Full Description
Can therapists keep their patients amp rsquo 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 amp rsquo 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 amp rsquo 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 amp rsquo s desktop.
Contents
Introduction
The Ethical ABCs of Conditional Confidentiality
Step . Prepare to Protect Confidentiality Rights
Step 2. Tell Prospective Clients the Truth About Foreseeable Limits of Confidentiality
Step 3. Obtain amp quot Truly Informed amp quot Consent Before Disclosing Confidential Information Voluntarily
Step 4. Respond Ethically to Laws That Require amp quot Involuntary amp quot Disclosures
Step 5. Avoid Preventable Breaches of Confidentiality
Step . Talk About Confidentiality: Educate Each Other and the Public
Appendix A. Online Sources for Professional Ethics Codes and Listing of Ethics Texts
Appendix B. Definitions and Clarifications
Appendix C. Laws and Regulations Affecting Confidentiality
Appendix D. Client Handout Template - amp quot Limits of Confidentiality amp quot
Appendix E. Elements of One-Way or Two-Way amp quot Release of Information amp quot Forms
Appendix F. Ethical Responsibilities in Legal Contexts
Appendix G. Protecting Clients' Confidentiality Rights - An Annotated Version of the Ethical Practice Model
References
Index
About the Author
