Suppose you are a psychologist at an inner city clinic primarily serving families from low socioeconomic backgrounds. One of your clients is a young mother of a 5-year-old girl. She is now pregnant again, about three months along. During her most recent therapy session, it accidentally slips out that she is having four drinks daily. She may also be using marijuana or cocaine occasionally, though you are not sure. The woman looks okay physically and is not "high" at the therapy session, so you are surprised by the admission. What do you do?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

While the psychologist should certainly try to help the woman find an appropriate drug/alcohol treatment program, the psychologist is also mandated by law to notify Child Protective Services (CPS) because of the risk to both the 5-year-old child in the house and the unborn child. The client has the right to know that the psychologist will be making the report.

Suppose You Are a Psychologist at an Inner City Clinic