It is common for clinicians to face ethical dilemmas in practice. While there are some major ethical obstacles you may encounter from time-to-time, it is more likely you will encounter more minor ethical issues more frequently. The challenge with “minor” ethical issues is they can quickly become a big problem if not handled appropriately. Select ethical dilemma and then describe how you would use an ethical decision-making model, such as the ones discussed in your readings or another professionally adopted ethical decision-making model, in the situation you choose.
Selected ethical dilemma:
• After three sessions, your client mentions they are seeing a psychiatrist who is prescribing medication for anxiety. Is there a conflict?
Ethical Dilemma: Client Seeing a Psychiatrist for Anxiety
Introduction
In the field of mental health counseling, maintaining ethical standards and boundaries is essential to ensure the well-being and trust of clients. When a client discloses seeing another mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist for medication, it can raise concerns about potential conflicts in treatment approaches. This essay will explore how an ethical decision-making model can be applied to address this scenario effectively.
Ethical Decision-Making Model: The Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct
The Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, developed by the American Psychological Association (APA), provides guidelines for ethical decision-making in psychology and mental health professions. Let's apply these principles to the selected ethical dilemma:
Principle A: Beneficence and Nonmaleficence
The principle of beneficence requires psychologists to strive to benefit their clients and take steps to do no harm. In this situation, the counselor should consider the potential benefits of collaboration with the psychiatrist in providing comprehensive care for the client's anxiety while ensuring that no harm is done through conflicting treatment approaches.
Principle D: Justice
The principle of justice emphasizes the importance of fairness and equality in the provision of mental health services. It is essential to ensure that the client receives consistent information and support from both professionals involved in their care to promote fairness in treatment.
Principle E: Respect for People's Rights and Dignity
Respecting the client's autonomy, rights, and dignity is crucial in addressing ethical dilemmas. The counselor should acknowledge the client's decision to seek medication for anxiety from a psychiatrist and ensure that their rights to make informed choices about their care are respected.
Application of Ethical Principles
1. Client-Centered Approach: Prioritize the well-being and best interests of the client by adopting a client-centered approach that considers their preferences, needs, and treatment goals.
2. Collaborative Communication: Initiate open and transparent communication with the client to discuss their treatment with the psychiatrist and explore how counseling sessions can complement medication management for anxiety.
3. Consultation with Colleagues: Seek consultation with colleagues or supervisors to gain insights on best practices for collaborating with other mental health professionals involved in the client's care.
4. Informed Consent: Ensure that the client provides informed consent regarding the sharing of information between mental health professionals to facilitate comprehensive and coordinated care.
5. Continual Assessment: Regularly assess the client's progress, treatment outcomes, and any potential conflicts in treatment approaches to make necessary adjustments for the client's well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion,
when faced with an ethical dilemma regarding a client seeing a psychiatrist for anxiety while receiving counseling, adherence to ethical principles and guidelines can guide mental health professionals in navigating the situation ethically. By upholding principles of beneficence, justice, respect for autonomy, and effective communication, counselors can ensure that clients receive comprehensive and coordinated care that promotes their well-being and supports their treatment goals.