Mudra Vyas's Quiz History: Law and Ethics Midterm Exam

What does the Standard of Care refer to?

Reasonable and prudent care exercised by members of the same profession.

What is a basic therapeutic right that allows a person to decide what personal data is shared with others?

Confidentiality.

True or False: You need to update your supervisor about a CPS report if you filed it during their absence.

True

What is the ethical course of action when contacted by a high school sweetheart requesting treatment?

It is unethical to schedule the session.

What should a therapist do when a minor expresses fear of going home?

Begin treatment with the minor and explain their rights.

Which of the following is NOT part of the informed consent?

Goals and Interventions for therapy.

What should you inform a grandparent who wants counseling for their grandson but does not have custody?

Inform Linda that you would not be able to see Tom without his Mother or Father's consent because he is a minor.

True or False: A therapist is not responsible for providing referrals if the client initiates termination.

False.

When is a therapist legally required to take action regarding a client expressing threats of harm to another?

They have to assess the danger and may need to report it.

What is NOT considered an exception to privilege?

Receiving a subpoena from an attorney for your client.

True or False: As a mandated reporter if you witness child abuse, you must report it.

True.

Which statement is TRUE regarding clinical supervision phone calls?

Kathy talked with her clinical supervisor for an hour, she may count this hour towards her license.

What should be done if a client shares inappropriate sexual behavior with a prior therapist?

You should consult instead of immediately filing a complaint.

What is the best action if you suspect child abuse during therapy?

Tell the parents you must report it.

What is the procedure if a dependent adult reports abuse against them?

You must report it to the relevant authorities.

True or False: One parent can obtain consent for counseling for a minor child.

True.

What constitutes a breach of confidentiality regarding potential danger?

When a client poses an imminent danger to self or others.

What term describes mental health professionals practicing beyond their competence?

Ethical offense.

In which situation is a therapist NOT required to break confidentiality?

When a client reports a personal issue that does not involve harm to others.

True or False: A minor has the right to consent to their own treatment.

True.

What is the response when a client requests a personal relationship post-therapy?

The therapist should explain that pursuing a friendship is unethical.

Which element is NOT typically included in informed consent?

A provisional diagnosis.

What is the scope of ethics in counseling?

It encompasses how practitioners should conduct themselves ethically.

True or False: You must assert privilege if a client's family member requests information about appointments.

True.

What must a therapist do if there is suspicion of elder abuse from a third party?

File a report with the proper authorities.

What should you do if a client shares thoughts about harming others?

Seek to understand the severity of the threat and take appropriate action.

True or False: You must break confidentiality immediately if a client expresses suicidal thoughts.

False.

What should a therapist do if they can’t attend supervision due to illness?

They can still count client contact hours but should aim for supervision when possible.

What is the best response if a therapist is contacted by a parent about their child's therapy?

Refuse to speak with the parent unless there's a signed release from the child.

Terry, a 16 year-old runaway finds your number on the internet and contacts you for a session. She tells you that she is afraid to go home because her parents will find out the “horrible thing” she has done and they will “make her pay” for her behavior. A therapist’s best course of ac"on in this situa"on is to:

A: Make a report to Child Protec"ve Services and tell Terry that you are not able to see her without her parent's consent.

B: Urge Terry to begin treatment with you and file a child abuse report immediately by phone.

C: Explain to Terry that you have to contact her parents to get their consent and then you may begin to conduct therapy with her.

D: Begin treatment with Terry as she is legally able to consent to her own therapy and inform her that she is responsible for the fee.

D: Begin treatment with Terry as she is legally able to consent to her own therapy and inform her that she is responsible for the fee.

What is the primary duty of a therapist regarding client confidentiality?

To protect the confidentiality of the client and disclose information only when required by law.

When is it ethically acceptable for a therapist to disclose client information without consent?

When there is a clear and imminent danger to the client or others.

What is informed consent in therapy?

A process of communication where the therapist explains the nature of treatment, including risks, benefits, and alternatives.

What should a therapist consider when taking on a new client with a history of violence?

