APA Ethics Code Sections 2, 3, 4, 9, and 10

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing key provisions of APA Ethics Code sections on competence, human relations, confidentiality, assessment, and therapy.

2.01 Boundaries of Competence

Psychologists provide services only within areas justified by their education, training, supervised experience, or professional experience.

2.02 Emergencies

In emergencies, psychologists may offer services outside their specialty until appropriate alternatives are available.

2.03 Maintaining Competence

Practitioners keep skills current through continuing education and awareness of evolving scientific and professional knowledge.

2.05 Delegation of Work

When assigning tasks, psychologists ensure delegates are competent, properly supervised, and free from relationships that could cause harm.

2.06 Personal Problems and Conflicts

If personal issues impair performance, psychologists limit, suspend, or seek supervision to protect clients.

3.01 Unfair Discrimination

Psychologists must not discriminate based on age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or similar factors unless professionally justified.

3.02 Harassment

Any unwanted behavior that creates a hostile or offensive environment is prohibited.

3.03 Avoiding Harm

Psychologists take reasonable steps to avoid harming clients, students, supervisees, and others with whom they work.

3.05 Multiple Relationships

Having more than one role with a person is avoided if it could impair objectivity, competence, or create risk of exploitation or harm.

3.07 Third-Party Requests for Services

Psychologists clarify who the client is, their own role, and confidentiality limits when a third party requests services.

3.10 Informed Consent

Obtain informed consent before providing services, assessments, or interventions.

4.01 Maintaining Confidentiality

Take reasonable precautions to protect confidential information obtained during professional work.

4.02 Discussing Limits of Confidentiality

Explain at the outset the nature and foreseeable limits of confidentiality and how information may be used.

4.03 Recording Client Information

Audio- or video-recording clients requires prior consent.

4.05 Disclosures

Release confidential information without consent only when required by law, needed to prevent harm, or authorized by the client.

4.07 Use of Confidential Information for Teaching/Research

Use test data or case material in teaching or publications only with client consent or with identities adequately disguised.

9.01 Bases for Assessments

Assessment conclusions rely on appropriate, empirically supported methods and sufficient information.

9.03 Informed Consent in Assessments

Obtain consent for assessments unless testing is legally mandated, implied by the setting, or permitted without consent.

9.04 Release of Test Data

Provide test data to clients or designees when authorized unless it risks harm or compromises test security.

9.06 Interpreting Assessment Results

Interpret results in light of cultural, linguistic, situational, and personal factors.

9.07 Assessment by Unqualified Persons

Only trained and competent individuals may administer, score, or interpret psychological assessments.

9.08 Obsolete Tests and Outdated Results

Avoid using outdated or obsolete tests and results unless there is a strong justification.

10.01 Informed Consent for Therapy

Consent must cover the nature of therapy, fees, third-party involvement, confidentiality, and the right to withdraw.

10.02 Therapy with Couples or Families

Clarify who the clients are, role boundaries, and confidentiality expectations when working with couples or families.

10.04 Therapy for Clients Receiving Services Elsewhere

Begin therapy with someone treated by another provider only after consulting that provider, unless the client refuses.

10.05 Sexual Intimacies with Current Clients

Sexual relationships with current therapy clients are strictly prohibited.

10.07 Sexual Intimacies with Former Clients

Sexual relationships with former clients are unethical for at least two years post-termination and only in exceptional cases thereafter.

10.10 Terminating Therapy

Terminate therapy when clients no longer need or benefit from it, or when continuation would likely cause harm.