MFT National Exam: AAMFT Ethics Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the core value of AAMFT that involves acceptance and appreciation of diverse membership?

Diversity

What core value of AAMFT emphasizes excellence in training of marriage and family therapists?

Distinctiveness and excellence

Which core value of AAMFT relates to excellence in service to members?

Responsiveness

What is the AAMFT core value associated with diversity and equity in clinical practice and education?

Diversity, equity and excellence Signup and view all the answers

What core value of AAMFT indicates integrity in ethical behavior?

Integrity Signup and view all the answers

Which core value of AAMFT focuses on innovation in systemic and relational therapies?

Innovation and the advancement of knowledge Signup and view all the answers

Marriage and family therapists can provide professional assistance without discrimination based on gender.

True Signup and view all the answers

Informed consent requires that the client has the capacity, has been adequately informed of significant information, has been adequately informed of potential risks and benefits, and has freely agreed to treatment without undue _____ .

influence Signup and view all the answers

Marriage and family therapists can engage in romantic relationships with current clients.

False Signup and view all the answers

Marriage and family therapists are allowed to neglect clients without making arrangements for continuation of treatment.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the AAMFT core value that emphasizes the responsibility of clients to make choices regarding relationships?

Client autonomy in decision making Signup and view all the answers

What core value states that marriage and family therapists should not take advantage of their power in therapeutic relationships?

Abuse of the therapeutic relationship Signup and view all the answers

What is required for marriage and family therapists before recording images or audio?

Written consent to record Signup and view all the answers

Match the following core values of AAMFT with their descriptions:

Confidentiality = Respect and guard the confidences of each individual client. Non-Abandonment = Do not neglect clients without arranging for continuation of treatment. Professional Competence and Integrity = Maintain high standards and pursue ongoing education. Exploitation = Do not take advantage of clients or supervisees. Signup and view all the answers

Marriage and family therapists can accept gifts from clients without consideration of cultural norms.

False Signup and view all the answers

What may be included in the performance of forensic services by marriage and family therapists?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What should marriage and family therapy experts strive for in legal proceedings?

Accuracy, objectivity, fairness, and independence Signup and view all the answers

What demonstrates competence in marriage and family therapists?

Expertise via education and experience Signup and view all the answers

Marriage and family therapists need to obtain informed consent from their clients.

True Signup and view all the answers

Marriage and family therapists may provide therapy to clients for whom they have conducted a forensic evaluation.

False Signup and view all the answers

What must marriage and family therapists ensure regarding their financial arrangements?

They must be reasonable, understandable, and conform to accepted professional practices. Signup and view all the answers

Therapists can withhold treatment records unless payment has been received.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is expected of marriage and family therapists when advertising their services?

Engage in truthful representation Signup and view all the answers

What do marriage and family therapists need to disclose regarding financial policies?

All financial arrangements and fees Signup and view all the answers

Match the following ethical standards with their corresponding descriptions:

Standard I = Responsibility to Clients Standard II = Confidentiality Standard III = Professional Competence and Integrity Standard IV = Responsibility to Students and Supervisees Standard V = Research and Publication Standard VI = Technology-Assisted Professional Services Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

AAMFT Core Values

Emphasizes acceptance, appreciation, and inclusion of diverse members.
Prioritizes distinctiveness and excellence in training for marriage and family therapists.
Advocates for responsiveness and excellence in service to members.
Upholds diversity, equity, and excellence in clinical practice, research, education, and administration.
Maintains integrity through high ethical standards in governance and member conduct.
Promotes innovation and the advancement of systemic and relational therapies.

Ethical Principles

Non-discrimination is mandatory; therapists must assist clients regardless of personal characteristics such as race, gender, or sexual orientation.
Informed consent is crucial, requiring clients to understand the treatment process, potential risks, and benefits before agreeing.
Multiple relationships should be avoided to prevent violations of trust between therapists and clients.
Sexual relationships with current or former clients and their families are strictly prohibited.

Responsibilities in Therapy

Maintain a therapeutic alliance as long as clients benefit from the relationship.
Assist clients in accessing appropriate services when unable to provide help personally.
Ensure non-abandonment by not neglecting clients without proper arrangements for continued care.
Obtain written consent before recording any therapeutic session.

Confidentiality Standards

Protect and respect client confidentiality, with unique considerations for group therapy.
Discuss limitations of confidentiality with clients and circumstances that might require disclosure.
Allow client access to their records, ensuring transparency and trust.

