For the following testing scenario, identify specific ethicalconsiderations or potential violations committed by Dr. Jeffersonas discussed in your textbook and course manual. From an ethicalperspective, please consider what Dr. Jefferson has done well andwhat she could have done differently. If there is a violation ofthe Canadian Psychological Ethical Guidelines for Psychologists,provide recommendations for a more ethical practice (i.e., whatadvice would you give to Dr. Jefferson?)
Dr. Jefferson lives and practices psychology in a ruralarea. She has been a registered psychologist for 5 years (Ph.D. inChild Psychology) and her area of specialization is anxietydisorders and depression. She began to provide psychotherapy to Mr.Giles, a 42-year-old, who was dealing with depression. After threesessions, Mr. Giles suffered a significant head injury while atwork. His impairment is noticeable by Dr. Jefferson without anytype of testing, although she administers the Halstead-ReitanNeuropsychological Battery, just in case.
Mr. Giles’s co-worker, Cynthia, helped him find an attorneyso that his rights are protected, especially since the incidentoccurred at work. Dr. Jefferson had Mr. Giles sign a release totalk with the attorney as well as Cynthia. From a phone call withthe attorney, WSIB (Workers Compensation) wants to work out asettlement, but the attorney has little understanding regarding Mr.Giles’ level of impairment.
Mr. Giles demonstrates a variety of cognitive deficits. Heneeds assistance and monitoring with daily tasks, such as homecare, shopping, transportation, understanding the settlementprocess, reading his mail, and paying his bills. He will likelyneed to go into an assisted living facility. His family lives threeprovinces away and provides minimal help, both emotionally andfinancially. Mr. Giles doesn't appear to understand his legalrights or the settlement process.
Prior to providing extra-therapy support, Dr. Jefferson hadMr. Giles sign a document explaining her fees for the additionalservices. She is not sure that he completely understands what ishappening or her version of informed consent for the additionalservices. The psychologist has been doing much of the casemanagement work on her own, such as locating a long-time friend whois willing to help him at home, engaging in lengthy discussionswith his primary care physician and neurologist, participating inmultiple conversations with the attorney, and trying to find aguardian or power of attorney. Over dinner and beers, she has alsospoken at length to her partner, a neuropsychologist, about howbest to serve her client.