Evaluate the potential risk to themselves and others while ensuring appropriate safety measures.

What are the potential consequences for breaching client confidentiality?

Legal repercussions, loss of license, and damage to professional reputation.

In what scenario might a therapist need to report suspected abuse in therapy?

When there are reasonable grounds to suspect abuse has occurred.

True or False: A therapist can accept gifts from clients under any circumstance.

False.

What action should be taken if a therapist is uncertain about their obligation to report suspected abuse?

Consult with a supervisor or legal expert for guidance.

What does client autonomy mean in a therapeutic context?

The client's right to make informed decisions about their treatment.

What should therapists do if a client is not making progress in therapy?

Review treatment goals and consider adjusting the therapeutic approach

Which of the following treatment-related disclosures must legally be provided to clients at the onset of therapy?

• A) The therapist’s social media policy and email response time.

• B) The therapist’s education and license information, limits of confidentiality, and fees for services.

• C) A detailed history of the therapist’s prior work experience.

• D) A copy of the therapist’s personal liability insurance.

B) The therapist’s education and license information, limits of confidentiality, and fees for services.

Which of the following scenarios is an example of a legally mandated disclosure?

• A) Sharing treatment goals with a client’s partner after obtaining verbal consent.

• B) Informing a client that you are required to report suspected child abuse.

• C) Discussing treatment progress with a client’s family without written consent.

• D) Telling a client they must disclose all medications they are taking.

Informing a client that you are required to report suspected child abuse

According to California law, therapists are required to disclose limits of confidentiality. Which of the following is NOT a legally mandated limit of confidentiality?

A) Threats of harm to self or others.

• B) Suspected elder or dependent adult abuse.

• C) Disclosure of past criminal activity.

• D) Court-ordered disclosure of records.

C) Disclosure of past criminal activity.

A client begins therapy with an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ACSW). During the second session, the client asks, "Are you licensed?" The ACSW replies, "I’m working under supervision, but I will be licensed soon." Has the ACSW met their legal obligation regarding disclosure of registration status?

• A) Yes, the ACSW provided sufficient information.

• B) No, because they did not specify their registration number or the supervisor’s details.

• C) Yes, because the ACSW mentioned supervision.

• D) No, because pre-licensed individuals cannot practice until fully licensed.

• B) No, because they did not specify their registration number or the supervisor’s details.

Which of the following is NOT part of the informed consent?

Fees and length of therapy
Limits of confidendiality

Risks and benefits of therapy
Goals and Interventions for therapy

Goals and Interventions for therapy

Ryan has been in therapy with you for six weeks to address anxiety and depression. He worries he has not made much progress. He decides to terminate treatment with you. Because Ryan initiated the termination, you are not responsible for providing appropriate referrals for his continuation of care. True or False

False

Mike comes to therapy furious because he recently got into a fight with a coworker, Bob. Mike states, “Bob better watch out, he has no idea what I am capable of.” You have been concerned about Mike because he is not sleeping well and his wife of 15 years just divorced him. Legally a therapist would have to:

Maintain confidentiality.
Initiate a 5150 because Mike is a danger to himself and to others.
Call the police and warn Bob that Mike is going to harm him.
Assess Mike for harm to others and refer him to a physician for antidepressants.

Maintain confidentiality

Which of the following is NOT an exception to privilege?

Receiving a subpoena from an attorney for your client.

The client in immediate danger to themselves or another.
A client seeking therapy to avoid being arrested for a crime.

A client making a serious threat to property of another.

A client making a serious threat to property of another.

You are doing very well at your private practice. During your lunch break you go to the local shopping center to engage in some well deserved ‘retail therapy’. While shopping you see a parent hittng his child. As a mandated reporter you must file a CPS report. True/False

False

Lucas is your new client seeking psychotherapy services with you. He shares that he is familiar with how psychotherapy works and tells you he had sex with his previous therapist. As soon as you learn this information, you should file a complaint against Lucas' previous therapist with the Board of Behavioral Sciences. True/False

False

During the course of a family therapy session, you notice that the 4 year-old child has multiple bruises on his arms and legs. When you ask the parents about the bruises, they become defensive and the Father says that the boy fell down. The boy seems withdrawn and becomes fearful when you mention his bruises. You suspect that child abuse has occurred. Your best course of action is to:

Tell the parents that you think abuse has occurred and that you are obligated to make a child abuse report.

