Law & Ethics Review

Front

A therapist refers a client to a local psychiatrist for a medication evaluation. The next week, the therapist receives a card from the psychiatrist saying “thank you for the referral” and a $10 Starbucks gift card. The card does not mention the client’s name. What should the therapist do?

Back

Return the gift.

Front

A mother has consented for her 15-year-old daughter to begin individual therapy with a therapist. The client informed the therapist that she vapes nicotine and sometimes smokes cannabis. The next month, the client’s mother calls and asks the therapist about her daughter’s substance use habits. What should the therapist do?

Back

Consider any prior agreements made with the family regarding what information will be shared.

Front

A therapist is seeking consultation on a challenging case in a closed group for MFTs on Facebook. The therapist poses questions and provides background for brainstorming ideas without using the client’s name. Should the therapist have done this?

Back

No, the therapist should not have shared so many details.

Front

After attending individual supervision for a few months, a trainee therapist notices that they are attracted to their supervisor. After building the courage to disclose this to their supervisor, they learn the feelings are reciprocated. What is the most legal and ethical way to proceed?

Back

Assess how this attraction may impact supervision and obtain further consultation.

Front

A trainee is having difficulty with a school-based client. Their supervisor asks the trainee to bring a video recording to session to help them review the case in more depth. The trainee is worried about recording sessions with a minor. What should the trainee’s next step be?

Back

Obtain written consent for recording from each of the client's parents.

Front

A therapist picks up Chick-Fil-A for dinner and notices that the only worker at the register is a current client. What should the therapist do?

Back

Continue to act like a normal customer. Follow the client's lead.

Front

A therapist is at the Hollywood Palladium and spots one of their teenage clients in the crowd. The client and her group of friends appear to be intoxicated. While standing in line for the bathroom, the client notices the therapist and quickly turns away in embarrassment. What is the therapist’s ethical responsibility?

Back

Let the client decide if they want to interact. Discuss boundaries during the next session.

Front

A 16-year-old client who consented for therapy on his own shares that he and his 21-year-old boyfriend had sex for the first time. The client notes that both partners consented and enjoyed the experience. The client requests that the therapist keep this information private because he has not yet come out to his family. What should the therapist do?

Back

Maintain confidentiality. Do not share information with anyone.

Front

A therapist helped a client navigate through a tricky divorce. Therapy was successful, and the client eventually terminated. A year later, the therapist learns that the man she has been dating for the past three months is her former client’s ex-partner. What should the therapist do?

Back

End the relationship.

Front

A teen client discloses that she was raped while her family immigrated from Armenia to America. Legally, what should the therapist do? Options: Make a suspected child abuse report. Report the assault to federal immigration authorities. Obtain a Release of Information (ROI) to contact the client's prior therapist and verify that this has already been reported. Maintain confidentiality. The abuse did not happen in the U.S.

Back

Maintain confidentiality. The abuse did not happen in the U.S.