APA Ethics Code in the Digital Age
Dr. Chen switches all clients to telehealth without checking whether they have stable internet access. One client from a low-income background misses multiple sessions due to connectivity issues and is terminated for “noncompliance.”
Justice
The process of ensuring that clients fully understand the nature, purpose, risks, and benefits of therapy, allowing them to make voluntary and informed decisions about participation in treatment.
Informed Consent
(Cooper et al., 2019)
According to one study, what fraction of psychology and counseling graduate students searched for information about a client online?
One-third
(Harris & Kurpius, 2014)
One benefit of telepsychology, particularly for underserved and diverse populations.
Increased access to therapeutic services
(Cooper et al., 2019)
It is strongly recommend that therapists _____ friend requests from unknown parties.
decline
(Kolmes & Taube, 2016)
Dr. Nguyen posts mental health advice videos on TikTok. To gain more followers, she exaggerates her credentials, calling herself a “clinical neuropsychologist” though she has not completed board certification. She rationalizes this as a harmless way to attract clients.
Integrity
In asynchronous therapy, therapists maintain _____ by keeping all client messages on secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms.
Confidentiality
(Cooper et al., 2019)
According to one study,___% of clients found personal information about their therapist online, ___% told their therapist about it.
70; 25
(Baier et al., 2018)
Two resources that marginalized clients may lack, creating a barrier to telepsychology.
Space with Privacy, Internet Access, Sufficient Technology
(Cooper et al., 2019)
Ongoing technology ______ for both psychologists and doctoral students is critical to stay ethical, effective, and updated with the newest digital tools in the practice of telepsychology.
training/education
(Cooper et al., 2019)
Dr. Santos searches for a new client’s social media profile “to better understand their background.” She later brings up something from the client’s posts in session. The client feels their privacy was invaded and that therapy is no longer a safe space.
Respect for People’s Rights and Dignity
In (tele)therapy, a _____ plan guides clients with suicidal thoughts to identify coping skills, list emergency resources, and plan what to do when the therapist cannot intervene in real time.
Safety (aka Safety Plan Intervention)
(American Psychological Association [APA], 2024)
According to one study, ___% of psychologists reported being stalked or threatened by clients.
10-20
(Baier et al., 2018)
Due to the increased visibility into clients' homes and cultures, therapists should be aware of any ___ they may have when conducting telepsychology.
Biases
(Cooper et al., 2019; Drum & Littleton, 2014)
Psychologists should avoid public personal social media accounts due to the possibility of unintentional ______ of personal or political views, potentially leading to multiple relationships or affecting objectivity
self-disclosure
(Smith et al., 2021)
Dr. Morales uses an AI-assisted therapy chatbot between sessions to help clients practice coping skills. She doesn’t realize the app’s privacy policy allows user data to be shared with third parties for marketing. One client later receives targeted ads related to their trauma history and feels violated.
Beneficence and Nonmaleficence
Preparing effectively for remote sessions through skill development and technology readiness ensures that the therapist has both clinical and technical _____.
Competence
(American Psychological Association [APA], 2024; Cooper et al., 2019)
A client “likes” you on a dating app, you__
Address it openly and explain the situation; consider termination or referral if needed; seek supervision.
(Unhjem et al., 2021)
Therapists should practice cultural ____ when aiming to understand a client's motivation for initiating online interactions (e.g. friend request on social media).
Humility
(Kolmes, 2012; Cooper et al., 2019)
Psychologist content creators must be _______ in the information they share, ensure their content is accurately cited, and visibly disclaim that their posts are not a substitute for clinical services.
competent
(Smith et al., 2021)
Dr. Lopez’s former client follows her on Instagram. Dr. Lopez accepts the request, thinking it’s harmless. She has a very professional instagram account. The client later sees that Dr. Lopez’s follows accounts with extreme political opinions, which contradict the client’s values and the client feels like they can no longer trust Dr. Lopez’s opinions based on this knowledge of their beliefs. The client files a complaint about boundary violations, and leaves therapy.
Fidelity and Responsibility
An interstate compact designed to facilitate the practice of telepsychology and the temporary in-person, face-to-face practice of psychology across state boundaries.
Psychological Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT)
(Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact [PSYPACT], 2024; Cooper et al., 2019)
Over one week in January 2012, the news feeds of more than 600,000 Facebook users were subtly changed. Without users’ knowledge, researchers manipulated the emotional content to see how friends’ emotions affected one another. What is one ethical concern this study raises?
Lack of transparency and loss of privacy
(Ross, 2014)
Due to discomfort or unfamiliarity with technology, online therapy may pose challenges for this population of therapists.
Digital Immigrants (Kolmes, 2012)
The “scrambling” or camouflaging of digital information—such as progress notes or addresses—by changing it into a form that can not be understood by others
encryption
(Taube, 2013)