Can a parent know the content of a child's treatment?
A parent who consents on the minor's behalf generally has the right to know the content of the child's treatment. This state of affairs changes when the minor reaches the age of majority. Until that time, the law will normally give the parent access to the child's treatment. Clinical practice. From a clinical perspective, the situation is more ...
Can a psychologist refuse to disclose information to a parent?
A doctor may give information about a patient’s mobility limitations to a friend driving the patient home from the hospital. A hospital may discuss a patient’s payment options with her adult daughter. A doctor may instruct a patient’s roommate about proper medicine dosage when she comes to pick up her friend from the hospital.
Can a parent get a copy of their child’s mental health information?
Sep 29, 2009 · 4. I’m not supposed to give you advice, but I will anyway. The first thing a young therapist in training learns is that psychotherapy is, Do …
Can a parent consent to a minor child’s therapy?
May 09, 2014 · Until there's a blood or other medical test for mental health conditions, you should judge your treatment provider according to how much effort he …
When counseling legally identified minors What do counselors need to know about confidentiality and consent?
One of a therapist's most important ethical duties when treating minors is to discuss confidentiality concerns with the parent(s) and the child. The therapist should be clear about the law and their own confidentiality policies. Some important topics to discuss include: The therapist's disclosure policies.Sep 27, 2019
What ethical issues you need to be aware of during therapy?
Ethical Issues In Counseling With Children And AdultsMaintaining Boundaries.Professional Ability.Personal Problems.Maintaining Confidentiality.Respecting Client Differences.Getting the Authorities Involved.Maintain Their Role.Maintaining Therapy.More items...
What do therapists have to disclose to parents?
"The therapist is not obligated to tell your parents, but they are mandated by law to report any suspected sexual abuse. Since the law specifically refers to 'suspected,' it is not up to the therapist to determine whether the abuse actually occurred.Oct 6, 2017
Are therapists allowed to give opinions?
Clients can ask their therapist to offer more opinions and guidance, but some of them are too nervous to do so or feel they shouldn't need to directly communicate what they want from therapy. There are also therapists who will not give any form of advice, even if clients ask.Aug 1, 2016
What are the main ethical issues faced by psychologists?
Ethical Issues in PsychologyInformed Consent.Debrief.Protection of Participants.Deception.Confidentiality.Withdrawal.
Do therapists ever lie?
Namely, individuals in therapy may occasionally engage in the normative human behavior of lying. Blanchard and Farber (2016) found that 93% of clients report lying or otherwise being dishonest to their therapist in psychotherapy.
Can a psychologist tell parents?
Psychologists may disclose private information without consent in order to protect the patient or the public from serious harm — if, for example, a client discusses plans to attempt suicide or harm another person.Oct 19, 2019
What are the rules of confidentiality in therapy?
Confidentiality is both a legal and an ethical issue. Generally, therapists are prohibited from disclosing confidential communications to any third party, unless mandated or permitted by law to do so.
What are the limits of confidentiality in counseling?
Confidentiality of information is applicable without any time limit unless otherwise specified by the originating party. The therapeutic relationship between a therapist and their client contains an abundance of confidential information. This means that it cannot be shared without the consent of the client.Jan 15, 2019
Can a therapist share information?
HIPAA allows your therapist to talk with your family about your mental health treatment in a variety of ways. If you are present and capable of making decisions and want your family to be involved in your treatment, HIPAA allows your therapist to share your information. When you are at a mental health care appointment.
Why should a Counsellor not give advice?
To conclude, this is why a therapist should not give advice on their own terms. It can damage a client's reputation. Especially if the therapist is new and the counsellor has not yet taken notes on how the environment is in one's situation.May 1, 2015
How do therapists not give advice?
Steps to Not Giving AdviceAsk them Questions about the Problem and their Feelings.Point out Positive Qualities about them to build their confidence in decision making.Share Stories only to offer a perspective or help them feel they are not alone.Do Not make the story about yourself.Offer Options.More items...•Feb 9, 2017
What age can a parent consent to a child's treatment?
