subject: Ethics of Clinical Psychologists [print this page] There are many different kinds of ethical issues facing clinical psychologists. Some of the most common ones involve confidentiality, payments, relationships, and testimony.
Confidentiality
The idea of doctor-patient confidentiality is very important. Many patients would never open up to their therapist if this confidentiality did not exist. However, many psychologists are presented with situations in which legal or moral concerns create an ethical dilemma.
For example, if a doctor has another psychologist as his patient, and this patient reveals an ethical breach, the doctor may feel compelled to report it to the licensing body for review. Likewise, a patient who reveals that she is being abused by her parents may present a case where the psychologist feels compelled to take legal action to prevent further abuse.
Payment
It is generally accepted that a person is entitled to payment for services rendered. However, this also presents potential ethical issues for a clinical psychologist. Insurance companies are often more interested in the bottom line than in the well-being of the insured. This can cause a psychologist to prematurely terminate a therapeutic relationship due to lack of payment.
A psychologist may also feel compelled to falsify information regarding their patient so the insurance company will cover the fee. This would allow the doctor to treat the patient who needs to be treated, but would certainly be questionable professional conduct.
Relationship
It is important that the doctor-patient relationship is not complicated by outside interests. A doctor and patient in a romantic relationship would compromise the ability of the doctor to treat the patient and of the patient to be forthcoming with the doctor. Other relationships outside that of doctor and patient, such as business or other personal relationships, are also likely to interfere with the doctor's ability to treat and the patient's willingness to be open about psychological issues.
While there are a multitude of other ethical dilemmas facing clinical psychologists, those involving confidentiality, payments, and outside relationships are among the most common. The codes of conduct put in place by various organizations define ethical behavior, but there is always the possibility of abuse. Rigorous enforcement of the codes is necessary to contain these abuses and help maintain the trust required for success in the profession of clinical psychology.
