During the first few sessions with a psychologist a client shares information about a relationship breakdown and difficulties in the workplace. In the most recent session, the client shares that they were a bystander when a physical altercation took place between their friend and a stranger at a local sports match. The client also reports that they have been temporarily stood down from their work role.In between sessions, a request from a legal firm comes through asking the psychologist to send a copy of the client’s file.Considering this information, outline two primary ethical principles and considerations.

During the first few sessions with a psychologist a client shares information about a relationship breakdown and difficulties in the workplace. In the most recent session, the client shares that they were a bystander when a physical altercation took place between their friend and a stranger at a local sports match. The client also reports that they have been temporarily stood down from their work role.In between sessions, a request from a legal firm comes through asking the psychologist to send a copy of the client’s file.~The psychologist engages their supervisor to discuss the ethical considerations. The supervisor confirms the importance of closely reviewing and consulting the APS Code of Ethics with a specific emphasis on the sections covering informed consent & confidentiality.The psychologist returns to work the following day to find voice message from the client indicating that they would like to provide consent for their file to be shared with their legal team. The psychologist is aware that sharing the entire contents of the client file may not benefit the client, their legal proceedings nor the therapeutic relationship.The psychologist also receives a separate request to write a psychological report for the courts about the client.Explain what you would do in managing the ethical decision making in this particular case?

The psychologist engages their supervisor to discuss the ethical considerations. The supervisor confirms the importance of closely reviewing and consulting the APS Code of Ethics with a specific emphasis on the sections covering informed consent & confidentiality.The psychologist returns to work the following day to find voice message from the client indicating that they would like to provide consent for their file to be shared with their legal team. The psychologist is aware that sharing the entire contents of the client file may not benefit the client, their legal proceedings nor the therapeutic relationship.The psychologist also receives a separate request to write a psychological report for the courts about the client.Considering this additional information, outline two primary ethical principles and considerations.

Psychologists practising in forensic contexts should rely on the APS Ethical Guidelines for working within forensic contexts.The following list outlines the ethical responsibilities of the psychologist, identify which of the following is NOT an ethical responsibility.  Group of answer choicesMaintaining professional boundariesInforming clients how their reports may be used, and/or who may have access to the reportsArranging the best possible privacy conditions outside of the legal limitationsBeing aware of the potential for multiple relationships, and taking steps to address these if they occurClearly informing clients of their role in the psychological services they are providing

Psychologists must safeguard the confidentiality of their clients’ information during the provision of psychology services. However, there are instances where a psychologist may disclose confidential information. Select from the list below the circumstances where a psychologist may disclose a client’s information:[Select all that apply] Group of answer choicesWhere another health professional asks for informationWhere there is a legal obligation to disclose informationWith the consent of the clientWith the consent of the person with legal authority to act on the client’s behalfWhere there is a specified risk of harm

Psychotherapists recognize that the law is generally in place to uphold client-therapist confidentiality. However, there are situations that may occur where the therapist is under obligation to break that confidence. This obligation can vary depending upon where the therapist is practicing and it may occur as a result of their employment contract or of the law. Where such an issue does occur, the therapist is expected to firstly try and discuss the presenting issue with their client. However, in situations where the factors under consideration are particularly urgent, it is accepted that this cannot always be the case.Legitimate breaches of confidentiality relate to circumstances where the information the client has shared relates to acts of terrorism; information of this nature must be reported. There are other circumstances where breaching confidentiality may be considered legitimate, for example, in the case of serious crime or suspected child abuse. Individual employers and independent therapists have their own boundaries but must agree on this contractually with their clients at the outset of the therapeutic relationship.