Ethics of Informed Consent
Ethical Dilemma: Imagine a psychologist treating a minor child depression minor cutting. Because child's parents divorced, obtained consent treat child father, custodial parent. The mother (noncustodial parent) calls involved son's treatment.
Ethical dilemma: Treating a child of divorced patients
One of the most difficult issues for a therapist regarding the treatment of minors is the question of confidentiality. "An important aspect of treatment is to foster an individual's autonomy, and a great pleasure of treating adolescents is to watch as they come to enjoy their growing independence. One aspect of independence is privacy. As a child grows into adolescence and adulthood, the surrounding zone of privacy should increase, thus making room for a more defined sense of self and a greater sense of autonomy" (Behnke & Warner 2002: 44). In this instance, the custodial parent wants exclusive rights to be involved in the treatment of the minor, while the noncustodial parent also wants to be involved. The father has exclusive custodial rights to a young child of unspecified age who is under treatment for self-harm and depression. The noncustodial parent is the mother who is an alcoholic, not under treatment, who now wants to be involved in the child's care.
First and foremost the obligation of the therapist is to the client, not to either warring side of the participants involved in the divorce. "Standard 4.02, 'Informed Consent to Therapy,' states that when an individual cannot provide informed consent (such as a minor), psychologists 'consider such person's preferences and best interests.' Standard 4.03, 'Couple and Family Relationships,' states that psychologists 'attempt to clarify at the outset (1) which of the individuals are patients or clients...
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now