● NASW (2021)—Social workers understand that relationships between and among people are a vehicle to change, and they seek to strengthen relationships in an effort to promote, restore, maintain, and enhance the well-being of individuals, social groups, and communities (Value: Importance of Human Relationships). ● ACA (2014)—Counselors work for the good of the individual and society by promoting mental health and well-being, enhancing development throughout the life span. They work to help the client foster control over the direction of their life (Introduction). Nonmaleficence Nonmaleficence is the principle by which the clinician strives to do no harm. The clinician will not cause intentional harm to clients, and they will avoid behaviors that may place their clients at risk of harm. Harm is broadly defined and can include emotional, physical, and/or psychological harm. It requires the healthcare provider to carefully consider risks and benefits when making decisions that affect the care of the client. ● APA (2017)—Psychologists strive to do no harm and attempt to resolve conflicts in a way that minimizes harm (Principle A). ● NASW (2021)—Social workers use their knowledge, values, and skills to help people in need, and they elevate service to Integrity/Fidelity Clinical Consideration : The concept of “do no harm” may seem straightforward, for example yelling at or hitting a client is clearly unacceptable. However, there may be situations where acts of potential harm must be weighed against what is best for the client. Consider, as an example, the client who you feel would benefit from a psychotropic medication evaluation. Does the potential for harm from side effects of a medication outweigh the potential benefit of the medication to the client’s mental health? Clinicians establish relationships of trust with their clients; they remain aware of their responsibility to clients and society as a whole; they uphold standards of conduct; they promote honesty; and they do not intentionally misrepresent information. ● APA (2017)—Clinicians aspire to work to the ethical standards of the profession, they accept responsibility for their own behavior, and they work to serve the best interests of their client (Principle B). ● NASW (2021)—Social workers are continually aware of the profession’s mission, values, ethical principles, and ethical standards and practice in a manner consistent with them (Value: Integrity). Autonomy/Justice Clinical Consideration : Keeping appointments, starting on time, and remaining attentive in the therapy session are basic examples of fidelity, as is maintaining confidentiality to foster trust. Clinicians have a responsibility to be fair and impartial and to treat people equally. They respect the dignity and worth of clients and respect individual, cultural, and role differences. They work to ensure that all clients have access to resources and services. ● APA (2017)—Clinicians have a responsibility to be fair and impartial and to treat people equally. They remain aware of their personal potential biases and boundaries of competence. They respect the rights of individuals to privacy, confidentiality, and self-determination (Principles D, E). ● NASW (2021)—Social workers challenge social injustice and pursue social change focused primarily on issues of poverty, unemployment, and discrimination, and they seek to promote sensitivity to oppression. They treat each person
● AAMFT (2015)—Marriage and family therapists participate in activities which contribute to a better community and society (Preamble). Clinical Consideration : A client with a diagnosis of adjustment-related depression has been seen for eight sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy and has shown little to no improvement in mood and behavior. Recommending another form of treatment since this method is not working is a form of beneficence. ● NBCC (2023)—Counselors strive to enhance the social and mental well-being of their clients while supporting the overall wphysical health of each client (Core Values). others above their own self-interest. They continually work to increase their professional knowledge and skills and apply them in practice (Value: Service, Competence). ● ACA (2014)—Counselors act to avoid harming their clients (Client Welfare). ● AAMFT (2015)—Competence is essential to the well-being of clients and their communities (Professional Competence & Integrity). ● NBCC (2023)—Counselors seek to minimize undue harm and take particular care of those who are vulnerable or in anguish (Core Values). ● ACA (2014)—Counselors honor commitments, keep promises, and fulfill their responsibility of trust in the professional relationship. They deal truthfully with their clients (Professional Responsibility). ● AAMFT (2015)—Marriage and family therapists do not exploit the trust of clients. They maintain high standards of professional competence and integrity (Professional Competence and Integrity). ● NBCC (2023)—Counselors seek to listen to others with intention and respond with respect (Counseling Relationships). Clinical Consideration : Issues of justice are not uncommon with access to services. Clinicians serve as advocates for their clients to ensure fair access to treatment. Consider: 1. The client with depression who you have been seeing, whose health insurance will not authorize more psychotherapy sessions. 2. The client with substance abuse who wants rehab but has no financial resources. Ethical professional guidelines instruct providers to work to the best of their ability to help their client access needed services. in a caring and respectful manner, and they stay aware of individual differences and cultural and ethnic diversity (Value: Social Justice). ● ACA (2014)—Counselors work to help the client foster control over the direction of their life. They treat individuals equitably and foster fairness and equality (Client Welfare). ● AAMFT (2015)—Marriage and family therapists provide services to persons without discrimination. They foster diversity, equity, and excellence in clinical practice (Responsibilities to Clients). ● NBCC (2023)—Counselors strive to be sensitive to differences in attitudes and culture. They provide services to all of those in need, utilize available resources, and advocate for the expansion of resources in underserved communities. They avoid discrimination, oppression, or any form of social injustice (Core Values).
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Book Code: PYFL4024
EliteLearning.com/Psychology
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