COLORADO LAW

  1. In Colorado, you may see many persons advertise as personal coaches. One afternoon, your friend Pat declares that she has always had a knack for listening to people's problems and is going to begin marketing herself as a therapist. Draw from the APA Ethics Code as much as possible to formulate your answers for the following questions.
    o How would you respond to your friend?
    o What ethical issues might arise if she follows through with her idea and begins to see "clients"?
  2. NEXT create your own top 10 important codes from the APA code (one being most important to you and why). This top 10 list does NOT have to be related to this scenario above.

Topic: COLORADO LAW
On May 16, 2019, Governor Jared Polis signed the HB19-1120 Youth Mental Health Education & Suicide Prevention
The new law, which took effect upon signature,

  1. permits a licensed or registered mental health professional to provide psychotherapy services to a minor who is between the ages of twelve and fourteen years old, at the minor's request, with or without consent of the minor's legal guardian, if the mental health professional determines that psychotherapy services are clinically indicated and necessary to the minor’s well-being.
  2. The mental health professional may advise the minor's legal guardian of services provided with the consent of the minor or a court in specific circumstances, unless notifying the legal guardian would be inappropriate or detrimental to the minor’s care and treatment.
  3. The mental health professional may notify the legal guardian, without the minor’s consent, if their professional opinion the minor is unable to manage their own care or treatment.
  4. The law includes documentation requirements and specifies that psychotherapy services must be provided in a culturally appropriate manner.
  5. The law also specifies that treatment without parental consent does not apply to inpatient treatment and that current law concerning liability and duty to warn for mental health professionals applies when a minor communicates a threat or intent to harm themselves or others.
    With this in mind, answer the following questions: IN YOUR POST, DO NOT TALK ABOUT ANYONE YOU KNOW past or present. We need to respect confidentiality.
  6. What are the pros and cons for this law?
  7. Who monitors the ethical application of therapy with the child if the parent is not there?

Full Answer Section

   
  • I would then explain the ethical concerns involved in marketing oneself as a therapist without the necessary training and qualifications. I would tell her that the APA Ethics Code prohibits psychologists from misrepresenting their qualifications or providing services that are beyond their scope of competence.
  • I would also point out that there are many risks associated with providing therapy without proper training. These risks include misdiagnosis, inadequate treatment, and the potential to harm the client.
  • Finally, I would encourage her to consider getting the necessary training and qualifications to become a therapist. I would tell her that there are many reputable programs that offer training in psychotherapy.

Here are some specific ethical principles from the APA Ethics Code that I would cite in my conversation with Pat:

  • Principle A: Beneficence and Nonmaleficence: Psychologists strive to benefit their clients and to avoid harming them.
  • Principle B: Fidelity and Responsibility: Psychologists are faithful to the people they serve and responsible for their actions.
  • Principle C: Integrity: Psychologists strive to be honest and fair in their professional relationships.
  • Principle D: Justice: Psychologists treat all people with respect and fairness.
  • Principle E: Respect for People's Rights and Dignity: Psychologists respect the rights and dignity of all people.

I would also emphasize the importance of informed consent in the context of psychotherapy. Informed consent is the process of informing clients about the nature of therapy, the risks and benefits of therapy, and the client's rights. It is essential that clients give their informed consent before beginning therapy.

I would hope that by explaining the ethical concerns and risks involved, I would be able to persuade Pat to reconsider her decision to market herself as a therapist. However, if she is still determined to do so, I would encourage her to get the necessary training and qualifications.

Sample Answer

   
  • I would start by acknowledging her interest in helping people. I would tell her that I think it's great that she wants to use her listening skills to help others.
  • I would then explain the difference between a personal coach and a therapist. I would tell her that personal coaches typically help people with things like setting goals, managing time, and improving their relationships. Therapists, on the other hand, are trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions.