Ethics in the practice of clinical psychology

Abstract

The paper presents an overview of ethical issues in clinical psychology. Specifically, it addresses the broad philosophical ideas and views on mental illness on which ethical principles are based, including Greek philosophy and Christianity. It goes on to describe the ethical code of the American Psychological Association as it pertains to general principles, psychological assessment or psychometry, education or training and psychological interventions. The principles of the code and research on the same are discussed with relevance to issues and challenges to ethical practice in India, and suggestions for ethical conduct are made. The paper emphasises the need to consider different viewpoints and take individual responsibility for difficult decisions.

How To, or Not To Intervene – Some Ethical Dilemmas Encountered by Mental Health Professionals

“…Most family members assumed that, since they were bringing the patient to the hospital, and would manage the patients at home, they deserved to be fully informed. Additionally, in case of patient with psychotic symptoms, and resulting conflicts, the family pressurized the therapist to divulge confidential information, which is in congruence with previous reports [4,5,18]. Family members felt even more offended in cases where their child perceived the client-therapist relationship to be more trustworthy.…”

“…Consequently, the clients extended similar beliefs and emotions towards the contemporary healers-the health professionals, exhibited similar relationship dynamics in professional relationships [5,15]. Perhaps, the clients trusted their therapists and held strong blind faith unto them [4,7]. However, living up to the ideal image of a healthcare professional impinged upon other inter-related ethical principles such as self-disclosure.…”

“…Did the cultural sanctioning of souvenirs or gifts as gratitude overlook the boundary violation taking place? Despite awareness about the non-sexual and sexual boundary violations, medical healthcare professionals in India are said to be underskilled -even incompetentin establishing healthy boundary norms between themselves and the patient [4,32]. This may be due to ambiguous limitations of self-disclosure.…”

“…Ethical dilemmas and concerns are an important part of any healthcare system, but ethical treatment needs to be tailored to local realities and constraints [1][2]. Indian mental health care professionals share some ethical concerns similar to those of their Western counterparts [3] such as boundary violations, confidentiality issues, caregiving by multiple healthcare workers of varying competence, however, they also face additional challenges like-issues around decisional autonomy, cultural issues around psychometric assessments and chiefly, hierarchical relationships with healthcare workers [4][5][6][7][8]. Ethical dilemmas and concerns are thus a part and parcel of the Indian medical system.…”

Ethical dilemmas experienced by clinical psychology trainee therapists

“…Reviews (19,20) have highlighted the importance of awareness of and reflection on ethical practice in our country. The Right to Information Act and the Consumer Protection Act, have thrown up additional ethical quandaries for those who provide therapeutic services.…”