Podcast
Questions and Answers
The purpose of laws and regulations pertaining to psychotherapy advertising is to ensure:
The purpose of laws and regulations pertaining to psychotherapy advertising is to ensure:
A therapist starting a new practice would like to advertise in her community. What are potential ethical concerns?
A therapist starting a new practice would like to advertise in her community. What are potential ethical concerns?
A gay couple comes in to see you for the first session. They state that they have been referred by one of the partner’s individual therapist. As their therapist you should:
A gay couple comes in to see you for the first session. They state that they have been referred by one of the partner’s individual therapist. As their therapist you should:
What is the BEST course of action for the therapist to take when the client, who is terminally ill, talks about plans to commit suicide?
What is the BEST course of action for the therapist to take when the client, who is terminally ill, talks about plans to commit suicide?
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A therapist sees a new client for severe anxiety and panic attacks, who is a recent immigrant and has difficulty with English. What should the therapist do first?
A therapist sees a new client for severe anxiety and panic attacks, who is a recent immigrant and has difficulty with English. What should the therapist do first?
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How should the therapist handle the disclosure of sexual abuse made by a 16-year-old client during a session?
How should the therapist handle the disclosure of sexual abuse made by a 16-year-old client during a session?
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During the initial session, the client mentions that she has been hospitalized several times for 'severe depression'. The therapist should FIRST:
During the initial session, the client mentions that she has been hospitalized several times for 'severe depression'. The therapist should FIRST:
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Obtaining informed consent from clients is:
Obtaining informed consent from clients is:
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The therapist's course of action regarding the elderly client's living situation should be:
The therapist's course of action regarding the elderly client's living situation should be:
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When developing a private practice, a therapist should consider all of the following to ensure continuity of care, except:
When developing a private practice, a therapist should consider all of the following to ensure continuity of care, except:
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The therapist's behavior in assisting a couple with financial planning is:
The therapist's behavior in assisting a couple with financial planning is:
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Regarding training in treating childhood sexual abuse, the therapist should:
Regarding training in treating childhood sexual abuse, the therapist should:
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The therapist's behavior when reluctant to bring up termination with a client after five months is:
The therapist's behavior when reluctant to bring up termination with a client after five months is:
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Upon receiving a court order to testify for a client accused of child abuse, the therapist should FIRST:
Upon receiving a court order to testify for a client accused of child abuse, the therapist should FIRST:
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LEGALLY, the therapist should first obtain consent from whom regarding the 13-year-old girl seeking therapy?
LEGALLY, the therapist should first obtain consent from whom regarding the 13-year-old girl seeking therapy?
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From whom should the therapist obtain informed consent for family therapy?
From whom should the therapist obtain informed consent for family therapy?
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When a new client refuses to pay after not being informed of the fee, the therapist should:
When a new client refuses to pay after not being informed of the fee, the therapist should:
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Regarding a client suffering from Bipolar I Disorder who commits suicide, how should the therapist respond to the legal representative's request for records?
Regarding a client suffering from Bipolar I Disorder who commits suicide, how should the therapist respond to the legal representative's request for records?
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Regarding a therapist's decision to not use insurance companies for payment, is the therapist in compliance with professional guidelines?
Regarding a therapist's decision to not use insurance companies for payment, is the therapist in compliance with professional guidelines?
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When a school counselor refers a 14-year-old boy to therapy, what should the therapist first do?
When a school counselor refers a 14-year-old boy to therapy, what should the therapist first do?
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In consultation, what should a therapist avoid disclosing about a client?
In consultation, what should a therapist avoid disclosing about a client?
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After the session, how should the therapist respond to the sister concerned about a client's increased drinking?
After the session, how should the therapist respond to the sister concerned about a client's increased drinking?
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What should the therapist do regarding the patient whose mother has bruises and bed sores?
What should the therapist do regarding the patient whose mother has bruises and bed sores?
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Concerning therapy for a self-referred 14-year-old, how should the therapist respond to the mother's request for information?
Concerning therapy for a self-referred 14-year-old, how should the therapist respond to the mother's request for information?
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Regarding the male client who is HIV positive and fears telling his girlfriend, how should the therapist respond?
Regarding the male client who is HIV positive and fears telling his girlfriend, how should the therapist respond?
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In the case of a therapist receiving a subpoena during a custody battle, how should they act?
