Examination of Multiple and Exploitative Relationships according to APA Ethics Code items

From APA Ethics Code (Bold, outline lead in headers and format added.)

3.05 Multiple Relationships

Definition: (a) A multiple relationship occurs when a psychologist is in a professional role with a person and (1) at the same time is in another role with the same person, (2) at the same time is in a relationship with a person closely associated with or related to the person with whom the psychologist has the professional relationship, or (3) promises to enter into another relationship in the future with the person or a person closely associated with or related to the person.

Guidance in determining impact: A psychologist refrains from entering into a multiple relationship if the multiple relationship could reasonably be expected to impair the psychologist's:

Ø          objectivity

Ø          competence

Ø          or effectiveness in performing his or her functions as a psychologist,

Ø          or otherwise risks exploitation or harm to the person with whom the professional relationship exists.

Multiple relationships that would not reasonably be expected to cause impairment or risk exploitation or harm are not unethical.

Action: (b) If a psychologist finds that, due to unforeseen factors, a potentially harmful multiple relationship has arisen, the psychologist takes reasonable steps to resolve it with due regard for the best interests of the affected person and maximal compliance with the Ethics Code.

Exception & guidance: (c) When psychologists are required by law, institutional policy, or extraordinary circumstances to serve in more than one role in judicial or administrative proceedings, at the outset they clarify role expectations and the extent of confidentiality and thereafter as changes occur. (See also Standards 3.04, Avoiding Harm, and 3.07, Third-Party Requests for Services.)

3.06 Conflict of Interest
Psychologists refrain from taking on a professional role when:

Ø          Personal

Ø          Scientific

Ø          Professional

Ø          Legal

Ø          Financial

Ø          or other interests or relationships could reasonably be expected to

(1)      impair their objectivity, competence, or effectiveness in performing their functions as psychologists or

(2)   expose the person or organization with whom the professional relationship exists to harm or exploitation.

Dr Deborah Warner PLLC assumes responsibility for the content of this training. 
CEUs: 3 hours in Ethics credits are sponsored by NBCC, the National Board of Certified Counselors.  These credits are acceptable to the NH Mental Health Licensing Board.

Dr Deborah Warner may be reached at 603-444-1512 in Littleton, NH
DrWarner @ DrDebiWarner.com (please remove spaces before & after the @ sign)

All material copyrighted ©2007 Dr Deborah Warner PLLC.  All rights reserved.