Question

Apply all relevant General Principles and Ethics Code Standards as you discuss the informed consent and confidentiality procedures that Dr. Mizaki will need to ethically implement this new treatment approach.

Case Study: Dr. Mizaki, a clinical psychologist working in a psychiatric facility, was preparing his patient, Donna, for discharge from the hospital. Donna had been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Donna lives in a rural area 500 miles from the hospital, and there are no mental health professionals in the area. The only way to provide Donna with outpatient services is through telepsychology. Dr. Mizaki wants to initiate a new telehealth procedure that has been developed by a colleague at the hospital for individuals in rural areas with serious mental disorders. The new treatment involves individual sessions with clients and family members via computer-based video chat to educate them about the medication and other supports Donna will need.

Answer 1

Confidentiality and consent are the most important principles that have been set by the American Psychological Association. Being unethical in any way is unacceptable. Dr. Mizaki must have the patient's consent for telepsychology. If the patient is incapable of understanding what he is giving his consent for, the patient's family must give the consent to carry out the outpatient service through telepsychology. Telepsychology is a great way to keep the therapy sessions going, especially when the patient does not have a convenient access to in-house psychiatric facility. However, Dr. Mizaki must make sure to take the consent of the patient and family before she begins her sessions to help Donna cope better.