Some ethical challenges being faced in clinical psychology are informed consent and confidentiality. Both of these issues have been highlighted in many careers of clinical psychologists and the field in general. Informed consent refers to a patients right to know the treatment they are experiencing and the aftermath of the treatment and whether the treatment comes with benefits and consequences. Informed consent allows the patient to decline treatment at whatever point they see fit. Confidentiality refers to the information the patient shares with their licensed professional. Almost all information disclosed with a professional must be kept confidential by the professional, and there are legal consequences that could follow if these requirements are not met. There are very few instances where a professional could share their patient’s information. These include the patient disclosing a plan to harm themselves or other people, and with expressed permission from the patient. Many practitioners mis-step when it comes to documenting and reporting self-harm properly. Practitioners can learn from their colleagues
