Ethical considerations for psychologists in the time of COVID-19.

Abstract

Psychologists are in a position to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic through research, practice, education, and advocacy. However, concerns exist about the ethical implications associated with transitioning from face-to-face to online or virtual formats as necessitated by stay-at-home orders designed to enforce the social distancing required to flatten the curve of new COVID-19 cases. The purpose of this article is to review potential ethical issues and to provide guidance to psychologists for ethical conduct in the midst of the current crisis and its aftermath. In addition to contextualizing relevant ethical considerations according to the principles and standards of the current American Psychological Association's ethics code, vignettes are presented to exemplify the ethical dilemmas psychologists in various roles may face when responding to COVID-19 and to offer suggestions and resources for resolving potential conflicts. Public Significance StatementThis article provides psychologists with guidance for addressing ethical issues that may arise while providing services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The information included in this article will be useful for psychologists working across settings (e.g., independent practice, hospitals, clinics, universities or colleges, research centers) and various roles (e.g., clinicians, scientists, educators, advocates).

Implementing Skills for Psychological Recovery at a Psychology Training Clinic During COVID-19

“…The crisis also presented a unique training opportunity for trainees to develop competencies in several areas, including telehealth, disaster mental health, and ethics ( Desai, Lankford, & Schwartz, 2020 ). The APA Ethics Code (2017), for example, implores psychologists to be cognizant of their responsibilities to both society and to the specific communities in which they live (Principle B) ( Chenneville & Schwartz-Mette, 2020 ). Recognizing the opportunity to meet client, community, and trainee needs, leadership at a psychology training clinic, the University of Missouri Psychological Services Clinc (hereafter referred to as “the clinic”) strove to provide trauma-informed mental health services that were informed by the available research, could be tailored to address client concerns specific to COVID-19, and could be delivered effectively via telehealth.…”

“Zoom Developmentalists”: Home-Based Videoconferencing Developmental Research during COVID-19

“…The practice of online research is becoming normative among developmental scientists, during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic [1][2][3]. With the advancement of videoconferencing technology [4][5] and the shutdown of laboratories, daycare centers, schools, and museums, researchers worldwide have shifted their in-person studies to virtual ones while often working from home [6][7][8][9][10]. While scientists are embracing technology to conduct their developmental research during lockdowns, this new modality is not yet optimal and mature.…”

COVID-19 and OCD: Potential impact of exposure and response prevention therapy

“…As noted here, ERP remains the most efficacious intervention for OCD, whether there is a pandemic or not. As a result, in line with the ethical mandate of the profession, providers are obligated to identify the best way to deliver this intervention while navigating the safety protocols to contain the spread of COVID-19 ( Chenneville & Schwartz-Mette, 2020 ).…”