Ethical and legal aspects of clinical supervision.

We review guidelines for providing supervision for trainees and employees, an expected part of the job for many psychologists, many of whom carry out their supervisory duties with only a cursory awareness of the ethical and legal pitfalls that may accrue. The guidelines are drawn from ethical principles, other documents promulgated by various sectors of professional psychology, and relevant legal cases. Specific suggestions are given for supervisors and training institutions to ensure appropriate supervision. The incorporation of training in supervision in all doctoral programs in professional psychology is recommended. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Unique internship structures that expand training opportunities.

Internship is a vital component of professional psychology training. This article describes a variety of internship structures that have developed outside the more traditional ones. Complex relationships with the academic program, specific elements of philosophy of training, emphasis on diversity and social responsibility, and responsiveness to changing demography in clients and students are noted. The authors suggest implications for the viability of a variety of internship structures, the content and methods of quality assurance within the context of competency evaluation, tailoring internships to the needs of students, and the issue of stipends and resources. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Time for full disclosure with suicidal patients.

Rudd et al. (2009) provide robust data to support their recommendation that mental health providers should include data about frequency of suicide attempts as part of the informed consent process with suicidal clients/patients. Adding information about suicide risks into the informed consent process is an important extension of the patient rights movement begun in the 1970s. Data from research in psychological assessment suggest that feedback about hard-to-hear issues can facilitate therapeutic change when conducted in the context of a collaborative relationship. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Recovered memories of childhood abuse: Is there an underlying professional consensus?

Despite the controversy regarding the existence, nature, and accuracy of false (recovered) memories, there is an apparent professional consensus regarding child abuse, the nature of human memory, standards for diagnosis and treatment of adults who have or may have lost memories of abuse, and the appropriate role of the psychotherapist in dealing with these issues. Support for the professional consensus comes from authorities on both sides of the memory debate, statements and position papers from professional associations, and surveys of psychologists. After presenting these consensus statements, the authors delineate some remaining areas of controversy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Tarasoff: Five years later.

Examines the 1976 California Supreme Court decision of Tarasoff vs. Regents of the University of California et al, which required psychotherapists to take actions, including breach of confidentiality, to protect the public from violent patients. A 5-yr review of subsequent court decisions shows that courts differed with respect to the issue of liability when patients harmed persons who were not specifically threatened. Recommendations for psychotherapists are outlined to promote good clinical judgments in this area. (11 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Malpractice risks with suicidal patients.

Discusses the suicide of a patient as one of the most difficult events that a psychotherapist will ever experience. In addition to the emotional turmoil, a psychotherapist may encounter legal complications because patient suicides are potentially the basis of a malpractice suit. The malpractice risks when treating suicidal patients in inpatient and outpatient settings are explored. The legal principles of abandonment and duty to warn are reviewed and related to suicide. Psychotherapists should be certain they can provide adequate service to suicidal patients and should have back-up arrangements with a local hospital where patients may be hospitalized if necessary. Reasonable available coverage during evening hours and weekends is essential. Psychotherapists should also seek a consultation when treatment has reached an impasse or the suicidal potential is dangerously high. (25 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Jaffee v. Redmond: The Supreme Court recognizes a psychotherapist–patient privilege in federal courts.

The recent Supreme Court decision Jaffee v. Redmond (1996) recognized a psychotherapist–patient privilege in federal court. The background of privileged communication laws in general, the federal privileged communications rules in particular, the facts behind Jaffee v. Redmond, and the final court ruling are reviewed. The impact of the decision and possible future directions for the psychotherapist–patient privilege in federal and state courts also are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychotherapy and privileged communications in child custody cases.

Although many states have privileged communication laws for mental health clients, these laws contain exceptions, including client waiver, communication made in the presence of third parties, court-ordered mental examinations, situations in which parents introduce their mental condition into the proceedings, and cases in which child abuse is suspected. In addition, judges are likely to interpret privileged communication laws strictly because they place a high value on the welfare of children and because the laws run counter to the legal tradition of admitting evidence into court. Psychotherapists are alerted to the limits and ambiguities of privileged communication laws. It is recommended that these laws be extended to cover all mental health professionals and to communications made in group, family, and marital counseling. (50 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)