Professional Competence

Therapists must maintain high professional standards and pursue continual education and training.
Awareness of applicable laws and ethical guidelines is essential to practice effectively.
Avoid conflicts of interest that could impair judgment or therapeutic integrity.

Guidance for Students and Supervisees

Therapists should not exploit the trust of students and supervisees and must avoid romantic relationships in training contexts.
Ensure supervisees perform services only within their level of training and experience.
Responsibility for the professionalism of supervisee practices lies with the supervising therapist.

Research and Ethics

Ensure the dignity and welfare of research participants while adhering to regulations.
Obtain informed consent from research participants and disclose potential risks and benefits.
Avoid conflicts related to authorship and plagiarism in published works.

Technology in Therapy

Therapists using technology must ensure communication security and client confidentiality.
Clients should be informed of the implications of technology-assisted therapies and the associated risks.
Avoid practicing outside legal jurisdictions and maintain documentation standards consistent with best practices.

Professional Evaluations

Aim for high standards in forensic testimony, avoiding biases and inaccuracies.
Provide clear distinctions between therapeutic roles and evaluative roles to maintain ethical integrity.
In custody evaluations, refrain from dual roles to prevent conflicts of interest with clients.

Accountability and Compliance

Therapists must comply with laws regarding unethical conduct and cooperate during investigations.
Any professional misconduct can lead to membership termination or other disciplinary actions.### Professional Opinions
Forensic evaluations by marriage and family therapists should only involve individuals they have directly interviewed.

Changes in Service

Clients must be informed of any changes in the role or provision of marriage and family therapy services related to legal mandates.

Familiarity with Rules

Therapists must understand judicial or administrative rules that govern their roles in forensic evaluations.

Financial Arrangements

Agreements made by therapists with clients and third-party payers should be clear, reasonable, and align with accepted practices.

Financial Integrity

Accepting or offering kickbacks or other remuneration for referrals is prohibited; fee-for-service arrangements are allowed.

Disclosure of Financial Policies

Before starting a therapeutic or supervisory relationship, therapists need to clearly explain all financial arrangements, including payment for missed appointments and collection procedures.

Notice of Payment Recovery Procedures

Therapists must notify clients of potential collection actions for unpaid balances; clinical information will not be disclosed during this process.

Truthful Representation of Services

Therapists are required to provide honest information about the services they deliver to clients and third-party payers.

Bartering

Bartering for services is acceptable only if requested by the client, the relationship remains non-exploitative, and a clear written contract is established.

Withholding Records for Non-Payment

Therapists cannot withhold treatment records needed for a client's care solely due to non-payment for past services, unless legally justified.

Advertising

Informational activities must be appropriate and enable the public to make informed choices about professional services.

Accurate Professional Representation

Competencies, education, training, and experience must be accurately represented by therapists according to applicable laws.

Promotional Materials

Advertisements must be truthful and comply with legal standards.

Professional Affiliations

Therapists must not misrepresent partnerships or affiliations with firms they are not associated with.

Professional Identification

False, misleading, or deceptive claims must not appear on office materials or directories used by therapists.

Educational Credentials

Only degrees related to marriage and family therapy or equivalent fields may be claimed by therapists for their clinical practice.

Employee or Supervisee Qualifications

There must be accurate representation of qualifications of subordinates in a manner consistent with applicable laws.

Specialization (Advertising)

Therapists can promote specific services only after ensuring their competence and protecting clients from harm.

Correction of Misinformation (Advertising)

Efforts should be made to correct any false or misleading information regarding therapists' qualifications or services provided by others.

Standard I: Responsibility to Clients

Reflects the ethical obligation towards the well-being and rights of clients.

Standard II: Confidentiality

Emphasizes the importance of protecting client information and privacy.

Standard III: Professional Competence and Integrity

Enforces maintaining high standards of competence and integrity in professional practices.

Standard IV: Responsibility to Students and Supervisees

Focuses on the ethical obligations therapists have towards their students and supervisees.

Standard V: Research and Publication

Addresses ethical considerations in conducting and publishing research in the field.

Standard VI: Technology-Assisted Professional Services

Establishes guidelines for the use of technology in providing professional services.

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Description

Prepare for the MFT National Exam with these flashcards focused on the AAMFT Code of Ethics. Each card highlights core values that emphasize diversity, excellence, and responsiveness in marriage and family therapy. Test your knowledge and ensure you are well-versed in the ethical standards required for practice.