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January, 2006 | SAGE Publications, Inc

Ethical Reasoning for Mental Health Professionals


Gary G. Ford - Stephen F. Austin State University, USA
408 pages | January, 2006 | SAGE Publications, Inc
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ISBN: 9781544334349
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"I would really recommend this as an excellent class text and desk reference. I would describe this as a very comprehensive, up to date text on ethics that includes most mental health professionals. This was very thorough and well written….the inclusion of case examples throughout the chapters really brought home the points that the author was trying to make. The author was very skilled at going into depth while covering the ethical dimensions and did not merely provide superficial discussion." -- Kathleen M. Salyers, The University of Toledo
-- Kathleen M. Salyers,

Ethical Reasoning for Mental Health Professionals addresses a fundamental need of ethics training in psychology and counseling: the development of reasoning skills to resolve the complex professional ethical issues that arise. Author Gary G. Ford provides readers with a background in ethical reasoning and introduces them to an easy-to-follow eight step model of ethical decision making.

Key Features:

  • Covers philosophical models of ethical reasoning: Readers are provided with the needed background for understanding sources of ethical duties and the metaethical justification underlying the ethical code of their profession.
  • Addresses APA and ACA ethics codes: A greater understanding between the professions of psychology and counseling is illustrated by covering current versions of ethical codes for both fields (APA, 2002 & ACA, 2005). Recommendations are given for those who wish to pursue certification, degree, or licensure in the other field.
  • Exemplifies ethical dilemmas and ethical responses: Treats the issue of ethical dilemmas, in which two or more ethical duties actually conflict. Other texts present issues one at a time, supplemented by case examples involving ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ answers, leaving professionals ill-equipped to apply ethical principles to novel circumstances, particularly where multiple ethical duties conflict.
  • Reflects the complexity of real-life situations: Numerous thought-provoking case examples help students apply ethical principles to novel professional circumstances. In-depth coverage of ethical concerns in assessment, therapy, industrial/organizational, teaching, research, and forensic activities is provided, as well as in emerging areas such as e-therapy and Internet research.
  • Addresses multicultural concerns: The ubiquitous nature of cultural influences in our lives and professional activities is demonstrated. Readers are guided to identify cultural biases in their own life and the ethical principles and practices of the mental health professions.

Intended Audience:

This text is perfect for students studying ethical issues in psychology and counseling, as well as a great resource for clinical/counseling psychologists, psychotherapists, and practitioners.

This text is perfect for students studying ethical issues in psychology and counseling, as well as a great resource for clinical/counseling psychologists, psychotherapists, and practitioners.

Preface

What is Ethics
Ethics and Personal Values
The Role and Values in the Practice of a Mental Health Profession
Why do Professions Develop Ethical Standards?
The History of Ethics in Psychology
"Ethical Principals of Psychologists and Code of Conduct"
Counseling: Code of Ethics
Psychiatry: The Principles of Medical Ethics, With Annotations Especially Applicable to Psychiatry
Social Work: Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers
The Limitations of Ethical Codes
Ethics and Law
Summary

Introduction and Applicability
Preamble
General Principles
Summary

Preamble
ACA Code of Ethics Sections
The Existence of Ethical Conflict
Summary

The Philosophical Basis of Ethical Judgments
Utilitarianism
Kant's Formalist Ethical Theory
The Need for Ethical Problem-Solving Skills to Address Conflicts Between Ethical Principles
Ethical Relativism
Ethical Contextualism
Summary

The Purpose of the Model
The Model
A Case Example Applying the Model of Ethical Decision Making
Summary

Informed Consent
Confidentiality
Multiple Relationships
Conflict of Interest
Competence
Respect for Clients' Autonomy
Termination
Practice Case Involving the Model of Ethical Decision Making
Summary

Working Within an Organization
Conflict of Interest
Working in a Psychiatric Hospital
Managed Care Practice
Working in Forensic (Correctional) Settings
Mental Health Professionals in the Military
Psychotherapy With Children
School Psychology and Counseling
Practice Case Involving the Model of Ethical Decision Making
Summary

The Value and Ethical Implications of Psychiatric Diagnoses
Psychological and Educational Assessment and Testing
Multicultural Issues in Psychological Assessment
Ethics and Test Validity
Use of Computerized Test Administration, Scoring, and Interpretation
Report Writing
Special Considerations in College Orientation Testing
Practice Case Involving the Model of Ethical Decision Making
Summary

Specialty Guidelines for E-Therapy
Beneficence
Nonmaleficence
Integrity
Competence
Informed consent
Confidentiality
Conducting Assessments Using the Internet
Conclusion
Practice Case Involving the Model of Ethical Decision Making
Summary

Working for a Business Organization
Competence
Consulting Relationships
Special Considerations in Industrial/Organizational Assessment
Entrepreneurial Practice of a Mental Health Profession
Practice Case Involving the Model of Ethical Decision Making
Summary

Competence
Informed Consent
Multiple Relationships
Confidentiality
Professional and Scientific Responsibility
Teaching Students About Values and Professional Ethics
Ethical and Legal Issues in Supervision
Practice Case Involving the Model of Ethical Decision Making
Summary

Ethics, Values, and Theory Construction
Conducting Research With Human Participants
Protecting Research Participants From Harm
Informed Consent
Special Considerations in Conducting Research With Children
The Use of Deception in Research
Confidentiality
Ethical Issues Concerning the Use of Student Subject Pools
Ethics and Scientific Merit of Research
Ethical Issues in Data Collection and Analysis
Ethical Issues in Publishing Research Results
Ethical Issues in Conducting Research on the Internet
Ethical Issues in Conducting Animal Research
Practice Case Involving the Model of Ethical Decision Making
Summary

Legal Issues in Hospital Admission for Psychiatric Treatment
Involuntary Hospitalizations: The Psychiatric Commitment Process
The Rights of Psychiatric Inpatient Clients
Ethical Considerations in Suicide Preventions
Forensic Practice in the Mental Health Professions
What if Ethics and the Law Conflict?
Practice Case Involving the Model of Ethical Decision Making
Summary

When Professionals Identify Unethical Conduct
State Boards of Psychology and Counseling
Professional Organizations' Ethics Committees
Dealing Appropriately With a State Board of Ethics Committee Inquiry
Legal Complaints Against Mental Health Professionals
Avoiding Difficulties by Functioning as an Ethical Professional
Practice Case Involving the Model of Ethical Decision Makings
Summary
References
Appendices
A: "Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct"
B: ACA Code of Ethics
  • Survey of major principles and methods of ethical reasoning
  • Innovative framework to support individual ethical reasoning and decision making
  • A comprehensive presentation of ethical issues pertaining to therapy, assessment, industrial/organizational work, teaching, and research
  • A cutting edge chapter on ethics and the use of technology in clinical practice.
  • Numerous case situations to exemplify ethical dilemmas and ethical responses
  • Inclusion of ethical codes pertaining to both counseling and psychotherapy