Ethics, Professional, & Legal Issues in Psychology

This course presents an overview of ethical and legal issues associated with the professional practice of psychology. Major ethical, professional, and legal issues, as well as their history, will be examined with emphasis on the application of professional standards and guidelines that are relevant to various practice settings. The American Psychological Association’s Ethics Code and other relevant guidelines are reviewed, with an emphasis on their application to ethical decision-making in specific professional practice environments and situations. The interface between ethical and legal requirements is explored, and managed care and other contemporary issues impacting clinical practice are considered. Specific legal issues that are addressed include conditions of malpractice, psychotherapist-patient privilege, and child abuse reporting. Additionally, contemporary professional issues are introduced and examined.