In the case of a therapist receiving a subpoena during a custody battle, how should they act?
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When a therapist is asked to testify despite believing it is not in the client's best interest, they should:
When a therapist is asked to testify despite believing it is not in the client's best interest, they should:
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What should a therapist do when they receive a subpoena from a client's ex-wife's lawyer?
What should a therapist do when they receive a subpoena from a client's ex-wife's lawyer?
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How should the therapist handle a 15-year-old client disclosing sexual activity with a younger girlfriend?
How should the therapist handle a 15-year-old client disclosing sexual activity with a younger girlfriend?
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What initial intervention should a therapist conduct regarding a client's upset over her mother-in-law disciplining her child?
What initial intervention should a therapist conduct regarding a client's upset over her mother-in-law disciplining her child?
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What action should a therapist take regarding a group session where a high school kid shares that his friend sent naked pictures?
What action should a therapist take regarding a group session where a high school kid shares that his friend sent naked pictures?
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When a client wants to see their records, but the therapist believes it could be harmful, what should the therapist do?
When a client wants to see their records, but the therapist believes it could be harmful, what should the therapist do?
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A 16-year-old client reports inappropriate touching by a past therapist. What should the current therapist do?
A 16-year-old client reports inappropriate touching by a past therapist. What should the current therapist do?
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In response to a wary client asking about confidentiality, what is the most appropriate therapist response?
In response to a wary client asking about confidentiality, what is the most appropriate therapist response?
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If a female client with a history of suicide attempts expresses an immediate desire to end her life, what is the therapist's NEXT step?
If a female client with a history of suicide attempts expresses an immediate desire to end her life, what is the therapist's NEXT step?
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If a client recently lost her job and can no longer afford her co-payment, what should the therapist do?
If a client recently lost her job and can no longer afford her co-payment, what should the therapist do?
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How should the therapist initially respond to the request from a neighbor for counseling services for her son?
How should the therapist initially respond to the request from a neighbor for counseling services for her son?
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What should the therapist do when a 15-year-old client reveals that she has started having sex?
What should the therapist do when a 15-year-old client reveals that she has started having sex?
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If a therapist receives a court order for a former client’s records but is concerned about the harm it may cause, what must the therapist do?
If a therapist receives a court order for a former client’s records but is concerned about the harm it may cause, what must the therapist do?
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How should the therapist respond to a client who reports feeling unsafe due to threats from a family member?
How should the therapist respond to a client who reports feeling unsafe due to threats from a family member?
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What action should a therapist take upon hearing about a neighbor hitting their child?
What action should a therapist take upon hearing about a neighbor hitting their child?
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What should the therapist do if a 78-year-old client expresses fear for her safety due to threats from her daughter-in-law?
What should the therapist do if a 78-year-old client expresses fear for her safety due to threats from her daughter-in-law?
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When a father demands to know if his son is gay, what should the therapist's most appropriate response be?
When a father demands to know if his son is gay, what should the therapist's most appropriate response be?
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Which of the following situations could be considered a breach of ethical conduct by a therapist?
Which of the following situations could be considered a breach of ethical conduct by a therapist?
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What should the therapist do first in response to a client who has experienced neglect from a caregiver?
What should the therapist do first in response to a client who has experienced neglect from a caregiver?
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After experiencing personal loss, how should a therapist handle her own feelings while working with children?
After experiencing personal loss, how should a therapist handle her own feelings while working with children?
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What should the therapist do when a client makes a vague threat towards his former boss?
What should the therapist do when a client makes a vague threat towards his former boss?
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In an initial therapy session, if the couple reports frequent physical arguments, what should the therapist FIRST address?
In an initial therapy session, if the couple reports frequent physical arguments, what should the therapist FIRST address?
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If a court-ordered client with a history of violence expresses intentions to harm someone, what should the therapist do?
If a court-ordered client with a history of violence expresses intentions to harm someone, what should the therapist do?
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What should a therapist do if a client discloses a past murder during therapy?
What should a therapist do if a client discloses a past murder during therapy?
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What should the therapist FIRST do if a client expresses suicidal ideation?
What should the therapist FIRST do if a client expresses suicidal ideation?
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Which situation constitutes an unethical dual relationship?
Which situation constitutes an unethical dual relationship?
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What is one right that a client with an involuntary hospital admission does NOT have?
What is one right that a client with an involuntary hospital admission does NOT have?
