APA Ethics Code Standards

What should a psychologist do if their work is misused or misrepresented?

They must take reasonable steps to correct or reduce the misuse or misrepresentation of their work.

What should a psychologist do if ethical duties conflict with the law?

They must clarify the conflict, affirm their commitment to the Ethics Code, and take reasonable steps to resolve the conflict ethically—never violating human rights.

How should psychologists respond if their workplace pressures conflict with ethical guidelines?

They must clarify the conflict, assert their ethical responsibilities, and take reasonable steps to resolve the issue—without using this as an excuse to violate human rights.

When is informal resolution of another psychologist's unethical behavior appropriate?

If it seems suitable, and confidentiality isn't violated, psychologists should try resolving it directly with the individual.

When must psychologists report ethical violations instead of handling them informally?

If the violation caused or could cause significant harm, and informal steps fail or aren't appropriate, they must take further action, like reporting to licensing boards—unless doing so would breach confidentiality.

Are psychologists required to cooperate in ethics investigations?

Yes—refusing to cooperate is itself an ethics violation. However, asking to delay proceedings until after litigation doesn't count as noncooperation.

Can psychologists file ethics complaints without solid factual support?

No—they must not file or encourage complaints based on reckless disregard for facts or willful ignorance.

Can someone be denied a job or promotion just for being involved in an ethics complaint?

No—psychologists must not unfairly discriminate against people solely because they filed or were the subject of a complaint. Decisions can be based on the outcome, but not on involvement alone.

When can psychologists provide services, teach, or do research with specific populations or topics?

Only when they have the proper education, training, supervised experience, or other professional preparation to do so competently.

What must psychologists do when cultural or identity-related factors (like age, race, or language) are crucial for effective service?

They must be trained, supervised, or consult to ensure competence—or refer out if needed, unless it's an emergency.

What should psychologists do before working in a new area or with a new population?

They must first get appropriate training, supervision, or experience to become competent in that area.

Can psychologists provide services outside their competence if no one else is available?

Yes, but only if they have related experience and make a reasonable effort to gain competence while ensuring clients aren't denied care.

What's required in emerging areas without established training standards?

Psychologists must take reasonable steps to ensure their work is competent and clients are protected from harm.

What must psychologists know when taking on forensic roles?

They must be reasonably familiar with the legal and administrative rules that apply to their role.

Can psychologists work outside their usual competence in emergencies?

Yes—but only to prevent service denial, and they must stop once the emergency ends or appropriate services become available.

What must psychologists do to maintain professional competence over time?

They must engage in continuous learning and skill development throughout their careers.

What should psychologists base their professional work on?

They must rely on established scientific and professional knowledge from the field of psychology.

What 3 conditions must psychologists meet when delegating tasks to others?

They must: (1) avoid delegating to people with conflicts of interest, (2) only assign tasks within the person's abilities and supervision level, and (3) ensure the work is done competently.

When should psychologists avoid starting work-related activities?

When they know or should know that personal problems are likely to interfere with competent performance.

What should psychologists do if personal issues start affecting their professional work?

They must take steps like getting consultation or support and consider reducing or stopping their professional duties.

What forms of discrimination must psychologists avoid in their work?

They must not unfairly discriminate based on age, gender, race, culture, religion, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, or any legally protected category.

What is considered sexual harassment in psychology?

Any sexual behavior (verbal, nonverbal, or physical) that is unwelcome, offensive, or creates a hostile environment, or is severe enough to be abusive—even if it happens just once.

What non-sexual behaviors must psychologists avoid in professional interactions?

They must not knowingly harass or demean others based on identity factors like race, gender, disability, or language.

How must psychologists approach harm in their professional work?

They must take steps to avoid harming others and minimize harm when it's foreseeable or unavoidable.

Can psychologists ever engage in torture or cruel treatment?

No—psychologists must never engage in or support torture or other cruel, inhuman, or degrading actions.

When does a multiple relationship become unethical?

When it could impair the psychologist's judgment or effectiveness, or risk exploitation or harm to the client.

What should psychologists do if an unexpected multiple relationship becomes harmful?

They must take reasonable steps to resolve it in a way that prioritizes the client's best interests and complies with ethics.

How should psychologists handle required multiple roles in legal or institutional settings?

They must explain their roles, limits of confidentiality, and any changes clearly from the beginning and as circumstances change.

When must psychologists avoid taking on a role due to a conflict of interest?

When personal or other interests could impair their objectivity or effectiveness, or could harm or exploit those they work with.