The exceptions are few, however, and prove the rule that the law deems individuals under a certain age (often 18 ) not sufficiently mature to make treatment decisions. A parent who consents on the minor's behalf generally has the right to know the content of the child's treatment.
What is ethics round?
Beginning with this issue, and continuing every other month, the APA Monitor on Psychology will feature "Ethics Rounds," in which APA's Ethics Office will answer questions about the ethical issues psychologists most commonly face.
Who is Stephen Behnke?
Stephen Behnke is director of the APA Ethics Office. Elizabeth Warner practices in Brookline, Mass., and is a member of the Massachusetts Psychological Association Ethics Committee. An earlier version of this column was printed in the Massachusetts Psychological Association Quarterly.
Do psychologists have to disclose information?
Fourth, at times a psychologist will be mandated to disclose information. Serious threats of harm must be disclosed in many states. Neglect or abuse falls under mandatory reporting laws. The extent to which the psychologist explains the limitations on confidentiality will depend on the child's age and maturity.
Who has the right to consent to a child's psychotherapy?
Parents or guardians have the legal right to consent to their minor child’s or adolescent’s treatment, to decide on the parameters of the course of treatment and potentially have complete access to all information from the psychotherapy process; however, one must consider the appropriateness of this on a practical level.
What is informed consent in psychotherapy?
Informed consent lays the foundation for the psychotherapy relationship and treatment to come in respecting the client’s legal rights and offering her or him the opportunity to make an informed decision about participating in the treatment to be offered. Barnett, Wise, Johnson-Greene, & Bucky (2007) have highlighted the potential benefits of an appropriately implemented informed consent process: 1 It is a collaborative process that sets the tone for the psychotherapy relationship, promoting an enhanced therapeutic alliance. 2 It promotes shared decision-making power in the relationship. 3 It promotes the client’s autonomy and empowers the client to play an active role in her or his treatment. 4 It minimizes the risk of exploitation of, and harm to, the client through this information sharing and collaborative decision-making process.
Why is informed consent important?
Thus, the informed consent process is of great importance for clarifying roles, responsibilities, and expectations with agreements being reached at the outset, before treatment is provided.
Can a minor consent to their own treatment?
Except in situations consistent with certain exceptions allowed under the laws in one’s jurisdiction (e.g., when the minor is married or in the military, an emancipated minor) minors are not typically allowed to consent to their own treatment. But, that does not mean they should not play any role in the informed consent process.
What is covered entity?
Even when the patient is not present or it is impracticable because of emergency circumstances or the patient’s incapacity for the covered entity to ask the patient about discussing her care or payment with a family member or other person, a covered entity may share this information with the person when, in exercising professional judgment, it determines that doing so would be in the best interest of the patient. See 45 CFR 164.510 (b). Thus, for example: 1 A surgeon may, if consistent with such professional judgment, inform a patient’s spouse, who accompanied her husband to the emergency room, that the patient has suffered a heart attack and provide periodic updates on the patient’s progress and prognosis. 2 A doctor may, if consistent with such professional judgment, discuss an incapacitated patient’s condition with a family member over the phone.
Does HIPAA protect your privacy?
Answer: Yes. The HIPAA Privacy Rule at 45 CFR 164.510 (b) specifically permits covered entities to share information that is directly relevant to the involvement of a spouse, family members, friends, or other persons identified by a patient, in the patient’s care or payment for health care.
How does psychotherapy work?
Good psychotherapy requires you to make changes in your life — in your thinking, in your behavior, and how you interact with the world around you. This isn’t easy, and it usually takes most people a lot of hard work, effort and energy.
How many hours a week do therapists work?
Unless the therapist is well-established and successful, many therapists work 10 hour days, or up to 6 days a week.
Can a therapist get paid without a diagnosis?