Document your suspicions and continue to watch the boy carefully for more signs of abuse.

Tell the parents to take the child to a pediatrician to have his bruises checked.

Tell the parents that you think abuse has occurred and make them promise that they will call you if it is likely to happen again.

Tell the parents that you think abuse has occurred and that you are obligated to make a child abuse report.

Connie, your 60 year-old client, tells you that she thinks her Conservator is stealing her pain medication. Connie is tearful because she is in a lot of pain and she is worried that she won't be able to find another family member she can trust to take care of her medical needs. Under this circumstance, the therapist would:

Not report abuse because this situation is an exception to the mandate to report abuse.

Report abuse by phone immediately to Adult Protective Services because Connie is a dependent adult.

Report abuse by phone and in writing within 36 hours.
Not be able to report abuse because Connie is not an elder adult

Report abuse by phone immediately to Adult Protective Services because Connie is a dependent adult.

Amanda and Steven have been married for almost 10 years. They are seeking mental health services for their son Adrian. In this case, the therapist may obtain consent for treatment from either one of the parents. True/False

True

Mackenzie has been in treatment with you for the past year. Her cousin found your business card in her purse and contacted you to report that Mackenzie has made a serious threat to kill her boss. Considering the Ewing v. Goldstein case, you must immediately report this to the authorities to take reasonable steps to protect Mackenzie's boss.True/False

True

A therapist has an ethical responsibility to utilize a referral source as an adjunct to therapy when the presenting problem is:

Gambling

Domestic Violence

Eating Disorder

All of the choices are correct

All of the choices are correct

You receive a letter from a client's insurance company requesting information about the client's progress in treatment. Your best course of action is:

Provide them with the requested information only after you verify the legitimacy of their request.

provide them with the request only with the clients written consent

Refuse to provide them with information about the clients progress under any circumstances

Provide them with only the information that is not damaging to the client

provide them with the request only with the clients written consent

Levi and his family just moved to California from Florida. The family comes to therapy on the same day Levi is celebrating his 10th birthday. You have reasonable suspicion child abuse happened before they relocated to California. In this case, you are mandated to call the child abuse agency in Florida to report the event. True/False

False

Ethan, your 13 year-old client, is excited to tell you he just had sex with his 15 year- old girlfriend Leah. You must file a child abuse report at the end of the session.True/False

True

A counseling student is excited to see that his former therapist is a faculty clinical supervisor at the school's community clinic. The student reaches out to the supervisor to see if he can get clinical supervision because he has been struggling in the program. In this instance the supervisor's best course of action is:

Provide therapy referrals to the student.
Refuse to provide clinical supervision to the student.
Begin supervision because this would be an appropriate dual relationship.
Begin supervision with the student because he understands the student's history.

Refuse to provide clinical supervision to the student.

Kristen, your current client, tells you she is getting a divorce and is fearful that her husband may gain full custody of their children. Kristen asks if you could conduct a 730 evaluation on her to prove to the courts that she is a fit parent. What is the best response in this situation?

Inform Kristen that it would be illegal for you to conduct an evaluation because it is out of your scope of practice.

Inform Kristen that conducting an evaluation for her would constitute an unethical dual relationship

Provide a referral to Kristen.

Conduct the evaluation because you have seen Kristen interact with her children and you can provide valuable information to the court.

Inform Kristen that conducting an evaluation for her would constitute an unethical dual relationship

Fernanda is 11 years old. As her treating therapist, you must obtain legal consent from a parent or guardian prior to starting services.True/False

True, as minors require parental consent for therapy.

When, due to their mental or emotional condition, a client poses a(n) __________________ danger to self, a breach of confiden"ality is allowable and usually necessary.