What must psychologists clarify when services are requested by a third party?

They must explain their role, who the client is, how the information will be used, and limits to confidentiality.

What kinds of relationships are considered exploitative and unethical for psychologists?

Psychologists must not take advantage of people they have power over—like clients, students, supervisees, or research participants.

When should psychologists cooperate with other professionals?

When it's professionally appropriate and helps serve their clients effectively.

When is informed consent required in psychological work?

Before providing services or conducting research—unless legally exempt—psychologists must get informed consent using understandable language.

What must psychologists do when a person cannot legally give consent?

They must explain the situation, seek assent, consider the person's best interests, and get legal permission if required.

What should psychologists explain before providing court-ordered or mandated services?

They must clarify the nature of services, that they're court-ordered, and any confidentiality limits.

How should psychologists document consent?

They must appropriately record verbal or written consent, assent, or legal permissions.

What must psychologists disclose when providing services through organizations?

They must explain the goals, who is the client, how information will be used, who has access, confidentiality limits, and results—unless legally prohibited.

What must psychologists do to prepare for interruptions in service?

They must make reasonable plans to ensure client care continues if services are disrupted (e.g., due to illness, relocation, or financial issues).

What is a psychologist's primary responsibility regarding confidential information?

To take reasonable steps to protect client confidentiality across all formats, while recognizing legal and institutional limits.

When must psychologists explain confidentiality and its limits to clients or organizations?

At the start of the relationship and again if new circumstances arise, unless it's not feasible or would be harmful.

What must psychologists discuss with clients about confidentiality?

They must explain both the limits of confidentiality and how the client's information might be used.

What must psychologists do when providing services electronically?

They must inform clients of potential risks to privacy and limits to confidentiality in digital communications.

When can psychologists record clients' voices or images?

Only after obtaining permission from the individuals or their legal representatives.

What information should psychologists include in reports or consultations?

Only information relevant to the purpose of the communication.

When is it appropriate for psychologists to discuss confidential information?

Only for valid scientific or professional purposes and only with those directly involved.

When can psychologists share confidential information with consent?

When they have consent from the client, an authorized representative, or organizational client—unless prohibited by law.

When can psychologists disclose information without consent?

Only when legally required or allowed—for example, to prevent harm, obtain consultation, provide necessary services, or collect payment, and only the minimum needed should be disclosed.

What must psychologists avoid when consulting about a client or case?

They must not share identifying confidential information unless they have consent or the disclosure is unavoidable, and they must only share what's necessary for the consultation.

When can psychologists use real client information in teaching or media?

Only if they disguise identifying details, get written consent, or are legally authorized to do so.

What types of public statements are psychologists prohibited from making?

They must not make false, deceptive, or misleading statements about their work or affiliations, including in ads, resumes, legal settings, media, or publications.

What specific information must psychologists not misrepresent in public statements?

They must be truthful about their training, degrees, credentials, affiliations, services, success rates, fees, and research findings.

When can psychologists use degrees as credentials for health services?

Only if the degree is from a regionally accredited institution or was used to obtain a valid state psychology license.

Who is responsible for public statements made on behalf of a psychologist?

The psychologist is professionally responsible, even if someone else created or placed the statement.

Can psychologists pay media employees for favorable publicity?

No—paying for publicity in news stories is not allowed.

How should advertisements by psychologists be identified?

They must clearly be labeled or recognizable as paid advertisements.

What must be accurately described in advertisements for workshops or educational programs?

The intended audience, learning objectives, presenters, and fees must all be clearly and accurately stated.

What 3 precautions must psychologists take when giving public advice through media?

They must: (1) base statements on professional knowledge, (2) follow the Ethics Code, and (3) avoid implying a professional relationship exists with the audience.

Can psychologists ask current therapy clients for testimonials?

No—they must not seek testimonials from current clients or others vulnerable to pressure.

When is in-person solicitation of therapy clients unethical?

Psychologists must not solicit therapy clients in person unless it's for appropriate collateral contact or community disaster outreach—especially if the person is vulnerable.

Why must psychologists keep accurate records of their professional and scientific work?

To support future services, allow research replication, meet institutional/legal requirements, ensure billing accuracy, and stay legally compliant.

How must psychologists handle confidential records?

They must protect confidentiality when creating, storing, accessing, sharing, or disposing of records, regardless of the format.

What should psychologists do if data is stored in a system others can access without client consent?

They must use coding or other methods to prevent identification of clients.