Nobody likes to admit this, but without a diagnosis, the therapist won’t get paid by your insurance company. And it can’t just be any diagnosis (despite the mental health parity law passed last year). It has to be a “covered” disorder. Which means that if you come in with something that isn’t quite clinical depression, your therapist may diagnose you with it anyway, just so they can get reimbursed. (That’s one of the many reasons why you shouldn’t put too much faith into your diagnosis in the first place.)
Can a therapist diagnose depression?
Which means that if you come in with something that isn’t quite clinical depression, your therapist may diagnose you with it anyway, just so they can get reimbursed. (That’s one of the many reasons why you shouldn’t put too much faith into your diagnosis in the first place.) 10.
Can a therapist help you?
However, until you get in there and start working with a therapist, a therapist can’t really predict whether they’ ll be able to help you or not. Most therapists believe they can help anyone who comes to them with a specific problem they’re trained or experienced to handle. However, every single individual is unique and there are few reliable predictors of any given therapist’s success with any given client.
Can bipolar disorder be misdiagnosed?
Sometimes misdiagnosis can lead to serious problems. Bipolar disorder, particularly in its early stages, can look a lot like major depressive disorder. Among people with bipolar, though, antidepressants can spur manic episodes and do little to treat the condition.
Can ADHD cause depression?
Likewise, many disorders can cause symptoms of depression, but this doesn't mean the person with these disorders has depression. A man who struggles to get his work done due to ADHD may become depressed, and the exhaustion of managing schizophrenia can be similarly depressing.
Is a therapist a paid friend?
To the millions of Americans who experience mental health disorders, though, a therapist isn't just a paid friend, and no mental health professional should view therapy through this lens. The diagnosis you receive affects everything from the medication you'll need to how long therapy will take, and you shouldn't tolerate mental health care ...
What should a psychotherapist never do?
This is code red for leave, now, and it’s the one thing psychotherapists should never, ever do. Giving a patient life advice is unethical. The whole point of therapy is to become aware of your own thoughts, emotions and needs, and to be able to make decisions by yourself, no matter how difficult it is or how long it takes to reach that level of awareness. Seeing a therapist who acts like the sympathetic friend or parent who always knows what’s best for you to do is not only completely counterproductive, but can be dangerous if you’re on unsteady ground/don’t know what’s best for you.
What is therapy in psychology?
Therapy is a process that in its very essence helps connect the rational and the emotional. While some therapies rather focus on one of these aspects, they should never eliminate the other from the therapeutic equation.
What is the focus of therapy?
The focus in therapy is supposed to be on you – the client. You’ve reached your therapist’s office to seek advice, help, to understand or better yourself as an individual. A therapist should know when to open a different topic, how to guide you through a difficult emotional situation, and mostly, when to shut up.
What is a patient file?
A patient file is mandatory and relevant in the sense that it contains all the important information about your past and current situation along with the progress your sessions make. If they don’t keep such journals, it’d be advisable to look for a therapist with a greater degree of organization. 4.
Can a therapist talk to you about your progress?
Your therapist should be able to talk openly to you about your progress. If they refuse to debate on such matters, or keep you in suspension, be sure you can end it. Knowing your own progress is crucial to functional therapy.
Can you call your therapist on their phone?
If you’ve agreed that you can contact your therapist on their phone between sessions, they should be able to answer or reach back as soon as possible , especially if your case presents great attention or if you’re in the danger of hurting yourself. If they simply don’t return your calls or emails repeatedly, bring up the issue in your following session. If the issue persists, you know what you have to do…
What to do if something like this happens to you?
If something like this ever happens to you, know that you are not there to be judged upon your body, life choices, sexuality, health or general decisions. You are there to learn about yourself and heal with the help of a professional who is not allowed to hit you when you’re at your most vulnerable.
How much does a therapist charge for an hour?
Or you can pay their full rate out of your own pocket — anywhere from $75 to $150 per hour. A small minority of therapists will take patients on what’s called a “sliding scale” fee, too.
