Ethics guide offers practical advice for psychologists


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Ethics guide offers practical advice for psychologists
(January 2009 Issue)

“Ethics Desk Reference for Psychologists”
By Jeffrey E. Barnett and W. Brad Johnson
American Psychological Association
Washington, D.C., 2008

By James K. Luiselli, Ed.D., ABPP, BCBA

Since its 1953 inception, the American Psychological Association's (APA) "Ethical Principles for Psychologists and Code of Conduct" have been revised nine times. The APA Ethics Code sets the standard of professional conduct for psychologists, is legally binding in some states and informs graduate school, internship and post-doctoral training programs. One cannot, in fact, practice professional psychology without knowing and adhering to these ethical principles.

Jeffrey E. Barnett and W. Brad Johnson designed the "Ethics Desk Reference for Psychologists" (EDR) to be an accessible and convenient guide to understanding and applying the APA Ethics Code. The code itself has four sections: Introduction and Applicability, Preamble, General Principles, and Ethical Standards. Barnett and Johnson reprint these sections, then summarize the respective essential elements, point out common dilemmas and conflicts and suggest positive prevention strategies.

Part I of the EDR addresses the 10 ethical standards comprising the APA Ethics Code: resolving ethical issues, competence, human relations, privacy and confidentiality, advertising and other public statements, record keeping and fees, education and training, research and publication, assessment and therapy. These standards are enforceable by the APA Ethics Committee and state psychology boards and as such, represent the "rules of the road" for ethical practice by psychologists.

Barnett and Johnson emphasize that sound ethical practice depends on informed decision making. For example, what constitutes an ethical conflict, how should you analyze a suspected ethical violation and when do you confer with colleagues concerning matters of malpractice?

In Part II of the EDR they delineate an "ethical decision process model" that helps answer these and related questions. The authors also offer guidance in dealing with areas that frequently challenge psychologists, namely managed care, clinical supervision, suicidal clients, mandated reporting and responding to an ethics complaint.

The EDR is a wonderfully creative and invaluable resource. It summarizes every section of the APA Ethics Code succinctly, identifies the key elements governing professional practice and suggests strategies toward risk management. Notably, Barnett and Johnson offer practical advice that is easy to understand and apply. If you teach, consult, supervise, or deliver psychological services, you should have this informative guide close at hand.

James K. Luiselli, Ed.D., ABPP, BCBA, is senior vice president, applied research, clinical training and peer review at the May Institute in Norwood, Mass.