Case Study: Zander Is Doing His Masters In Clinical Mental H ✓ Solved
Case Studyzander Is Doing His Masters In Clinical Mental Health Coun
Analyze the ethical dilemma presented in the case of Zander, a master's student in clinical mental health counseling, who has a friend Tasha sharing her past substance abuse, her current relationship with Dr. Supervisor, and concerns about professional boundaries. Summarize an ethical model applicable for decision-making, outline the steps you would take using this model, justify your actions based on professional standards and laws, and discuss risk management strategies once inappropriate conduct is identified. Incorporate relevant literature, ethical guidelines, and laws to support your analysis, ensuring a thorough examination in at least three pages.
Paper For Above Instructions
Introduction
The scenario presented involves several ethical violations and conflicts of interest within a clinical mental health counseling setting. Zander, a graduate student, faces complex challenges related to dual relationships, confidentiality, professional boundaries, and potential harm to clients. The primary issues include the inappropriate sexual relationship between Tasha and Dr. Supervisor, the potential conflict of interest concerning Tasha’s role and her connection to her supervisor, and the impact on client care and professional integrity. This case requires careful application of ethical principles, decision-making models, and legal considerations to ensure appropriate action and protection of all parties involved.
Relevant Ethical Dilemmas and Issues
The central ethical dilemma involves multiple violations of the American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics, particularly Standard A.5 (Boundary Violations), Standard A.6 (Conflicts of Interest), and Standard A.1 (Counselor Competence). The sexual relationship between Tasha and Dr. Supervisor represents an obvious boundary crossing, risking client welfare and violating confidentiality. Tasha's conduct with setting up communication channels with clients through social media introduces further boundary issues and possible exploitation. The conflict of interest arises because Dr. Supervisor's personal relationship might impair objectivity in supervision and client care. Additionally, Tasha’s absence from scheduled client meetings jeopardizes client welfare, which violates ethical commitments to beneficence and nonmaleficence.
Summarizing an Ethical Decision-Making Model
For this case, I would utilize the "Ethical Decision-Making Model" outlined by Corey, Corey, and Callanan (2015). This model emphasizes recognizing the ethical issues, applying relevant standards, exploring options, considering consequences, and implementing the best course of action. It is highly regarded for its comprehensive approach, balancing ethical principles with legal regulations and professional standards.
The model consists of the following steps:
- Identifying the ethical issues involved
- Applying relevant ethical standards and laws
- Considering potential courses of action
- Evaluating the consequences of each action
- Choosing and implementing the most appropriate course of action
- Reflecting on the decision and its outcomes
Application of the Model to the Case
Step 1: Recognize the Ethical Issues
The first step involves acknowledging multiple ethical concerns: the inappropriate sexual relationship, potential breach of confidentiality, dual relationships, conflict of interest, and the impact on client care. Tasha's actions have compromised the ethical standards, and Dr. Supervisor's conduct may impair his objectivity and professional judgment.
Step 2: Apply Ethical Standards and Laws
According to the ACA Code of Ethics (2014), standard A.5 emphasizes maintaining appropriate boundaries and avoiding dual relationships that could impair professional judgment or cause harm. Law and state statutes also prohibit sexual relationships between supervisors and supervisees or clients, citing a clear policy against sexual misconduct. The violations include breach of confidentiality, exploitation, and potential harm to clients and students.
Step 3: Explore Possible Actions
Potential actions include:
- Consulting with a supervisor or ethical committee
- Addressing the inappropriate relationship directly with the involved parties
- Notifying relevant authorities or agencies
- Documenting the issue and seeking legal counsel
- Removing Tasha from her caseload temporarily to mitigate harm
Each of these options carries different ethical and legal implications and degrees of effectiveness.
Step 4: Evaluate the Consequences
Addressing the issue proactively can prevent further harm, preserve ethical standards, and protect client welfare. Ignoring the situation risks continued boundary crossings, exploitation, and legal liability. Confronting Tasha and Dr. Supervisor may result in disciplinary action, but is necessary to uphold professional integrity. Failing to act could result in multiple violations, loss of licensure, and harm to clients and the profession.
Step 5: Make and Implement the Decision
Based on this analysis, the recommended course is to initiate a formal reporting process to the agency's administration or ethics board. This includes documenting observations, discussing concerns with a clinical supervisor or ethics consultant, and recommending immediate separation of Tasha from her current duties and supervision role. Additionally, counseling should be provided to Tasha about boundary violations, and legal implications should be addressed.
Step 6: Reflect and Follow-up
Post-intervention, ongoing monitoring and support should be arranged for those impacted. The agency should review policies related to supervision and social media use and reinforce ethical training for staff and interns.
Risk Management Strategies
Once the inappropriate relationship is identified, immediate risk management involves documenting all incidents, removing the involved parties from supervisory or client roles, and reporting to relevant authorities in accordance with legal and ethical guidelines. Confidentiality must be maintained throughout, and ongoing supervision should include review of ethical conduct. Training sessions on boundaries, social media ethics, and dual relationships are essential to prevent future violations. Implementing clear policies, supervision protocols, and regular audits can serve as structural safeguards to uphold professionalism and reduce legal liabilities.
Conclusion
This case presents clear violations of ethical standards, emphasizing the necessity of applying an ethical decision-making model to navigate complex scenarios. Prioritizing client safety and professional integrity is paramount. By systematically recognizing ethical issues, consulting standards and laws, exploring options, and implementing appropriate actions, mental health professionals can address ethical dilemmas effectively. Risk management strategies play a vital role once misconduct is identified, ensuring ongoing accountability and safeguarding the welfare of clients and professionals alike.
References
- American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA Code of Ethics. Alexandria, VA: Author.
- Corey, G., Corey, M. S., & Callanan, P. (2015). Issues and Ethics in the Helping Professions (9th ed.). Brooks/Cole.
- Remley, T. P., & Herlihy, B. (2016). Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in Counseling (5th ed.). Pearson.
- Knapp, S., & VandeCreek, L. (2012). Practical Ethics for Psychologists: A Positive Approach. American Psychological Association.
- Fisher, C. B. (2017). Decoding the Ethics Code: A Practical Guide for Psychologists. American Psychological Association.
- Stromberg, S. (2012). Boundary Issues in Counseling and Therapy. American Counseling Association.
- Hipp, K., & Rojeck, G. (2017). Ethical Dilemmas and Decision-Making in Counseling. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 39(4), 362-374.
- Levy, H. C. (2014). Ethics in Mental Health Practice: A Guidebook. Routledge.
- Bennett, S. M. (2018). Managing Ethical Risks in Counseling. Journal of Counseling & Development, 96(1), 5-14.
- Reamer, F. G. (2018). Social Work Values and Ethics (4th ed.). Columbia University Press.