NRNP 6645 - Midterm study guide-latest-2026-2027 Legal and ethical considerations among individual, family, and group modalities of therapy Domestic violence & sexual abuse (52pages)

Most states require professionals to report any suspicion of child abuse. • Although reporting suspected abuse can jeopardize a therapeutic alliance, sometimes therapy needs to take a second place to the interests of safety. • If a clinician does not report suspected child abuse, they should consider the consequences of making a mistake. • Perpetrators and victims of childhood sexual abuse don’t usually volunteer this information. • Detection of this abuse is up to the therapist who may have to rely on indirect clues • A child MAY show the following symptoms if they are being abused: sleep disturbance, encopresis or enuresis, abdominal pain, exaggerated startle response, appetite disturbance, sudden unexplained changes in behavior, overly sexualized behavior, regressive behavior, suicidal thoughts or running away. Ethical Dimension: • Therapy should be for the client’s benefit, not to work out unresolved issues for the therapist • Clients are entitled to confidentiality, but limits of privacy must be imposed in regards to probation officers, parents, and managed care companies • Therapists should avoid exploiting the trust of their clients (and students) and must avoid dual relationships • Professional are obligated to provide the best possible treatment, if they are not qualified, they should refer the patient to someone else who is. • When in doubt regarding ethical issues, its best practice to consult with a colleague or supervisor. • Psychologists offer services only within the areas of their competence, based on education, training, supervision or professional experience. • When psychologists become aware of personal problems that might interfere with their professional duties, they take appropriate measures, such as obtaining professional assistance and determining whether they should limit, suspend or terminate their workrelated duties.