Choose one of the case studies to answer the following questions:
Discuss how you would explain mandatory reporting requirements, confidentiality, and the therapeutic boundaries that should be upheld with your client. How would you repair a disruption in the therapeutic relationship with your client? What are some of the legal and ethical violations that arise when an addictions professional practices outside of his or her scope of practice? (Refer to your state’s professional code of ethics/practice for addictions professionals versus psychotherapists.) How are licensures complaints initiated and adjudicated against addictions professionals?
Full Answer Section
Therapeutic Boundaries
I would explain to my client that it is important to maintain therapeutic boundaries in our relationship. This means that I will not engage in any personal relationships with them, such as dating or becoming friends. I would also explain that I will not give them advice or make decisions for them. My role is to help them explore their own thoughts and feelings, and to make their own decisions.
Repairing a Disruption in the Therapeutic Relationship
If there is a disruption in the therapeutic relationship, I would first try to understand what happened. I would then apologize for my role in the disruption, if any. Once I have a better understanding of what happened, I would work with my client to repair the relationship. This might involve talking about what happened, setting new boundaries, or finding a different therapist.
Legal and Ethical Violations of an Addictions Professional
Some of the legal and ethical violations that arise when an addictions professional practices outside of his or her scope of practice include:
- Providing treatment for a condition that they are not qualified to treat
- Prescribing medication without a license
- Engaging in sexual contact with a client
- Failing to maintain confidentiality
- Failing to report child abuse or elder abuse
State's Professional Code of Ethics/Practice for Addictions Professionals versus Psychotherapists
The state's professional code of ethics/practice for addictions professionals and psychotherapists may vary, but there are some common ethical principles that apply to both professions. These principles include:
- Confidentiality
- Informed consent
- Avoiding dual relationships
- Practicing within one's scope of competence
- Avoiding sexual contact with clients
- Reporting child abuse or elder abuse
How Licensure Complaints are Initiated and Adjudicated Against Addictions Professionals
Licensure complaints against addictions professionals can be initiated by clients, colleagues, or other professionals. The complaint will be investigated by the licensing board, and the addictions professional will have an opportunity to respond to the allegations. If the board finds that the addictions professional has violated the law or the code of ethics, they may take disciplinary action, such as revoking the license or suspending the license.
Sample Answer
I will choose the case study of "A Client Who Threatens to Harm Another Person" to answer the following questions.
Mandatory Reporting Requirements
I would explain to my client that I am legally required to report any information that I believe could put another person at risk of harm. This includes threats of violence, child abuse, and elder abuse. I would also explain that I am required to report any information that I believe could be used to commit a crime.
Confidentiality
I would explain to my client that confidentiality is an important part of the therapeutic relationship. I would tell them that I will not share any information about their treatment with anyone without their consent, except in cases where I am legally required to do so. I would also explain that there are some exceptions to confidentiality, such as when a client is threatening to harm themselves or others.