Immeninet

Mental health professionals who provide therapeutic care to clients while lacking the training and competency levels to do so are committng a ________________ offense.

legal and ethical

In which of the following situations is a therapist NOT required by law to break confidentiality?

A Client reports that she is going to stab her ex-boyfriend.
A 14 year-old Client reports sexual activity with a 12 year-old friend.

A Client reports she has thoughts of cutting herself.
A 65 year-old Client is being denied medication by his son.

A Client reports she has thoughts of cutting herself.

When conducting group therapy, the best way to protect yourself as a therapist and clarify client's responsibilities would be to sign a group confidentiality contract and inform the group about the importance of maintaining each other's confidential information. True/False

True

Alex is interested in becoming a clinical supervisor. He has been licensed as as a Marriage and Family Therapist for 1 year. He recently completed a training seminar in clinical supervision at his agency. In this instance, Alex is now qualified to begin providing clinical supervision to non-licensed therapists. True/False

False

Emancipaton and freedom from custody in California takes place for persons under age 18 when:

The person enters into a valid marriage.

The person lives apart from their parents or legal guardian with their acquiescence, manages their own affairs and has their independent status formally validated in court.

The person is active in military service.

All of the options are true.

All of the options are true

You have an ethical duty to collaborate or refer out a Client to contribute to their health and wellbeing.

True/False

True

Josh tells you that last night after dinner he and his wife Christina had a big argument and she punched him in the face. As soon as you finish your session, you are mandated to report domestic violence.

False

Alicia is a 13 year-old client who consented to her own treatment after she was abandoned by her abusive caregiver. Although she has consented to her own treatment, her caregiver still has a legal right to access her records. True/False

True

Dual Relationships are:

• Not likely to occur unless a therapist lives in a small town

• Illegal and punishable by $1000

• prohibited by AAMFT and ACA ethical guidlines

• Not always avoidable or prohibited

• Not always avoidable or prohibited

Abe is Joe’s clinical supervisor. Abe notices that Joe is struggling to keep up with his therapy progress notes and is often late to his client’s therapy appointments. As Joe’s clinical supervisor, Abe has a responsibility to:

• provide joe with feedback to address his performance

• schedule extra supervision for joe to learn how he can improve his performance

• protect joe by helping him complete his clinical notes

• write a poor evaluation

• provide joe with feedback to address his performance

After terminating couples therapy, a therapist receives a subpoena for records from the wife’s lawyer along with a signed release of information from the wife. The therapist makes several attempts to contact the husband, but is unsuccessful. What is the therapist’s BEST course of action in this case?

Consult with a licensed therapist to determine how to respond to the request.

Release the records because the therapist only needs a release of information from the wife.

Invoke the husband’s privilege until the therapist receives a written release from the husband or a court order.

Call the wife’s lawyer and explain that the therapist has been unable to get in contact with the husband.

Invoke the husband’s privilege until the therapist receives a written release from the husband or a court order.

A therapist has a responsibility to take reasonable steps to prevent a threatened suicide. Which of the following would NOT be considered a reasonable step?

Encouraging a client to text or email you multiple times daily between sessions to give you an update regarding their safety.

Increasing the frequency of contact with a client by scheduling addittional sessions.

Ask the client to grant permission to engage a loved one to assist in monitoring the client’s safety.

Crea"ng a wri!en agreement where the client commits to taking a number of ac"ons before harming themselves.

Encouraging a client to text or email you multiple times daily between sessions to give you an update regarding their safety.

You are working with your client, Barbara, for six months when she tells you that she has been wondering if the both of you could get coffee or perhaps go out to lunch as friends. She is willing to terminate therapy to pursue a friendship because you understand her better than all of her other friends. In this instance you:

Should consult with a peer and a CAMFT lawyer to avoid charges of a dual relationship with Barbara.

Could terminate with Barbara because she is going to keep pursuing ways to become friends with you.

Explain to Barbara that terminating therapy to pursue a friendship is unethical and explore how this request may be related to her presenting issues.

Could refer Barbara to another therapist so as to not abandon her and then pursue the friendship.

