The ethics of psychology as a business: What is a fair return?

Abstract

Is operating a professional private practice any different than operating a small business? The ethical issues associated with establishing a fee structure in private practice arc addressed based on current trends in Canadian psychology and the existing ethical codes and standards for Canadian psychologists. A number of forces impacting on the delivery and nature of psychological service in Canada are reviewed followed by a critique of relevant codes and standards. Recommendations for establishing a fee structure in private practice are provided based on the critique, alternative ethical codes, and existing literature. It is suggested that when economic necessity forces Canadian psychologists to turn to private practice as their primary source of income, potential conflict hetween self interest and public interest may arise. Exploration of this conflict raises many unanswered questions regarding the combination of business ethics with the ethics of psychology. To answer these questions and help resolve potential ethical conflicts, further examination and discussion amongst psychologists and their professional associations is recommended. DESCRIITION OK THE PROBLEMAlthough private practice has been a part of Canadian professional psychology for many years, "until recendy, relatively few Canadian psychologists depended on their private practices as the primary source of their incomes" (I Iurley & Ritchie, 1995, p. 4). Ihis has begun to changein Canada, but not without "a sense of dislocation and considerable anxiety" (Hurley & Ritchie, 1995 p. 4; Watkins, Lope/., Campbell, & Himmell, 1986). Many authors have linked these uncomfortable thoughts and feelings to the ethical tension created when combining business strategies with psychological practice (Brown

The Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists: A moral context for ethical decision-making in emerging areas of practice.

“…In such a process professionals may also define the limits beyond which they are unwilling to compromise. As the practice of psychology moves increasingly from the public to the private sector, the Canadian Code will need to give more attention to the ethics of conducting a business (Dobson & King, 1995; Iacabucci, 1997; Wilson & Pelletier, 1997).…”