Dr. Belle is a licensed psychologist, who practices in the areas of adults and geriatrics. She primarily treats adults for mood and anxiety disorders. She is the only psychologist in her 50-mile radius who accepts the patient’s insurance. She has received an urgent request from a physician to see a 16-year-old girl with depression, anxiety, and self-harming behaviors. What ethical standards apply to this scenario and why?
Discuss why it is important to maintain professional boundaries when working within the field of psychology?
What are some potential consequences if a professional has loose or poor professional boundaries? What are some factors that may make it difficult to maintain professional boundaries?
There is much controversy on record keeping. Agencies require records after each session, and private therapists say less is better so courts cannot interpret the notes in the wrong context. What do you feel is practical and still within the psychologist’s legal obligation?