Ethics for Psychologists
Hours: 2.00
According to surveys of psychologists’ beliefs about ethics, a small minority of potential actions are viewed as unequivocally ethical or unethical (Pomerantz, 2017). The vast majority of potential actions a psychologist may take in their professional role are viewed as “grey areas” in terms of the ethics involved. In other words, the majority of actions that psychologists may choose are based on complex judgment calls where specific, absolute guidance is lacking. In such a professional climate, and where the well-being of clients is of paramount importance, it is critical for you to understand the major guiding standards of your professional ethics code. This course will examine some of the major tenets of the ethics code. You will also learn about a straightforward and practical ethical decision-making model you can use to evaluate the potential impact of your choices. The goal of this course is to provide psychology professionals in health and human services settings with skills for navigating ethical challenges.
According to surveys of psychologists’ beliefs about ethics, a small minority of potential actions are viewed as unequivocally ethical or unethical (Pomerantz, 2017). The vast majority of potential actions a psychologist may take in their professional role are viewed as “grey areas” in terms of the ethics involved. In other words, the majority of actions that psychologists may choose are based on complex judgment calls where specific, absolute guidance is lacking. In such a professional climate, and where the well-being of clients is of paramount importance, it is critical for you to understand the major guiding standards of your professional ethics code. This course will examine some of the major tenets of the ethics code. You will also learn about a straightforward and practical ethical decision-making model you can use to evaluate the potential impact of your choices. The goal of this course is to provide psychology professionals in health and human services settings with skills for navigating ethical challenges.
American Psychological Association
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As a Jointly Accredited organization, Relias LLC is approved to offer co-sponsored psychology continuing education by the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP). The APA is an associate member of Joint Accreditation for Interprofessional Continuing Education.
Florida Board of Psychology
Florida Board Of Psychology (CEBroker Provider #50-290)
Describe a decision-making model you can apply when confronted with ethical dilemmas in your practice.
Summarize how to address ethical dilemmas related to the therapeutic relationship.
Identify at least three ways psychologists can ensure they meet the ethical standards related to competence.
Explain at least three of the primary ethical concerns that relate to confidentiality.
Identify how issues related to fees and reimbursement can create ethical challenges for psychologists and how you can manage those challenges.
Outline:
Section 1: Introduction
About This Course
Learning Objectives
Section 2: Ethical Principles and Decision Making
Why Do We Have a Code of Ethics?
Sources of Information
Relationship Between Ethics Codes and Laws
Decision or a Dilemma?
Ethical Decision-Making
Review
Summary
Section 3: Ethical Dilemmas and the Therapy Relationship
Marilyn’s Assumption
Informed Consent
Meet Dr. Marsh
Dual Relationships and Boundary Crossings
Evaluating Dual Relationships
Dual Relationships, Boundaries, and Social Media
Dr. Gabbard’s Gadget
More About Conflicts of Interest
Who is the Client?
Ethical Issues and Termination
Planning for Service Interruptions
Review
Summary
Section 4: Ethics and Competence
Competence and Beneficence
Competence and Practice Scope
Marilyn’s Supervisor
Managing Competence Gaps
Continuing Education and Competence
Competence and Diversity
Technology and Competence
Competence and Termination
Review
Summary
Section 5: Ethics and Confidentiality
Privacy and Confidentiality: What’s the Difference?
Authorized Disclosures
Mandated Reporting and Confidentiality
Adhering to the Purpose of Disclosures
Consulting with Colleagues
Confidentiality and Technology
Review
Summary
Section 6: Ethical Issues Related to Reimbursement and Fees
Fee Discussions as Part of the Therapy Relationship
Dr. Miller’s Billing Stressors
Ethical Billing Approaches
A Gift for Dr. Miller
Bartering
Accurate Representations in Advertising
Review
Summary
Section 7: Conclusion
Course Summary
Course Contributors
Resources
References
Congratulations!
Monique Kahn, Psy.D. received her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University in Florida. She completed a pre-doctoral internship at Spokane Mental Health in Washington, which included specialty rotations in behavioral medicine and time-limited psychotherapies. She is licensed as a psychologist in Maine, where she was in private practice for 14 years, providing services to adult clients with varied presenting issues, but with particular emphasis on the treatment of anxiety disorders, the relationship between psychosocial stress and illness, insomnia, and coping with chronic illness. She has taught in the undergraduate psychology program at Husson University in Maine. In addition, she has worked as a content writer and psychology subject matter expert for several major educational publishing firms. She joined Relias as a clinical content writer and subject matter expert in 2016. Disclosure: Monique Kahn, Psy.D. has declared that no conflict of interest, Relevant Financial Relationship or Relevant Non-Financial Relationship exists.Expert Reviewer: Bridgett Ross, PsyD
Bridgett Ross, Psy.D. received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Philosophy from Boston College and then her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University. She is a licensed psychologist in California and was in private practice for 13 years treating various issues including trauma, anxiety and mood disorders, grief/loss, and issues around self-concept, identity, and attachment. Having supervised pre-licensed and licensed clinicians, she maintains an interest in professional issues in the field of psychology. Dr. Ross’ training and work history include Children’s Hospital Chadwick Center for Children and Families, Kaiser Permanente, Alvarado Parkway Institute, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, which informed her focus on providing evidence-based trauma treatment to diverse populations.
Disclosure: Bridgett Ross, PsyD has declared that no conflict of interest, Relevant Financial Relationship or Relevant Non-Financial Relationship exists.
The target audience for this course is: Advanced, Entry, Intermediate level Psychologists; in the following settings: Health and Human Services.
Asynchronous/Online Distance Learning; please see certificate details for specifics on delivery format.
Relias has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias.
If you require special accommodations to complete this module, please contact Relias Support by completing the web form (https://www.relias.com/help) or by using the chat functionality.
All courses offered by Relias, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.
Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, service mark, manufacturer or otherwise does not constitute or imply any endorsement, recommendation, or favoring of, or affiliation with, Relias, LLC.
All characteristics and organizations referenced in the following training are fictional. Any resemblance to any actual organizations or persons living or dead, is purely coincidental.
To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.
If you require special accommodations to complete this module, please contact Relias Customer Support here.
