Confidentiality limits in psychotherapy: Ethics checklists for mental health professionals
ISBN: 9781433821899
Platform/Publisher: PsycBOOKS / American Psychological Association
Digital rights: Users: Unlimited; Printing: Chapter; Download: Chapter
Subjects: Professional Ethics & Standards & Liability;

Can therapists keep their patients' secrets? Should they?

Psychotherapists are careful to safeguard information about their clients, but in some instances, they may be legally or otherwise compelled to disclose information, even without client consent. This little confidentiality manual walks readers through this complex topic, using the author's easy-to-follow six-step Ethical Practice Model.

The checklist format enables therapists to inform themselves systematically about ethical options and relevant state and federal laws, so they can decide if, when, and in what respects they will limit their protection of clients' confidences--and then discuss these limits with prospective clients. The chapters and case studies are full of useful information, making this the most convenient guide available to therapists on the topic.

Resource lists and appendices for further reading are included.

An essential tool not only for practicing therapists but also for ethics professors in clinical training programs, supervisors of students on internships and practica, and peer consultants, this handy reference belongs on every practitioner's desktop.

Mary Alice Fisher, PhD, is founding director of the Center for Ethical Practice, a member of the adjunct clinical faculty at the University of Virginia, and a clinical psychologist in private practice in Charlottesville, Virginia. Dr. Fisher provides workshops, seminars, and consultation on topics related to ethical issues in clinical practice.

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