What plans should psychologists make before leaving a job or ending practice?

They should plan for safe transfer and protection of confidential records if they leave their role or practice.

Can psychologists refuse to release records needed for emergency care if a client hasn't paid?

No—records must be provided for emergency treatment even if payment is outstanding.

When should psychologists discuss fees with clients?

As early as possible in the professional relationship.

What financial practices must psychologists follow?

Fees must comply with the law and be accurately represented.

What should psychologists do if finances might limit services?

They should discuss these limits with the client as early as possible.

What must happen before using legal or collection measures to recover unpaid fees?

Psychologists must inform the client and give them a chance to pay before taking those steps.

When is it ethical to accept goods or services instead of money from a client?

Only if it won't harm the therapeutic relationship and the arrangement isn't exploitative.

What must psychologists ensure when reporting to insurers or funders?

That all reports about services, payments, diagnoses, and findings are accurate and truthful.

When is it ethical for psychologists to split fees with other professionals?

Only if each person's payment reflects actual services provided—not just the referral.

What must psychologists ensure when designing education or training programs?

They must make sure the program provides the right knowledge and experience and meets any licensure or certification goals it claims to support.

What must psychologists include in program descriptions?

Accurate details about content, goals, requirements, evaluations, stipends, and any required counseling or service must be clearly available to all interested parties.

What must course syllabi accurately reflect?

They must accurately describe the subject matter, how students will be evaluated, and the types of course experiences involved.

Can instructors change course content during the term?

Yes—but only if students are informed in a way that allows them to meet course requirements.

What is required when psychologists teach psychological content?

They must present psychological information accurately and responsibly.

Can psychologists require students to disclose personal issues like sexual history or past abuse?

Only if the program clearly states this requirement in advance or if the information is needed to help students with issues affecting their professional performance or safety.

What options must students have if therapy is a program requirement?

They must be allowed to choose therapists who are not affiliated with the program.

Can faculty who evaluate students provide required therapy?

No—faculty who assess students' academic performance must not also provide their therapy.

What must psychologists establish for feedback in supervision?

They must provide a clear, timely, and specific process for giving feedback, explained at the start of supervision.

How should student or supervisee performance be evaluated?

Based on actual performance on program-related tasks and criteria—not personal factors.

When are sexual relationships with students or supervisees unethical?

When the psychologist has or is likely to have evaluative authority over the student or supervisee within the same department, agency, or training center.

When must psychologists get institutional approval for research?

Before conducting research, and they must follow the approved protocol.

What must be included in research informed consent?

Purpose, duration, procedures, right to withdraw, potential risks and benefits, confidentiality limits, incentives, and contact info for questions.

What extra information must be given in intervention research with experimental treatments?

Clarify it's experimental, how groups are assigned, what control groups get, other treatment options, and financial details (costs or reimbursements).

When must psychologists obtain consent before recording in research?

Before recording voices/images—unless it's a public observation with no expected harm or the study includes deception and consent is obtained during debriefing.

How should psychologists protect clients, students, or subordinates in research?

They must ensure no negative consequences for refusing or withdrawing from participation.

What must be offered if research is required for a course or extra credit?

Equitable alternative options must be provided.

When can informed consent be waived in research?

If there's minimal risk, such as in educational studies, anonymous surveys, public observations, or job studies where confidentiality is protected—or when legally permitted.

What types of research incentives must be avoided?

Psychologists must avoid excessive or inappropriate rewards that may pressure people to participate.

What must be clarified when offering professional services as a research incentive?

The nature of the services, risks, obligations, and limitations.

When is deception allowed in research?

Only if justified by significant value and there's no feasible non-deceptive alternative.

What kind of deception is never allowed?

Deception about procedures likely to cause physical pain or severe emotional distress.

When must deception be explained to participants?

As early as possible—preferably after participation ends, but no later than the end of data collection—and participants can withdraw their data.

What must psychologists provide after research participation?

Timely, accurate debriefing and correction of misconceptions, and minimize harm if any was caused.

Can debriefing ever be delayed?

Yes, if justified by scientific or humane reasons—but risks must be minimized.

What standards must psychologists follow when using animals in research?

They must comply with all relevant laws and ethical standards for care, use, and disposal.

Who is responsible for overseeing animal research procedures?

Psychologists trained in research and animal care must supervise all procedures.

What must all personnel working with animals be trained in?

Animal care and handling specific to the species used.

When can painful procedures on animals be used?

Only if no alternative exists and the scientific or educational value justifies the use.