Legal issues associated with clinical psychology. Free Essay: The Practice of Clinical Psychology 2023-01-01
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Clinical psychology is a field that deals with the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders. As a branch of psychology, it is subject to the same legal and ethical considerations as any other area of practice. However, there are several legal issues that are unique to clinical psychology and that can impact the way practitioners work with clients.
One of the most significant legal issues in clinical psychology is the issue of informed consent. This refers to the process by which a client gives their consent to treatment after being fully informed about the nature of the treatment, the potential risks and benefits, and any alternative options. Informed consent is essential in clinical psychology because it allows clients to make an informed decision about their treatment and to understand their rights as a patient.
Another legal issue that can arise in clinical psychology is the issue of confidentiality. In general, clinical psychologists are required to maintain the confidentiality of their clients' information, except in cases where there is a risk of harm to the client or to others. This means that clinical psychologists cannot disclose a client's information to anyone without the client's explicit consent, unless there are legal or ethical exceptions.
One such exception is the Tarasoff rule, which requires clinicians to take steps to protect a potential victim if they believe that a client presents a significant risk of harm to that person. This may involve warning the potential victim, contacting law enforcement, or hospitalizing the client. The Tarasoff rule is based on a 1976 California Supreme Court case and has been adopted by many states, although the specific requirements vary by state.
Another legal issue that can arise in clinical psychology is the issue of competency. In some cases, a client may be deemed legally incompetent to make decisions about their treatment, either because they are unable to understand the nature and consequences of their treatment or because they are unable to communicate their wishes. In these cases, a legal guardian or conservator may be appointed to make decisions on behalf of the client.
Finally, clinical psychologists may also encounter legal issues related to insurance coverage for mental health treatment. Many insurance plans have limitations on the types of treatment that are covered and the number of sessions that are allowed, which can impact the way that clinical psychologists work with clients.
In conclusion, legal issues are an important aspect of clinical psychology and can significantly impact the way that practitioners work with clients. It is essential for clinical psychologists to be aware of these issues and to follow the relevant laws and ethical guidelines in order to provide the best possible care to their clients.
Clinical Psychology, Its Issues and Purposes
This is part of the consent process that has already been discussed. They are also susceptible to anger. This area of law is governed under many different laws both state and federal. There are many legal issues that exist in clinical psychology. When a patient is with the psychologist, the psychologist has to honestly tell the patient of all tests that will be done or what will happen in a session.
In your response, discuss the use or misuse of assessment instruments, therapy techniques, research results, or any other facet of clinical practice that could have potentially harmful, culture-specific implications. Richmond, 2010 In these circumstances, vigilance is left to a court of law to ensure that justice is implemented. This boundary crossing is considered non-therapeutic but it can also be considered a violation depending on how it occurs. Patients can revoke informed consent at any time during treatment, in most cases. What are at least two ethical issues associated with A clinical psychologist that has a personality disorder should not have the right to treat someone. In the event of a termination of employment, necessary steps should be taken in order to ensure client care.
It is incumbent upon healthcare executives to lead in a manner that sets an ethical tone for their organizations. The American Psychological Association continues to strive towards assessing and revising any ethical codes that may need adjustment and will remain a foundation in the world of psychology. Provide an example of a situation that could be legal but unethical. We may be able to work out an extension based on extenuating circumstances. Define professional boundaries, boundary crossings, and boundary violations. They have earned their respect and acknowledgement with their efforts to train, educate and implement the code of ethics for psychologists to utilize daily.
She asks if you would be willing to see her daughter for a few sessions to straighten her out. Thus, the therapeutic relationship requires the client to be willing to work with the therapist in a partnership, break old patterns, and take the opportunity to talk, think, relate, and grow. Most notably, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act HIPAA protects this information when it is being transmitted Pozgar, 2011. Provide an example of a situation that could be legal but unethical. . The patients have the right to their information; in terms of benefits, alternative treatments and about the risks. .
A clinical psychologist The Right Of Prescribe Medication For Psychologist Have Been A Major Goal Of The American Psychological Association prescribing medication, changes in psychologist treatment for patient, and legal and ethical issues. Introduction Today, corrections are a complex, high profile operation, which consumes a significant portion of the federal operating budget. In certain situations where the safety of the patient or others is at risk, confidentiality must be broken as law enforcement needs to be notified. . Informed consent implies that a patient understands a particular procedure or treatment, including the risks, benefits, and alternatives; is capable of making a decision; and gives consent voluntarily Pozgar, 2011. . Basic Scientist There are many environments a forensic psychologist may choose to take part in.
For example, a close friend of yours is having difficulty with her teenage daughter. Psychology means a theoretical, educational and applied science connecting the scientific study of mental operations and behavior or performance. Words: 1519 - Pages: 7 Premium Essay Issues in Psychological Testing Worksheet. If it is hard to read your essay, it will also be hard to follow your argument. . If clinical psychologist were given the rights to prescribe medication, the pre-requirement for the graduate program for clinical psychologist would need to change dramatically. Provide an example of a situation that could be ethical but illegal.
Legal, Ethical, Boundary, & Assessment Issues in Clinical Psychology
Forensic psychologists have the chief task of testifying objectively in court in the assessment of victims and criminals Goldstein, 2006. Besides, a patient has a right to access any recorded information by a psychotherapist. If the patient is incapable of giving such consent, a parent, legal guardian, or other individual functioning in an official capacity must do so. This approach to criminal justice involves various activities involved in the delivery of justice, ranging from the enforcement to treatment of suspects. The APA takes pride in understanding the importance of conflicts with legislation and provides steps to address those situations. From a legal perspective, patients who are not provided proper information concerning procedures, have the right to seek legal remedy.
In this paper, the importance of informed consent and refusal, the legal issues within assessments, testing, and diagnosis, confidentiality in the therapeutic relationship, the impact of legislation and the role of competence in professional psychology will be discussed in detail. Without accurate information, it becomes difficult for clinical psychologists to determine the best medication that can be pursued to help a patient. . When it is a divergence from the therapeutic relationship it is a boundary crossing and while this may not be harmful it is a violation of ethics because this crossing has the potential to become a violation. This article discusses the element of forensic psychology in relation to the various issues arising within the field.
What Are At Least Two Legal Issues Associated With...
Regent of the University of California 1976. Litigation is laws that are formed by the rule of the law. . By doing so can Legal Issues Associated By Clinical Psychology Essay 1. Compensation for participation should not be used to persuade an unwilling participant. What impact do these issues have on the field of clinical psychology? Although, it is not what really happens it gives people a light overview on something that is more realistic and detailed. An example of something that is legal but not ethical would be if there is an order from a judge to provide the records of the patient but the patient is unaware or refuses to consent.
