APA Ethics Case Study

The ethical issues in this case involve APA General Principle A: Beneficence and Nonmaleficence, B: Fidelity and Responsibility, and E: Respect for People’s Rights and Dignity. Also involved are APA ethical standards codes, 3.9 Cooperation With Other Professionals, 4.1 Maintaining Confidentiality, and 10.4 Providing Therapy to Those Served by Others.
Dr. Cummings should in response adhere to APA General Principle A: Beneficence and Nonmaleficence as well as General Principle B: Fidelity and Responsibility, and E : Respect for People’s Rights and Dignity in an effort to strive to benefit and not harm as well as uphold professional standards of conduct that demonstrate his responsibility to society. Therefore, the Dr, Cummings should assist Frank. In doing so he will be in adherence to Illinois law (405 ILCS
In addition, Dr. Cummings should adhere to APA ethics Code 10.4 Providing Therapy to Those Served by Others, which states that he must carefully consider the treatment issues and potential client’s welfare in deciding to provide services to those already receiving mental health services elsewhere. Even more, when professionally appropriate, under the guidelines of APA ethics code 3.9 Cooperation With Other Professionals, Dr. Cummings should work with Frank’s family therapist in order to serve Frank effectively. Thus, by adhering to APA ethics Code 10.4 and 3.9 along with working with Frank’s Family therapist, Dr. Cummings could minimize the risk of confusion and conflict. Nonetheless, Dr. Cummings should adhere to APA Ethic’s code 4.1 Maintaining Confidentiality unless he determines that Frank is in danger of attempting suicide. Consequently, Dr. Cummings should make a suicide risk assessment and prevention plan for Frank. Dr. Cummings should determine whether Frank is a suicide ideator, gesturer, or attempter before breaking confidentiality or seeking hospitalization for Frank. Further