Informed Consent
When should informed consent be given?
As early as feasible
When is it okay for a therapist to have sexual relations with a current patient?
Never
What is pretermination counseling?
Providing clients with advanced notice that treatment is being stopped, and the reasons for termination.
Is it ethical for a therapist to have relations with a current client?
No
What does "as early as feasible" mean?
As soon as it is appropriate to do so
T/F, it's okay for a therapist to treat their ex-lover, as long as they both consent and it's been over 5 years.
False, it is ALWAYS prohibited for a practitioner to treat a former sexual partner.
What should be included in pretermination counseling?
Encouraging the client to ask questions and providing referrals to other providers when appropriate.
What's one thing a therapist should give to the client at the time of dismissal?
Referrals.
How often should informed consent be given?
At any appropriate points, such as when a shift in an aspect of the therapy is distinctly different than what was agreed upon at the time of initial informed consent.
How long after a patient is discharged does a practitioner have to wait until they are able to engage in sexual contact?
2 years, and this is VERY uncommon.
Who receives predetermination counseling?
The client, and both group therapy and individual therapy clients receive it.
Any scenario when a therapist is threatened by a client/their relative.
Is informed consent necessary when fees of service change?
Yes, as soon as possible
What is one concern of a therapist having sexual relations with a client?
The therapists' effectiveness and objectivity might be impaired.
What is paramount during an interruption of therapy?
The wellbeing of the client.
What's an example of when it would not be feasible to obtain informed consent?
The patient is suicidal, hysterical, or experiencing a schizophrenic episode, etc.
What constitutes "sexual intimacies?"
Touching, fondling, kissing, intercourse, and verbal/nonverbal invitations to engage in sexual contact.
When is treatment allowed to be abruptly terminated?
Who is bound to confidentiality in a group therapy setting?
The therapist is the only party officially bound to confidentiality; it can be highly suggested to clients.