Explain to Barbara that terminating therapy to pursue a friendship is unethical and explore how this request may be related to her presenting issues.

Informed consent should contain all of the following EXCEPT:

A provisional diagnosis
Grievance procedures
Possible risks and benefits of therapy

Third-party payment procedures

A provisional diagnosis

Cindy is contemplating divorce from her husband Andy. They have four children together. Cindy is worried that she will lose custody of her children because she does not make enough money to support her children by herself. She asks if you know much about custody situations and if you can help her file some legal documents to present to the court on her behalf. This situation pertains to the issue of:

Scope of Ethics
Scope of Competence

Scope of Legal Knowledge

Scope of Practice

Scope of Practice

As a clinician, when treating a couple, you must obtain informed consent from at least one of the individuals. True/False

False

Your client, Harrold, tells you that he is concerned about his 80 year-old neighbor Sue because she lives alone, nobody visits her, and he thinks she’s a hoarder. Harrold recently visited Sue and noticed she was extremely thin and there was a foul smell of rotting food coming through the door. Harrold feels bad for Sue, but he does not want to get too involved in other people’s business. In this instance you:

File an elder abuse report immediately by phone and a wri!en report within 2 working days.

Do not have to file an elder abuse report because Sue is not your client and you cannot confirm that actual abuse has occurred.

Tell Harrold he has an ethical responsibility to report Sue’s conditon to the authorities.

Discuss with Harrold a plan to visit Sue regularly and explore ways he can help her get adequate food.

File an elder abuse report immediately by phone and a wri!en report within 2 working days.

Gary arrives to session angry after listening to a political podcast. He tells you he can understand why people would want to bomb government buildings. He states, “I’ve even thought about it before, it wouldn’t be that difficult, that would show those crooked politicians” In this case the BEST course of action would be:

Breach Gary’s confidentiality because you have a duty to warn intended victims when a client threatens to harm others.

Talk with Gary calmly about the podcast and redirect his attention.
Call local law enforcement to warn about Gary’s threat against the local politician.

Assess the severity of Gary’s threat and determine if Gary’s threat is aimed at a particular person and/or entity.

Assess the severity of Gary’s threat and determine if Gary’s threat is aimed at a particular person and/or entity.

If your client expresses thoughts of suicide, the standard of care would be to immediately break his confidentiality and initate a 5150 hold. True/False

False

John, a MFT- Associate, is not able to a!end individual or group supervision this week due to illness. Since John did not receive any supervision this week he is not able to count the client contact hours he accrued this week.

True

Your client’s husband contacts you requesting information about your client’s appointment day and "me, in this case you must assert privilege on behalf of your client. True/False

False

According to Evidence Code 1024, there is no privilege when a therapist has reasonable cause to believe that a patient is in such mental or emotional condition to be a danger to self, another person, and/or the property of another person.

True/False

True

A therapist is treating a self-referred 15 year-old client for anxiety. The client's parents are divorced. The client's father has sole legal custody and she visits her mother on the weekends. The client's mother contacts the therapist for an update on the progress of therapy. In this instance what is the therapist's best response?

Provide the mother with a therapy progress update because she has a right to access information about her child's therapy.

Provide the mother with a therapy progress update because she has a right to access information about her child's therapy.

Call the father and ask him if he wants you to provide a therapy update to the mother.

Refuse to speak with the client's mother unless the client has signed a release of information.

Refuse to speak with the client's mother unless the client has signed a release of information.

A therapist has a legal right to withhold a client’s records if the client has not paid for their sessions in full. True/False

False

All of the following are present in a Mental Status Exam (MSE) EXCEPT:

Client's mood /affect

Client's general observations

Client thought process

Client treatment goals

Client treatment goals

A client progress note would contain all of the following information EXCEPT:

• the client’s diagnosis

• the client’s billing information

• the clients progress towards stated goals

• the therapist’s opinion on client’s relationship dynamics

• the therapist’s opinion on client’s relationship dynamics

When considering bartering with a potential client a therapist must ensure all of the following is true EXCEPT?

