Question

Instructions: Students will read each scenario, identify which ethical principle and the standard(s) that apply to the scenario. Explain the principle and standard in your own words. Next the students will indicate whether the scenario is ethical and based on the principle and standards explain why or why not. Attach as a word document.

1. A counseling psychologist tells parents that their college age son expressed suicidal tendencies during a confidential communication. Is it ethical for the counselor to disclose this information? (25 points)

2. A client does not have enough money to pay his therapist so he asks if payment can be in the form of carpentry work for the therapist. Would it be ethical for the therapist to agree to this form of payment? (25 points)

3. The school psychologist conducted an assessment of a child without the child’s parents’/guardian’s consent. Is it ethical for the school psychologist to do this? (25 points)

4. The client was so difficult and disgusting, the therapist refused to continue therapy. Is it ethical for a therapist to terminate therapy under these conditions? (25 points)

Answer 1

1. According to the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Section A.2.b, the school counselor has to keep the student's information confidential unless it is clear to the counselor that by keeping the information confidential it is an imminent danger to the student and the others. If In this case the student has expressed suicidal tendencies and it is an imminent danger to the students. When the counselor is sure that taking an intervention is necessary for the safety of the students after consultation with other appropriate professionals and authorities they can inform the parents about the student's condition.

2. According to the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice the counselor can barter unless it does not harm or exploit the relationship. If the client request that he has no cash but barter his services if it is in practice in that community the counselor can go for the barter with a clear written document.

3.  The school counseling is designed to help the students. Parents and guardians are Informed in case counseling for the students are required but in certain cases under the principle for professional ethics of National Association of School Psychologists,' the school counselor can ethically provide the counseling to the students if it is urgently required and is established that the student is a danger to others and can inflict self-harm. Before taking such action the counselor must inform the authority and look into the legal aspect as well.

4. Under the ACA code of ethics and local law, the counselor can think of termination of the service if he finds that the client is not benefitting from the services or therapist is unable to provide the services the client needed or the client or his relations are a threat to the counselor. The counselor has to see that he does not violate any legal law and not discriminative towards the client.