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Applying Ethical Principles

Develop a solution to a specific ethical dilemma faced by a health care professional. Write a 4 typed, double-spaced pages, not including the title page and reference page.

Case Study: Confidentiality and Mental Health

Dr. Laura Simmons, a licensed clinical psychologist, has been treating Mr. Alex Turner, a 35-

year-old software engineer, for symptoms of severe depression and anxiety over the past six

months. Their sessions have been characterized by trust and open communication, with Alex

often sharing his deepest fears and concerns.

During a particularly intense session, Alex reveals to Dr. Simmons that he has been having recurring thoughts of harming a colleague due to a longstanding professional rivalry and recent

personal conflicts. He describes detailed plans and expresses a genuine intent to act on these thoughts.

Dr. Simmons is immediately faced with an ethical dilemma. She values the principle of confidentiality, which is foundational to therapeutic relationship. Alex has trusted her with his innermost thoughts, and she knows that breaking this trust could potentially harm their therapeutic alliance. However, she is also bound by the principles of beneficence and non-maleficence. Beneficence compels her to act in the best interest of her patient and those around him, while non-maleficence emphasizes the importance of “doing no harm.”

For this assessment, develop a solution to a specific ethical dilemma faced by a health care professional. In your assessment:

Note: The case study may not supply all the information you need. In such cases, you should consider a variety of possibilities and infer potential conclusions. However, please be sure to identify any assumptions or speculations you make.

Instructions

Summarize the facts in the selected case study and use the three components of an ethical decision-making model to analyze an ethical problem or issue and the factors that contributed to it.

Identify which case study you selected and briefly summarize the facts surrounding it. Identify the problem or issue that presents an ethical dilemma or challenge and describe that dilemma or challenge.

Identify who is involved or affected by the ethical problem or issue.

Access the Ethical Decision-Making Model media piece and use the three components of the ethical decision-making model (moral awareness, moral judgment, and ethical behavior) to analyze the ethical issues. Video attached below

Apply the three components outlined in the Ethical Decision-Making Model media.

Analyze the factors that contributed to the ethical problem or issue identified in the case study.

Describe the factors that contributed to the problem or issue and explain how they contributed.

Sample Answer

Case Study: Confidentiality and Duty to Protect in Mental Health

Summary:

Dr. Laura Simmons, a psychologist, is treating Alex Turner for depression and anxiety. During a session, Alex reveals he has recurring thoughts of harming a specific colleague due to a professional rivalry. This presents an ethical dilemma for Dr. Simmons. Confidentiality, a cornerstone of therapy, clashes with her duty to protect Alex and his potential victim (beneficence and non-maleficence).

Full Answer Section

Ethical Dilemma:

Dr. Simmons is caught between two core ethical principles:

Confidentiality: Therapists are obligated to keep patients’ information private, fostering trust and open communication. Breaching confidentiality can damage the therapeutic alliance and discourage patients from seeking help.
Duty to Protect: Healthcare professionals have a responsibility to protect patients and the public from harm. In this case, Alex’s thoughts pose a threat to his colleague.

People Affected:

Alex Turner: The patient whose treatment and well-being are at stake. Breaching confidentiality could damage trust and potentially worsen his condition.
Potential Victim: The colleague Alex intends to harm. Their safety is directly threatened by Alex’s thoughts.
Dr. Simmons: Faces potential legal or disciplinary action if she fails to act on Alex’s threat, yet also risks damaging the therapeutic relationship if confidentiality is broken.

Ethical Decision-Making Model Analysis:

Moral Awareness: Dr. Simmons clearly recognizes the ethical conflict between confidentiality and the potential harm to Alex’s colleague.
Moral Judgment: She must weigh the potential consequences of each option:
- Maintaining Confidentiality: Protects the therapeutic relationship but risks harm to the colleague.
- Breaching Confidentiality: Protects the potential victim but could damage trust with Alex and discourage him from seeking further help.
Ethical Behavior: Dr. Simmons must determine the best course of action to fulfill her ethical obligations.

Factors Contributing to the Ethical Dilemma:

Severity of Threat: The seriousness of Alex’s intent and the feasibility of his plan are crucial factors. A clear and detailed plan with strong intent poses a greater threat.
Alex’s Mental State: Understanding Alex’s mental state is crucial. Is he expressing a desperate vent or a genuine intent to act? Is there a possibility of suicidal ideation alongside the violent thoughts?
Alternatives Available: Can Dr. Simmons explore alternatives before breaching confidentiality? Can safety be ensured by involving other mental health professionals or law enforcement without revealing details of Alex’s specific threat?
State Laws: Reporting requirements for mental health professionals vary by state. Understanding the legal obligations related to reporting threats of violence is vital.

Further Considerations:

Dr. Simmons can use a collaborative approach, discussing safety concerns with Alex and exploring options together. This might involve hospitalization, referral to a higher level of care, or involving a crisis intervention team.
Consultation with colleagues or a supervisor can provide valuable insight and support when navigating ethical dilemmas.
Dr. Simmons should document the session comprehensively, including the details of Alex’s threats, her interventions, and her rationale for the chosen course of action.

Conclusion:

Dr. Simmons faces a complex ethical dilemma. By carefully considering the potential consequences, Alex’s mental state, available alternatives, and relevant legal guidelines, she can determine the most ethical approach to ensure both Alex’s well-being and the safety of his potential victim.

Note: This analysis assumes Alex presents a clear and serious threat. If the intent seems less concrete, Dr. Simmons might prioritize maintaining confidentiality and exploring safety measures with Alex’s involveme

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