Avoid exploitation and harm to the client(s).

Document the client's requested arrangement in a clear written contract.

Document the client's requested arrangement in a clear written contract.

Determine that the exchange is reasonable for the therapist.

Determine that the exchange is reasonable for the therapist.

Currently, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Clinical Counselors are not recognized as covered mental health professionals through Medicare: True/False

True

A therapist would be in violation of California law regarding record keeping if the therapist:

Stored therapy records in an electronic data base.

Failed to keep adult client records for at least 10 years following termination of therapy.

Backdated therapy sessions when they received a request for records.

Transferred therapy records from one office to another.

Backdated therapy sessions when they received a request for records.

While browsing your Facebook account, you accidentally accept a ‘ friend request’ from your new client, Brandon. Ethically, how would you address this boundary issue:

Maintain the accepted friend request and update your privacy settings so Brandon doesn’t have access to your personal information or pictures.

Delete your Facebook account and start a new one with a ficticous name to avoid the same issue with future clients.

Unfriend’ the request and discuss appropriate boundaries with Brandon in a future session explaining how it could damage the therapeutic relationship.

Delete Brandon from your friend’s list and block his email from all searches related to your name on Facebook.

Unfriend’ the request and discuss appropriate boundaries with Brandon in a future session explaining how it could damage the therapeutic relationship.

If a licensee or registrant is found to have had a sexual relationship with a client, or with a former client in the two years following the last professional contact, the likely consequence is

The Board of Behavioral Sciences would mail the therapist the brochure "Professional Therapy Never Includes Sex" and not allow the therapist to renew their license or registration for 1 year.

There would be no consequence because therapist are allowed to have a sexual relationship after termination of services.

The Board of Behavioral Sciences would issue a fine and the therapist would be put on probation.

The Board of Behavioral Sciences must revoke the license or registration.

The Board of Behavioral Sciences must revoke the license or registration.

Isabella has been receiving therapy services from you for the past four years. During the most recent session, she invited you to come to her daughter’s dance recital. You respectully declined the invitation and Isabella was visibly upset. In this case you should:

Inform the client that it is illegal to attend client events.

Make an interpretation about the client's response.

Clarify professional boundaries.
Consult with a licensed therapist.

Clarify professional boundaries.

Your client, Scott provides you a written request to inspect his therapy records, you have the following option when responding to Scott’s request?

Provide Scott a treatment summary within 90 days of his request.

Allow Scott to take possession of his therapy record so long as he brings back the record to his next session.

Deny Scotts request if you believe releasing the information can be used against him.

Deny Scott's request if you believe a significant or detrimental consequence will result from Scott viewing his record.

Deny Scott's request if you believe a significant or detrimental consequence will result from Scott viewing his record.

Miriam, an LPCC, is working with her client, Tina, on grief and loss issues due to Tina’s recent divorce. Tina tells Miriam that her mother died over the weekend in a car accident and asks if Miriam would attend the funeral to support her. Miriam agrees to attend the funeral. This is an example of:

Boundary violation

Boundary blurring

Boundary safety

Boundary extending

Boundary extending

If a new client indicates signs of depression, lack of appetite, and restlessness, a prudent therapist would make a referral to a psychiatrist. True/False

True

Providing false information to an insurance company for the purpose of obtaining treatment is ethically acceptable True/False

False

Which of the following would qualify as a therapist advertisement?

Business Card
Website

All of the answer choices are correct

Professional presentation

All of the answer choices are correct

Maggie, is referred to a community agency for therapy with John who is a licensed MFT. Maggie just disclosed that she is pregnant and is very confused. She doesn’t think she wants to keep the baby. John has strong views against abortion and doesn’t think Maggie should have an abortion. The therapist’s MOST appropriate action is to:

Seek consultation to process the case.

Refer Maggie to a therapist who is understanding towards abortion.

Encourage Maggie to bring in the father of the baby to see if he agrees with Maggie's decision.

Explore Maggie's doubts about the abortion.

Seek consultation to process the case.