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In the case of a client with schizophrenia who has assaulted his father, what should the therapist do first?
In the case of a client with schizophrenia who has assaulted his father, what should the therapist do first?
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What should the therapist do legally when a sixteen-year-old girl shares that she has been abused?
What should the therapist do legally when a sixteen-year-old girl shares that she has been abused?
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How should a therapist respond to a client with a history of depression who is expressing suicidal thoughts?
How should a therapist respond to a client with a history of depression who is expressing suicidal thoughts?
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What should a therapist do first when a client expresses fear over a jealous and physically aggressive partner?
What should a therapist do first when a client expresses fear over a jealous and physically aggressive partner?
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If a therapist in an outpatient setting is dealing with a delusional and paranoid client who threatens to kill their husband, what is the best course of action?
If a therapist in an outpatient setting is dealing with a delusional and paranoid client who threatens to kill their husband, what is the best course of action?
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What action should the therapist take upon evaluating a client with a broken jaw who is hiding potential domestic abuse?
What action should the therapist take upon evaluating a client with a broken jaw who is hiding potential domestic abuse?
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What legal obligation does a therapist have when a 17-year-old client reports being raped and is worried about potential pregnancy?
What legal obligation does a therapist have when a 17-year-old client reports being raped and is worried about potential pregnancy?
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Under what conditions would a therapist violate California law regarding record keeping?
Under what conditions would a therapist violate California law regarding record keeping?
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Which items are legally required to be included in a summary of records?
Which items are legally required to be included in a summary of records?
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What is a therapist’s legal obligation when subletting an office with limited space for file storage?
What is a therapist’s legal obligation when subletting an office with limited space for file storage?
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What should a therapist do when discovering that a colleague has developed a personal relationship with a client’s spouse?
What should a therapist do when discovering that a colleague has developed a personal relationship with a client’s spouse?
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What legal requirement must a therapist fulfill when starting to accept insurance and using an electronic billing system?
What legal requirement must a therapist fulfill when starting to accept insurance and using an electronic billing system?
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What must a therapist do before recording sessions for training purposes?
What must a therapist do before recording sessions for training purposes?
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In response to a managed care company's denial of treatment for a client with anxiety, what should the therapist do?
In response to a managed care company's denial of treatment for a client with anxiety, what should the therapist do?
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How should a therapist handle a case where they lack experience with a client suffering from Anorexia Nervosa?
How should a therapist handle a case where they lack experience with a client suffering from Anorexia Nervosa?
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How should a therapist ethically handle a scenario with a client approaching maximum therapy sessions?
How should a therapist ethically handle a scenario with a client approaching maximum therapy sessions?
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What should a therapist do when a utilization review agent states a client with PTSD is only authorized for a limited number of sessions?
What should a therapist do when a utilization review agent states a client with PTSD is only authorized for a limited number of sessions?
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Study Notes
Client Interaction and Ethical Considerations
- Acknowledge a client's right to privacy and the importance of informed consent in therapy.
- In cases of emotional distress, prioritize client autonomy while addressing any resistance to sharing sensitive information.
- Therapists are responsible for clarifying the limits of confidentiality regarding client disclosures.
Legal and Ethical Practice in Therapy
- Informed consent is both a legal and ethical requirement for therapists.
- Therapists should refrain from practicing outside their scope of competence, recognizing when referral or consultation is necessary.
- Legal rights may differ between parents regarding minors; understanding custody arrangements is crucial.
Client Welfare and Therapist Responsibility
- A therapist must assess risks to clients, especially those expressing harmful thoughts or exhibiting distressing behaviors.
- Confidentiality should be maintained unless there is an imminent risk to the client or others, requiring disclosure to relevant authorities.
- When receiving court orders for client records, therapists should weigh the potential impact on the client before releasing information.
Special Situations and Vulnerable Populations
- Mandated reporting is required in cases of suspected child abuse or elder neglect to protect vulnerable individuals.
- Therapists should be cautious when dealing with adolescents, ensuring they understand the importance of consent and safeguarding their well-being.
- Emotional and domestic issues, such as those encountered in couples therapy, must be managed delicately with respect to individual autonomy.
Therapy Practice Management
- Private practice therapists should have contingency plans, including professional wills and procedures for emergencies.
- Alternative resources and referrals should be made available to clients in case of therapist absence to ensure continuity of care.
