Question 1

Identify at least three questions that mental health professionals should ask themselves when they are developing advertisements to market their practices or agencies. Give an example of an appropriate advertisement and an inappropriate advertisement using these guidelines.

Accepted Answer

When developing advertisements to market their practices or agencies, mental health professionals should ask themselves the following questions:

1. Is the advertisement promoting stigma or perpetuating stereotypes about mental health?
2. Does the advertisement accurately represent the services and approach of the practice or agency?
3. Is the advertisement respectful and sensitive to the experiences of individuals struggling with mental health issues?

An appropriate advertisement would be one that focuses on destigmatizing mental health, accurately represents the services offered, and is respectful and sensitive to the experiences of individuals. For example, an appropriate advertisement might feature a diverse group of individuals discussing the benefits of therapy and the supportive environment of the practice or agency.

An inappropriate advertisement would be one that perpetuates stereotypes about mental health, misrepresents the services offered, or is disrespectful or insensitive. For example, an inappropriate advertisement might use language that reinforces negative stereotypes about mental illness or portrays individuals with mental health issues in a negative light.

Question 2

What does the term "undue influence"
means and how might it come into play in professionals' interactions with the media?

Accepted Answer

The term "undue influence" refers to the exertion of pressure or control over someone in a way that is unfair or unethical. In the context of professionals' interactions with the media, undue influence could come into play when individuals or organizations attempt to manipulate or control the information that is being presented to the public. This could happen through various means, such as offering financial incentives, making threats, or using their position of power to sway the narrative in their favor.

For example, a company may try to exert undue influence on journalists by offering them exclusive access to a story in exchange for positive coverage, or a government official may try to pressure a news outlet to suppress a story that is unfavorable to them. In these situations, the professionals involved may feel pressured to comply with the demands in order to maintain their access or avoid negative repercussions.

It is important for professionals in the media industry to be aware of the potential for undue influence and to resist any attempts to compromise their integrity. This can be achieved through ethical guidelines, transparency in their interactions, and a commitment to reporting the truth without bias or external influence. By maintaining their independence and upholding ethical standards, professionals can help ensure that the information presented to the public is accurate and unbiased.

Question 3

Define the term "unconscious fiscal convenience"
and give at least three examples of how it might be operating among professionals in private practice.

Accepted Answer

Unconscious fiscal convenience refers to the tendency for professionals in private practice to make financial decisions based on what is easiest or most convenient in the short term, rather than what is most financially beneficial in the long term. This can lead to a lack of strategic financial planning and a failure to maximize potential earnings.

Three examples of how unconscious fiscal convenience might be operating among professionals in private practice include:

1. Failing to raise prices: Many professionals may be hesitant to raise their prices, even when their services are in high demand or their expertise has increased. This is often due to a fear of losing clients or a desire to avoid difficult conversations about money. However, this can result in missed opportunities for increased revenue and a failure to accurately value their services.

2. Delaying investments in technology or marketing: Some professionals may avoid investing in new technology or marketing strategies, even when it could significantly improve their efficiency or attract new clients. This is often due to a reluctance to spend money or a lack of understanding about the potential return on investment. However, this can result in stagnation and a failure to adapt to changing market conditions.

3. Ignoring retirement planning: Many professionals in private practice may neglect to prioritize retirement planning, instead focusing solely on their current income and expenses. This can lead to a lack of savings for the future and a failure to take advantage of tax-advantaged retirement accounts or investment opportunities.

Overall, unconscious fiscal convenience can lead to missed opportunities for financial growth and stability, and it is important for professionals in private practice to be mindful of their financial decision-making processes and seek out professional guidance when necessary.

Question 4

If a client fails to pay for professional services and builds up a significant debt what ethical steps can a counselor or therapist take to collect the fees legitimately due? What steps should the counselor have taken when counseling began in anticipation of problems with fees?

Accepted Answer

The answer of If a client fails to pay for...

Question 5

Assuming that you have an adult client with symptoms of major depression who is being treated in a community agency, identify the six major categories of information that ought to be included in that client's record according to Piazza and Baruth. If that client becomes suicidal, what additional information should be included in the record?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Assuming that you have an adult client...

Question 6

What criteria do most states use to decide whether to hospitalize someone with mental health problems involuntarily? How should confidential client information be handled in the event of an involuntary hospitalization?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What criteria do most states use to...

Question 7

Define the term "fee splitting"
and discuss the view of the ethics codes on this topic.Explain whether participation in provider networks of managed care organizations falls within the purview of fee splitting.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Define the term "fee splitting"
and discuss the...

Question 8

Identify at least four major ethical issues that interactions with managed care organizations raise for mental health professionals and discuss strategies professionals can use to cope responsibly with these issues.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Identify at least four major ethical issues...

Question 9

When professionals become consultants, one set of ethical issues they face revolve around dual relationship issues and definitions of appropriate boundaries. Discuss the ethical issues embedded in consultative relationships and the guidelines suggested by ethics scholars to deal with these dilemmas in an ethical way.

Accepted Answer

The answer of When professionals become consultants, one set of...

Question 10

Why can it be problematic for an ongoing therapist of an individual parent to become involved in a child custody dispute during a divorce proceeding? What strategies should a counselor or therapist use to avoid such problems?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why can it be problematic for an...

Question 11

Which of the following is currently prohibited by the ethics code:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is currently prohibited...

Question 12

According to the text, which of the following is a common violation when professionals interact with the media?

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to the text, which of the...

Question 13

A professional who had obtained a doctorate in anthropology prior to completing a Master's degree in social work and earning a license as a clinical social worker may use the following title in advertising her professional services:

Accepted Answer

The answer of A professional who had obtained a doctorate...

Question 14

A professional who uses a collection service to obtain unpaid fees from clients should:

Accepted Answer

Professionals should attempt to resolve payment issues directly with clients before involving a collection service, as this maintains the client relationship and confidentiality.

Question 15

Guidelines for record keeping for counseling and therapy clients recommend that:

Accepted Answer

Records should be written clearly and professionally, as if the client might read them, to ensure accuracy and transparency.

Question 16

The legal criteria for involuntary hospitalization typically include:

Accepted Answer

The legal criteria for involuntary hospitalization typically include the use of the least restrictive environment possible.

Question 17

In community practice "pirating" refers to:

Accepted Answer

Pirating in community practice specifically refers to accepting fee-paying clients who are already in treatment with other mental health professionals, which is considered unethical.

Question 18

The prohibition against fee splitting

Accepted Answer

The prohibition against fee splitting is primarily based on the belief that it risks the exploitation of clients, as it can lead to conflicts of interest and compromise the quality of care provided.

Question 19

Mental health professionals who are frustrated with the restrictions placed on reimbursement by managed care:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Mental health professionals who are frustrated with...

Question 20

A consultant may be acting unethically if he or she:

Accepted Answer

Allowing others to misinterpret and misuse the findings from the consultation can lead to unethical outcomes, as it may result in harm or misinformation being spread.

Quiz 11: Ethics in Community, Consulting and Forensic Settings: Avoiding Conflicts of Interest