Ethical and Legal Issues in Abnormal Psychology

Mary Shuttlesworth2 minutes read

Psychologists in abnormal psychology must adhere to the APA ethics code, focusing on competence, informed consent, privileged communication, multiple relationships, no sexual relationships, commitment procedures, and forensic issues. This ensures ethical practices, clear boundaries, and protection for both clients and psychologists.

Insights

  • In abnormal psychology, psychologists must adhere to strict ethical guidelines outlined in the APA code, covering areas like competence, consent, confidentiality, multiple relationships, and prohibition of sexual relationships with clients.
  • Psychologists in abnormal psychology navigate complex situations involving commitment procedures, forensic evaluations, and privileged communication, emphasizing the critical intersection between psychology and legal systems, ensuring client safety, rights, and ethical practices.

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Recent questions

  • What does the APA ethics code guide in abnormal psychology?

    Ethical practices, consequences for violations, and license loss.

  • What must psychologists provide before therapy according to the APA ethics code?

    Informed consent statements outlining treatment goals, processes, and more.

  • When can therapists disclose client information without permission?

    In cases of abuse reporting or duty to warn.

  • What is the APA ethics code's stance on sexual relationships between therapists and clients?

    Strictly prohibited with a two-year waiting period post-therapy.

  • When might commitment procedures be necessary in abnormal psychology?

    When a person is deemed a danger to themselves or society.

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Summary

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Ethical Guidelines in Abnormal Psychology Practice

  • The APA ethics code guides psychologists in ethical practices within abnormal psychology, with strict consequences for violations like license loss.
  • Competence in assessment, conceptualization, interventions, and expert testimony is crucial for psychologists in abnormal psychology.
  • Psychologists must provide informed consent statements to clients before therapy, outlining treatment goals, processes, rights, responsibilities, risks, fees, and confidentiality limits.
  • Privileged communication ensures therapists cannot disclose client information without explicit permission, except in cases of abuse reporting or duty to warn specific individuals of threats.
  • Multiple relationships, where psychologists have dual roles with clients, can compromise objectivity and effectiveness, necessitating clear boundaries and ethical conduct.
  • Sexual relationships between therapists and clients are strictly prohibited by the APA ethics code, with a two-year waiting period post-therapy before any such relationship can be considered ethical.
  • Commitment procedures may be necessary when a person is deemed a danger to themselves or society, leading to involuntary psychiatric hospitalization with rights to treatment, liberty, safety, and refusal of treatment.
  • Forensic issues like insanity pleas and competency to stand trial require psychologists to assess clients' mental state and understanding of legal proceedings, highlighting the intersection of psychology and the law.
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