Ethics

Rules to list degrees in advertisements

Degree must be:

- from an accredited institution

- the basis for psychology licensure

Paid media advertisements — ethical requirement

Must be identified or clearly recognizable as paid advertisements.

Fees & billing arrangements — WHEN?

As early as feasible in the professional relationship.

Billing insurer for service not provided

❌ inaccurate/fraudulent billing, unless the insurer explicitly allows billing that specific no-show charge.

Waiving/reducing patient fees when insurance is involved

Permissible only if consistent with the insurer’s agreement/policy.
Do not waive a required copay/deductible without insurer approval.

When can research informed consent be waived?

Normal educational practices

Naturalistic observation/archival research → no informed consent?

Only if disclosure poses no liability/financial/employment/reputation risk + confidentiality is protected.

Ethical requirements regarding a psychologist’s use of animals as subjects in research

Psychologists may use animal subjects in research that causes them pain or stress when alternative procedures are unavailable and doing so is justified by the study’s prospective value.

Students may be required to disclose personal information in course- or program-related activities about any psychological treatment they’ve received in the past when

(a) Requirement clearly identified in program and admissions materials

(b) Personal problems → competence/safety concern

Use of deception is allowed when

• Prospective value of the study

• Alternative procedures are unavailable

• Participants are debriefed about the true nature of the study as early as is feasible (which may or may not be immediately after participation)

• Participants are allowed to withdraw their data from the study.

Can psychology trainees administer, score, and interpret tests?

Yes, for training purposes, with adequate training and appropriate supervision.

Highest duty of the supervisor

Protection of the client/patient

How should a psychologist respond to a subpoena?

Cannot simply ignore/refuse to appear.

Must respond/appear unless subpoena is withdrawn/quashed, while asserting privilege and protecting confidentiality.

Subpoena + client refuses authorization to disclose

Contact the issuing attorney and ask to be released from the subpoena or to limit/withdraw the request.

If required to appear, assert privilege on the client’s behalf; disclose only with client authorization or a court order.

Sending confidential records electronically: what is required?

Authorization + inform about confidentiality risks + reasonable security safeguards (e.g., encryption).

Minor at serious risk refuses parental disclosure: what should psychologist do?

Discuss/inform minor beforehand if possible, then disclose necessary information despite objection if protection requires it.

Why is client doing yard/home repair work for therapist problematic bartering?

Creates therapist + employer/customer roles; may impair objectivity and therapeutic relationship.

Can psychologists give professional advice/opinions on radio, TV, or Internet?

Yes, but must not imply that a professional/therapeutic relationship was established.

Research deception: when debrief and what must participants be allowed to do?

Debrief as early as feasible + allow participants to withdraw their data.

DUTY: professional relationship
DERELICTION: dereliction or breach of duty
DAMAGE: caused harm/injury
DIRECT: direct or proximate causation