Replacing "who is the client?" with a different ethical question.

Abstract

Professional Psychology: Research and Practice is published bimonthly (beginning in February) by the American Psychological Association. The journal publishes articles on the application of psychology, including the scientific underpinnings of the profession of psychology. Articles that present assessment, treatment, and practice implications are encouraged. Both data-based and theoretical articles on techniques and practices used in the application of psychology are acceptable. The journal also publishes brief reports on research or practice in professional psychology. For more information, including how to subscribe, please visit the journal's Web site at www.apa.org/journals/pro.

A Study of the Ethical Dilemmas Experienced by School Psychologists in Portugal

“…Is it the student, the student's parents, the teacher, or the school system? (Fisher, 2009;Knauss, 2001). In spite of being a prevailing and highly debatable question within the school psychology field, it was raised by an extremely low number of participants.…”

“…School psychologists often work with teams, systems, and groups, delivering services to a wide range of clients (i.e., students, families, schools, and the community). As a result of working in the intersection of several systems and performing multiple roles (i.e., assessors, consultants, and counselors), professionals frequently deal with conflicting interests, values, and beliefs (Fisher, 2009;Jacob, Decker, & Hartshorne, 2011;Knauss, 2001;Koocher, 2008;Lasser & Klose, 2007;McNamara, 2011). By virtue of the uniqueness of their work context and primary clients (i.e., students), school psychologists may encounter ethical dilemmas that typically do not arise in other settings and when working with adult clients.…”

“…Other researchers have also acknowledged administrative pressures to practice unethically as a major issue faced by school psychologists, focusing their studies on practitioners' responses to such pressure (e.g., Helton & Ray, 2006, 2009Helton, Ray, & Biderman, 2000). These authors have linked these kinds of dilemmas to two central topics in the profession: first, the dual role of school employee and pupil advocate, and second, the conflicts of loyalties that emerged from having to honor the law, professional, and ethical standards while being committed with the employer's perceived needs, expectations, and directives.…”

Ethical Challenges in the Treatment of Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities

“…M. A. Fisher (2009) suggested that the identification of ethical responsibility be reformulated from the classic question of "Who is the client?" to "What are my ethical responsibilities to each of the parties in this case?"…”

“Doc, There's Something I Have To Tell You”: Patient Disclosure to Their Psychotherapist of Unprosecuted Murder and Other Violence

“…As a matter of ethical practice many of the exceptions to confidentiality may be negotiated and agreed to through the informed consent process. Examples include third-party requests for services and clinical work with couples, families, and groups (Fisher, 2009). In each of these clinical situations just what is confidential, what will be shared with others, and under what circumstances are openly discussed and agreed to at the outset of the professional relationship.…”