An important step in becoming a mental health professional or consumer of psychological services is to be aware of the ethical issues faced by psychologists. What impact do these issues have on the field of clinical psychology? 9. This article will take a closer look at what the therapist's ethical responsibilities entail, and examine some common ethical problems faced by mental health professionals. 1.
When it comes to forensic psychology, psychiatrists will have to keep in mind the high ethical standards when therapy has to be carried out within an individual or group in an outpatient clinic, open hospital or secure hospital setting. Approaching ethical dilemmas. Psychological testing in the workplace is a legal issue that is associated with clinical psychology. Historical evidence and specific patients provide examples of ethical issues, describe problems in the field of psychology, and constitute preventions in order to fix them. This chapter examines how ethical issues are approached differently by two prominent psychological associations, how they are encountered by psychologists, the formal complaints they give rise to, and how they can be approached systematically to avoid missteps. Ethical Issues in Forensic Psychology. The information gathered from psychological testing can be used against the candidate. This lesson discusses ethical dilemmas as they relate to psychology and psychologists. Explain your response. I think (others might disagree) that ethical issues always come down to being kind or unkind—behaving in ways that are likely to injure others or likely to avoid such injury. Print version: page 62 This means that it is the therapist's responsibility to avoid unethical interactions with patients. However, some controversies regarding ethical issues appear in the field of psychology. Ethical Issues in Psychology Psychologists often work with vulnerable individuals in sensitive situations. .2 What are at least two ethical issues associated with clinical psychology? More detailed guidance recently has become available in Guidelines for Clinical Supervision in Health Service Psychology (APA, 2014). Ethical Issues in Psychology Whether you are involved in teaching, practice or research, ethical issues in psychology should be at the forefront of everything that you do. The APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (2010) includes ethical requirements applicable to supervisors. The best-selling Clinical Psychology: Science, Practice, and Diversity presents an inclusive and culturally competent view of the vast world of clinical psychology. Knowing the obvious and not so obvious ethical pitfalls is essential, this article will help remind you of some of the issues … Provide an example of a situation that could be ethical but illegal. The definition of ethics is often summarized by “morality” (Banyard). Ethical issues in counseling generally fall on the therapist. The concept of ethics is defined and it is made clear why psychologists need to be ethical. What are at least two legal issues associated with clinical psychology? By DEBORAH SMITH BAILEY. When facing uncertainty, consult a colleague, refer to APA's Ethics Code and document your decision, advised APA Ethics Committee members. Monitor Staff October 2004, Vol 35, No.