Ethics and Individual Intervention (feb 6)

The "Client" Ambiguity

• Determining who the primary client is in a correctional setting.

• Key Distinction: If a prisoner seeks help voluntarily, they are the client. However, if the assessment is mandated for public safety, the government is considered the client, which can blur ethical lines regarding confidentiality.

Confidentiality vs. Public Safety

• The limits of privacy in a prison environment.

• Key Insight: Confidentiality is foundational but not absolute. If a prisoner reveals plans to harm themselves, others, or the security of the institution, the psychologist must report it.

Principle 1: Respect for the Dignity of Persons

• Protecting the rights and self-determination of the individual.

• Application: Includes obtaining informed consent (where possible) and practicing corroboration—checking the information a prisoner provides against official records to identify discrepancies.

Principle 2: Responsible Caring

• Maintaining professional competence.

• Application: Psychologists must only provide services in areas they are trained for and must have a deep knowledge of legal structures like the CCRA (Corrections and Conditional Release Act).

Principle 3: Integrity in Relationships

• Honesty and the avoidance of conflict.

• Key Challenges:

  • psychologist shopping

  • Multiple Relationships:

Psychologist Shopping

• When a prisoner seeks out different clinicians until they find one who gives them the answer they want.

Multiple Relationships

When a psychologist is forced into a security role (e.g., witnessing a cell search), which can fracture therapeutic trust.