Ethics in the Psychology Field

Ethics in the Psychology Field

In the profession of psychology there are ethical principles and code of conduct put in place to protect the therapist and the client. It is the therapist responsibility that all ethical dilemma, professionalism, values and judgments are within these guidelines. The dilemma in this paper will come about when a therapist is faced to make a decision regarding a father (custodial parent) of a minor who is being treated by the therapist and the mother (non-custodial parent) wants to be involved. The therapist has to make sure the decision is ethical and in the scope of practice of a psychologist. Following the laws and keeping the client safe will play a major role in the critical thinking process.

The Dilemma

A father seeks a therapist to treat his minor child for depression and minor cutting. The father has told the therapist that he divorced his wife because she has drinking problems, and she continues to drink. He makes it clear that he doesn’t want the mother involved because he feels she has a part in the child behavior. The therapist then receives a phone call from the mother wanting to participate in the child’s therapy. The mother tells the therapist she is aware of her drinking problem and she is in the process of getting help. The therapist is now put in a situation where he/she has to make an ethical decision.

The Reasoning

The child was bought to therapy by his father (APA 2010, Standard 4.05 a-b) because of his depression and minor cutting issues. The child has mentioned on several occasions that he wishes his mom would get help and stop drinking. The child also requests that his mother not be

apart of the therapy until she gets help. The therapist wants to build trust with the child as well as look out for the child best interest., (APA, 2010 Standard 4). To add to the reasoning