Core Ethical Principles and Professional Codes
What ethical principle ensures therapists act in their clients’ best interests?
What is beneficence?
If there is a conflict between ethical standards and state law, which should therapists follow?
What is the higher standard?
True or False: Informed consent must always be obtained before starting therapy.
What is true?
If a therapist suspects child abuse, who must they report it to?
What is Child Protective Services (CPS)?
When is it appropriate for a therapist to terminate therapy?
What is “when the client has met treatment goals or therapy is no longer beneficial”?
This ethical principle ensures therapists respect a client’s right to make their own decisions.
What is autonomy?
What law protects a client’s health information and limits disclosure without consent?
What is HIPAA?
What are two key elements that must be included in an informed consent document?
What are “treatment risks and limits of confidentiality”?
What must a therapist do if a client expresses a clear and immediate threat to harm someone?
What is “warn the intended victim and notify law enforcement”?
What should a therapist do before terminating therapy with a client?
What is “give reasonable notice and provide referrals if needed”?
According to ethical codes, therapists must always tell the truth to their clients. What is this principle called?
What is veracity?
Which legal case established the duty to warn in situations where a client poses a risk to others?
What is Tarasoff v. Regents of the University of California?
Under what circumstances can a therapist break confidentiality without client consent?
What is “when the client poses a danger to themselves or others, child/elder abuse, or court orders”?
Name one of the three key elements of a suicide risk assessment.
What is “suicidal intent, plan, or means”?
A therapist suddenly stops responding to a client without explanation. What is this called?
What is abandonment?
Name two ethical codes that govern professional behavior for therapists.
What are the APA Code of Ethics and the ACA Code of Ethics?
What is the primary purpose of licensing requirements for therapists?
What is ensuring competency and protecting the public?
What is the difference between confidentiality and privilege?
What is “confidentiality is an ethical duty, while privilege is a legal right”?
If a therapist is unsure whether a situation requires a mandated report, what is the best course of action?
What is “consult with a supervisor or legal expert and document the decision-making process”?
True or False: Therapists should discuss the possibility of termination at the beginning of therapy.
What is true?
This principle ensures fairness in treatment and access to care for all clients.
What is justice?
What is one key difference between an ethical violation and a legal violation in therapy?
What is “an ethical violation breaches professional standards, while a legal violation breaks the law and may result in legal consequences”?
How long must therapists retain client records for minors in California?
What is “three years after the minor turns 18”?
What are the two key elements of the Tarasoff duty?
What are “duty to warn and duty to protect”?
Before ending therapy, what is one important step a therapist should take?
What is “provide referrals for continued support if needed”?