Ethical Obligations of Psychologists to their Patients | Assignment Collections | assignmentcollections.com

Trust is the primary most ground for any relationship to thrive. Erica has had trust issues for the longest time, and her failure to open up to many psychologists is liable for her escalated drug abuse. However, since the buildup of trust with a different psychologist, she has managed to reduce her drug use, though she takes a binge every now and then. It is often stated that it takes a very long time to build trust, but takes forever to regain broken trust. The predicament suffered by Erica in her last escapades are not only worrying but also traumatizing. The extent of the research seeks to check on the ethical implications of her psychologist, which will eventually determine on the step to take. 

According to the psychologists’ code of conduct, confidentiality perches highest on the pecking order. Psychologists are prohibited by their code of conduct to disclose any sensitive information to third parties. However, the code of confidentiality can only be disapproved in certain crucial situations. Such instances include issues surrounding abuse. Consequently, in Erica’s case, in as much as the psychologist may want to maintain confidentiality, the issue of abuse makes it cumbersome to do so. The psychologist is bound by law to disclose the prevalent abuse, and failure to do so will be termed as abscond of duty, and any damage pertaining to the same will fall entirely on their shoulders. 

However, in as much as the psychologist is bound by law to disclose the issue of abuse, it prudent that they communicate with Erica on the issue before disclosing the sensitive issue. Failure to reach a consensus will prompt a disclosure to the relevant authorities. Due to the sensitive nature of the information, gradual and informed disclosure must be made to ensure that Erica comprehends and processes it without any glitches. Dissemination of the information in a haphazard manner will only escalate the problem rather than curtail progression of the same. If anything, the subject must feel at ease before taking any drastic action. The confidence and trust previously cultivated must be maintained at all costs. To streamline the process, the psychologist must communicate to the subject the levels of confidentiality and how the collected information is stored. Only then shall Erica’s nerves be calmed and so will her confidence be boosted once and for all. 

As per the ethical requirements as a psychologist, Erica’s sexual abuse ought to be reported. Failure to disclose the heinous act to the authorities will be a win to the perpetrator who will go scot free. Though the client may be at loggerheads with the idea to dos so, there’s no way out. Psychologically, the initial step towards healing is acceptance. If Erica is not willing to accept and embrace her current situation, her healing process will be far from ideal. However, only information on the abuse will be disclosed to the authorities and nothing more. All data on previous therapy sessions will be maintained with utmost confidentiality. The dissemination of crucial information to the authorities is most likely to strain relations with the victim. Despite the strained relationship, disclosure will be the best approach to the issue.

From the precedent, it is only prudent that the psychologists weigh the issue at hand and deduce the best manner possible for disseminating the information to Erica. The professional duty of the psychologist is to induce wellness of their patients no matter the cost. In truism, in as much as the issue may strain relations with the victim, disclosure about the abuse is inevitable.