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5.6 Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions

  1. How can counselors uphold client autonomy while balancing their responsibilities to protect clients from harm in situations such as mandated reporting?
  2. What are the ethical considerations counselors must evaluate before obtaining or sharing a client’s information through a release of information (ROI)?
  3. How should counselors address situations where a client refuses to sign an ROI, but the information could be critical to their treatment?
  4. In cases involving minors or clients with diminished capacity, who should have the authority to consent to an ROI, and how should the counselor approach such discussions?
  5. How can counselors ensure that clients are informed of mandated reporting requirements at the outset of the therapeutic relationship?
  6. What role does documentation play in the process of mandated reporting, and how can it protect both the client and the counselor?
  7. How can counselors manage the potential fallout of mandated reporting, such as damaged therapeutic relationships or increased risk to the client?
  8. What steps should counselors take if they realize they may have made an error that could lead to a malpractice claim?
  9. Why is informed consent a foundational aspect of the counselor-client relationship, and how does it intersect with ethical decision-making?
  10. What challenges might arise when obtaining informed consent from clients with limited capacity or those in crisis, and how can counselors address these challenges?
  11. How does privileged communication differ from confidentiality, and what are the limitations of both in legal or ethical contexts?
  12. How can counselors navigate confidentiality concerns when working with family systems or couples counseling?
  13. How can maintaining clear boundaries with clients prevent ethical violations and malpractice claims?
  14. What challenges do counselors face in small or rural communities where dual relationships may be unavoidable, and how can they navigate these ethically?

 

License

Ethical Practice in Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Counseling Copyright © by Tom Hegblom; Zaibunnisa Ahmed; London Fischer; Lauren Roelike; and Ericka Webb. All Rights Reserved.