- Addressing payment issues while maintaining ethical standards is vital for ongoing client care.
Handling Ethical Dilemmas
- Therapists facing ethical dilemmas should consult colleagues or supervisors for guidance.
- It’s essential for therapists to actively seek help in cases where conflicts of interest may arise, such as overlapping client relationships.
Client Rights and Therapist Limitations
- Clients must be informed about their rights, including accessing their records and knowing whom to contact for concerns about therapy.
- Concerns raised by family members regarding a client’s welfare should be addressed thoughtfully, balancing client confidentiality and family safety.
- Therapists have ethical obligations while managing cases that involve potential harm, requiring assessments of risks and careful response to disclosures from clients.### Client Disclosure Response
- Therapist should assist the client in developing a safety plan and refer to a psychiatrist to ensure immediate and long-term safety needs are addressed.
Therapist's Legal Obligations Regarding Abuse
- A therapist has the obligation to report incidents of child abuse seen indirectly (e.g., from a neighbor), potentially informing Child Protective Services (CPS).
Elder Abuse Reporting
- In situations of threat or intimidation, file a mandated report with Adult Protective Services to protect the vulnerable elder client.
Confidentiality in Therapy
- The therapist must explain the limits of confidentiality when parents inquire about their child's sexual orientation, highlighting the importance of trust in the therapeutic process.
Ethical Conduct in Therapy
- Breaches of ethical conduct may include inappropriate personal interactions, like inviting clients to social events or communicating outside sessions.
Prioritizing Client Safety
- Assess for potential suicide risk when a client expresses overwhelming feelings, particularly after significant life changes like medical amputation and caregiving issues.
Therapist's Personal Trauma
- When therapists' personal experiences affect their professional practice, it is crucial to consult with colleagues or engage in personal psychotherapy to manage countertransference.
Addressing Client Threats
- If a client makes vague threats, it's essential to insist on clarification and understand the context of their feelings regarding past conflicts.
Dealing with Domestic Violence
- Implement immediate discussions about a safety plan in cases where physical altercations occur in relationships, prioritizing the safety of all parties involved.
Managing Threats of Violence
- Therapist should document any threats made by clients, while reminding them of mandated reporting obligations if their safety or others' safety is at risk.
Disclosure of Serious Crimes
- Informed disclosure of past crimes should lead to police notification unless certain conditions regarding age or circumstances of the victim apply, focusing first on exploring the client's feelings.
Suicidal Ideation Response
- Immediate action is required to ensure safety, including potentially contacting emergency services if a client has taken an overdose.
Ethical Dual Relationships
- Dual relationships can become unethical when they occur within the therapist's professional context; interactions should be navigated carefully.
Client Rights in Hospitalization
- Involuntary admission does not negate a client's rights, including the right to refuse treatment and to confidentiality, though certain conditions apply.
Crisis Response with Psychotic Clients
- When facing threats from a client experiencing psychosis, the therapist must prioritize client and public safety by warning appropriate parties.
Mandatory Reporting in Sexual Assault Cases
- Therapists must report cases of rapes of minors regardless of the client's desire for confidentiality, ensuring the protection of the individual involved.
Records Management Compliance
- Ethical obligations require that therapists do not deny clients access to records, maintain confidentiality, and store records securely.
Balancing Client and Agency Interests
- Therapists should advocate for clients’ needs while being aware of agency constraints and legal requirements tied to insurance coverage.
Advertisement Ethics
- Psychotherapy advertising must be truthful to ensure that the public is informed accurately, preventing misleading information about services offered.
Professional Development and Ethical Responsibility
- When acquiring new skills through supervision or training, therapists must obtain informed consent from clients before recording sessions.
Underinsurance and Continued Care
- In cases of denied insurance coverage, therapists should explore community resource options to support clients who cannot afford necessary treatment.
Terminology in Client Presentations
- Understanding cultural and linguistic differences in client presentations is essential; arranging for interpreters is crucial when language barriers exist.
Handling Trauma Disclosures
- When faced with sensitive disclosures of past trauma, therapists should normalize reactions and ensure appropriate referrals for trauma-focused care and stability.
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Description
Test your knowledge with the MFT L&E Mock Exam I from the Therapist Development Center. This quiz focuses on critical scenarios and ethical considerations in therapy practice. Perfect for those preparing for licensure exams.