Psychologist Code of Ethics
Understanding the Professional Conduct of Psychologists
Family psychologist describes the professional code of conduct and ethics expected of licensed psychologists.
Like other professionals, psychologists are bound by a code of conduct. This code specifies the psychologist’s professional and ethical responsibilities. It clearly outlines behaviors that are acceptable versus unacceptable as regards the practice of psychology. Psychologists in North America are licensed by the professional psychology college, association, or order for the state or province in which they practice and must adhere to this multi-dimensional code of ethics in order to maintain their licence.
Job Clarity
To further define the licence granted a psychologist, the code of ethics for any given state or province defines the practice of psychology, through roles and obligations, so that there is consistency within the field. In this manner, the psychologist’s licence has meaning to the public, giving them an idea of what to expect from someone who calls themselves a psychologist.
Respectful Behavior
The main goal of the psychologist code of ethics is to ensure, above all, that the client is treated in a professional, lawful, and respectful manner. It defines behaviors, such as guaranteed confidentiality, that regulate the private as well as institutional practice of psychology so that anyone serviced by a psychologist is ensured professional, humane treatment that does no psychological or physical harm.
Public Protection
The code of ethics also aims to protect the public from abuses and misuses that may be financial, physical, or emotional. There are numerous clauses in the code that clearly specify acceptable practices in regards to everything from billing procedures, to file maintenance procedures, to appropriate therapy termination procedures. Almost every aspect of job definition, to office management, to client handling is outlined as to acceptable versus unacceptable behaviors.
Prohibiting Dual Roles
Perhaps one of the most highly emphasized areas of the psychologist code of ethics pertains to psychologist relationships with clients. The code of ethics makes it clear what relationship boundaries may not be crossed. Clauses cover acceptable practices regarding unacceptable degree of personal involvement, either romantic or business with current or former clients.
In short, the code of ethics directs the psychologist and client away from conflicts of interest or dual roles, towards lawful, socially responsible behavior. It requires the psychologist to deliver mental health treatment uncomplicated by emotional, business, personal involvement or problems. In this manner, psychologist and client remain totally independent, without personal or business connection, except for the therapy sessions and the therapeutic relationship in which they both agree to participate. This prevents factors outside the therapy from compromising the effectiveness of treatment. The code of ethics is a progressive document that continually evolves to secure client rights, psychologist rights and obligations, and the professional practice of psychology.
With a psychologist’s licence to practice comes the enormous professional responsibility of treating and protecting the client’s well-being. The licence means acceptance of the code of ethics that secures proper protection of both client interests and treatment. Violations of this code are taken very seriously by the psychologist association and, following an investigation, could result in the suspension or revocation of a psychologist’s licence.
In general, psychologists have worked very hard to reach their professional status and likely try hard to guard against any violations. Also, those who pursue the psychology profession often do so because they have high social and humanistic values. Although these arguments imply that treatment by a psychologist is protected, unfortunately, there have been and always will be abuses and misuses, transgressions and violations. Rest assured, however, that these are taken extremely seriously by the official organizations responsible for licensing a psychologist.
