provided or research conducted, the fees,

charges, or payments, and where applicable, the identity of the provider, the findings, and the diagnosis.

5.07 Referrals and Fees

When psychologists pay, receive payment from, or divide fees with another professional, other than in

an employer-employee relationship, the payment to each is based on the services provided (clinical,

consultative, administrative, or other) and is not based on the referral itself.

6. ASSESSMENT

6.01 Bases for Assessments

(a) Psychologists base the opinions contained in their recommendations, reports, and diagnostic or

evaluative statements, including forensic testimony, on information and techniques sufficient to

substantiate their findings.

(b) Except as noted in 6.01c, psychologists provide opinions of the psychological characteristics of

individuals only after they have conducted an examination of the individuals adequate to support their

statements or conclusions. When, despite reasonable efforts, such an examination is not practical,

psychologists document the efforts they made and the result of those efforts, clarify the probable impact

of their limited information on the reliability and validity of their opinions, and appropriately limit the

nature and extent of their conclusions or recommendations.

c) When psychologists conduct a record review or provide consultation or supervision and an individual

examination is not warranted or necessary for the opinion, psychologists explain this and the sources of

information on which they based their conclusions and recommendations.

6.02 Use of Assessments

(a) Psychologists administer, adapt, score, interpret, or use assessment techniques, interviews, tests, or

instruments in a manner and for purposes that are appropriate in light of the research on or evidence of

the usefulness and proper application of the techniques.

(b) Psychologists use assessment instruments whose validity and reliability have been established for

use with members of the population tested. When such validity or reliability has not been established,

psychologists describe the strengths and limitations of test results and interpretation.

and competence, unless the use of an alternative language is relevant to the assessment issues.

6.03 Informed Consent in Assessments

(a) Psychologists obtain informed consent for assessments, evaluations, or diagnostic services, as

described in Standard 3.10, Informed Consent, except when (1) testing is mandated by law or

governmental regulations; (2) informed consent is implied because testing is conducted as a routine

educational, institutional, or organizational activity (e.g., when participants voluntarily agree to

assessment when applying for a job); or (3) one purpose of the testing is to evaluate decisional capacity.

Informed consent includes an explanation of the nature and purpose of the assessment, fees,

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involvement of third parties, and limits of confidentiality and sufficient opportunity for the client/patient

to ask questions and receive answers.

(b) Psychologists inform persons with questionable capacity to consent or for whom testing is mandated

by law or governmental regulations about the nature and purpose of the proposed assessment services,

using language that is reasonably understandable to the person being assessed.

(c) Psychologists using the services of an interpreter obtain informed consent from the client/patient to

use that interpreter, ensure that confidentiality of test results and test security are maintained, and

include in their recommendations, reports, and diagnostic or evaluative statements, including forensic

testimony, discussion of any limitations on the data obtained.

6.04 Interpreting Assessment Results

When interpreting assessment results, including automated interpretations, psychologists take into

account the purpose of the assessment as well as the various test factors, test-taking abilities, and other

characteristics of the person being assessed, such as situational, personal, linguistic, and cultural

differences that might affect psychologists' judgments or reduce the accuracy of their interpretations.

They indicate any significant limitations of their interpretations.

6.05 Assessment by Unqualified Persons

Psychologists do not promote the use of psychological assessment techniques by unqualified persons,

except when such use is conducted for training purposes with appropriate supervision.

6.06 Obsolete Tests and Outdated Test Results

(a) Psychologists do not base their assessment or intervention decisions or recommendations on data or

test results that are outdated for the current purpose.

(b) Psychologists do not base such decisions or recommendations on tests and measures that are

obsolete and not useful for the current purpose.

6.07 Explaining Assessment Results

Regardless of whether the scoring and interpretation are done by psychologists, by employees or

assistants, or by automated or other outside services, psychologists take reasonable steps to ensure that

explanations of results are given to the individual or designated representative unless the nature of the

relationship precludes provision of an explanation of results (such as in some organizational consulting,

pre-employment or security screenings, and forensic evaluations), and this fact has been clearly

explained to the person being assessed in advance.

7. THERAPY

7.01 Informed Consent to Therapy

(a) When obtaining informed consent to therapy , psychologists inform clients/patients as early as is

feasible in the therapeutic relationship about the nature and anticipated course of therapy, fees,

involvement of third parties, and limits of confidentiality and provide sufficient opportunity for the

client/patient to ask questions and receive answers.

(b) When obtaining informed consent for treatment for which generally recognized techniques and

procedures have not been established, psychologists inform their clients/patients of the developing

nature of the treatment, the potential risks involved, alternative treatments that may be available, and the

voluntary nature of their participation.

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(c) When the therapist is a trainee and the legal responsibility for the treatment provided resides with the

supervisor, the client/patient, as part of the informed consent procedure, is informed that the therapist is

in training and is being supervised and is given the name of the supervisor.

7.02 Therapy Involving Couples or Families

(a) When psychologists agree to provide services to several persons who have a relationship (such as

spouses, significant others, or parents and children), they take reasonable steps to clarify at the outset (1)

which of the individuals are clients/patients and (2) the relationship the psychologist will have with each

person. This clarification includes the psychologist's role and the probable uses of the services provided

or the information obtained.

b) If it becomes apparent that psychologists may be called on to perform potentially conflicting roles

(such as family therapist and then witness for one party in divorce proceedings), psychologists take

reasonable steps to clarify and modify, or withdraw from, roles appropriately.

7.03 Group Therapy

When psychologists provide services to several persons in a group setting, they describe at the outset the

roles and responsibilities of all parties and the limits of confidentiality.

7.04 Providing Therapy to Those Served by Others

In deciding whether to offer or provide services to those already receiving mental health services

elsewhere, psychologists carefully consider the treatment issues and the potential client's/patient's

welfare. Psychologists discuss these issues with the client/patient or another legally authorized person

on behalf of the client/patient in order to minimize the risk of confusion and conflict, consult with the

other service providers when appropriate, and proceed with caution and sensitivity to the therapeutic

issues.

7.05 Sexual Intimacies With Current Therapy Clients/Patients

Psychologists do not engage in sexual intimacies with current therapy clients/patients.

7.06 Sexual Intimacies With Relatives or Significant Others of Current Therapy Clients/Patients

Psychologists do not engage in sexual intimacies with individuals they know to be close relatives,

guardians, or significant others of current clients/patients. Psychologists do not terminate therapy to

circumvent this standard.

7.07 Interruption of Therapy

When entering into employment or contractual relationships, psychologists make reasonable efforts to

provide for orderly and appropriate resolution of responsibility for client/patient care in the event that

the employment or contractual relationship ends, with paramount consideration given to the welfare of

the client/patient.

7.08 Terminating Therapy

(a) Psychologists terminate therapy when it becomes reasonably clear that the client/patient no longer

needs the service, is not likely to benefit, or is being harmed by continued service.

(b) Psychologists may terminate therapy when threatened or otherwise endangered by the client/patient

or another person with whom the client/patient has a relationship.

(c) Except where precluded by the actions of clients/patients or third-party payors, prior to termination

psychologists provide pre-termination counseling and suggest alternative service providers as

appropriate.

Clinical Psychology (PSY401)

CONCLUSION

As we study these ethical standards, it becomes clear that clinical psychologists must closely and

carefully follow ethical principles to ensure that they behave in an appropriate, responsible, and

professional manner protecting the public as well as the profession.

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