What is a dual relationship?
A “dual relationship” is one where the therapist isn’t just your therapist, but may also be a friend, lover, business associate, or some other role in your life. Therapists seek to avoid dual relationships, so if they are already your friend, business associate, or whatnot, they will refuse to become your therapist as well ...
Do therapists take insurance?
As much as we don’t like to think about it, therapists need to make a living as well and they do so by charging for the psychotherapy they provide. Many therapists accept health insurance for reimbursement, but they don’t always accept all insurance. So if the health insurance you have isn’t health insurance your therapist takes, you’re out of luck.
Can a therapist work with a client?
Good therapists recognize that they can’t work with certain clients as early on as possible in the client’s therapy, and refer them to a colleague for continuing treatment. It could be as something as simple as body odor, or as complex as you remind them of their mother.
Can a therapist see you?
Not all therapists will see every patient that walks through their office door. There are a variety of reasons a therapist won’t see you, and most of them have to do with professional ethics. For instance, most therapists seek ...
What happens in therapy stays in therapy?
What happens in therapy, stays in therapy ― unless a client is a danger to self or others,” explained Kisha Walwyn-Duquesnay, a licensed professional counselor supervisor at and owner of the Optimistic Counseling Practice in Houston, Texas. Therapists are held to very high ethical standards by their governing state board and a violation ...
Should clients withhold anything from their therapist?
“Clients should not withhold anything from their therapist, because the therapist is only obligated to report situations in which they feel that another individual, whether it be the client or someone else, is at risk,” said Sophia Reed, a nationally certified counselor and transformation coach.
Can a therapist report a patient's intent to harm someone else?
A therapist may be forced to report information disclosed by the patient if a patient reveals their intent to harm someone else. However, this is not as simple as a patient saying simply they “would like to kill someone,” according to Jessica Nicolosi, a clinical psychologist in Rockland County, New York. There has to be intent plus a specific identifiable party who may be threatened.
About CE
- "CE Corner" is a continuing education article offered by the APA Office of CE in Psychology. To earn CE credit, after you read this article, purchase the online exam at www.apa.org/ed/ce/resources/ce-corner. Upon successful completion of the test — a score of 75 percent or higher — you can immediately print your CE certificate. The test fee is $25 for membe…
Overview
- CE credits:1 Learning objectives:After reading this article, CE candidates will be able to: 1. Identify the Ethics Code Standards involved in treating minors in high-conflict families. 2. Describe alternatives to releasing potentially harmful health records. 3. Discuss the importance of informed consent and consultation with an attorney around legal issues. Several times a year, "CE Corner" …
Legal Issues
- This vignette raises challenging legal issues,* in addition to ethical considerations. Cases involving high-conflict families are particularly sensitive. The psychologist needs to understand the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), state privacy law, and his or her role in the process. Any time a clinician has a doubt or que...
Ethical Issues
- Clinicians have several ethical issues to consider in this case, particularly those related to competence, multiple relationships, informed consent and record keeping. Competence, as spelled out in the APA Ethics Code's Standard 2.01: Boundaries of Competence, requires clinicians to practice only in the boundaries of their competence, which can be demonstrated by …
How Should The Psychologist proceed?
- Once the psychologist has determined who has control over the records, the psychologist must consider whether there is any limitation on access to the minor's records or other ways to approach the matter. For example, if the father has the right to access the records, and the psychologist is subject to HIPAA, how should the psychologist react to Mary's concerns that her …
Who Is The Client?
Informed Consent and Assent
Including The Minor in The Informed Consent Process
Negotiating Parents’ Rights in This Process
- Parents or guardians have the legal right to consent to their minor child’s or adolescent’s treatment, to decide on the parameters of the course of treatment and potentially have complete access to all information from the psychotherapy process; however, one must consider the appropriateness of this on a practical level. Psychotherapists should con...
Recommendations For Practice