Forensic Psychology Case Study

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Recommended: APA Ethics Code and ethical dilemmas

Case Analysis

Professional and Ethical Issues in Forensic Psych

Samuelu Vaina

Argosy University

Dr. Bernstein

Should the evaluation, which is requested by the warden, be completed? Why or why not?

Standard 3.10 of APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct states that when a psychologists performs an assessment or provides services through therapy or counseling, they must obtain the informed consent of the individual or individuals to which these services are applied to (APA, 1992). In order for the consent to be “informed”, the client must have or achieve a clear understanding of the facts, risks, benefits, and other options involved. Informed consent secures the individual as well as ensures the clinician. By acquiring …show more content…

There are, obviously, many exceptions to the process of securing informed consent in psychotherapy and counseling. Emergencies are obvious examples. Many state laws and professional association codes of ethics have provisions that permit or even mandate to release information and provide treatment and assessment under certain circumstances, without an informed consent. These situations may include when a client is in danger to self or others, child or elder abuse or neglect (Appelbaum & Grisso, 1988). However, to perform evaluation under the conditions requested by the warden, covert and without consent, will be considered very inappropriate and threatening to the professional him/herself. The request by the warden also violates standard 1.03 Conflicts between Ethics and Organizational Demands. Standard 1.03 states that “if the demands of an organization with which psychologists are affiliated or for whom they are working are in conflict with the Ethics Code, psychologists must clarify the nature of the conflict, make known their commitment to the Ethics Code, and take reasonable steps to resolve the conflict…..under no circumstances may this standard be used to justify or defend violating human rights” (APA, …show more content…

Therefore, they may not be required by any form of law to adhere to some of the policies, standards, and regulations. However, to answer the question regarding the evaluation of Inmate X without informed consent, the answer would remain the same. One must adhere and recognize all ethical issues involving this decision. One must take steps to protect the individual as well as the integrity of the principles of the association and the profession itself. Informed consent in the field of psychology is extremely important and is most relevant in psychotherapy, counseling, assessment (testing) and research settings. The standard of care in psychotherapy, psychological assessment and mental health research requires that clients be informed so that they fully understand the nature of the proposed interventions or procedures . Informed consent is also relevant in situations where therapists and clients communicate when a client authorizes a therapist to release confidential information or to record a session. It is important that psychotherapists, and all mental health care providers, are cognizant and informed of the clinical, ethical and legal complexities involved in providing and obtaining informed

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