Case Summary
Dr. Goodwin receives an unexpected call from Bruce, a close friend from high school with whom he speaks only occasionally. Bruce sounds distressed and explains that he recently lost his job, is under financial strain, struggles with sleep and energy, has withdrawn from exercise, and has been irritable with his family, briefly mentioning that he has been experiencing harmful thoughts. During a long conversation, Dr. Goodwin listens, offers empathy, general stress-management advice, encouragement, and recommends a book. As the call ends, Bruce says he feels better and remarks that talking to Dr. Goodwin is cheaper than seeing a therapist, leaving Dr. Goodwin unsure whether the comment is serious.
Critical Legal and Ethical Issues
The case study highlights the following constitutional and moral concerns: conflict of interest and informed consent to therapy. An opposing interest arises when interpersonal or self-serving motivations interfere with an individual’s or organization’s occupational obligations or roles, rendering them untrustworthy. When a firm or individual has a personal stake, such as wealth, position, information, connections, or prestige, the impartiality of their conduct, reasoning, or decision-making is called into doubt.
According to the case provided, Bruce phoned his high school friend, Dr. Goodwin, for emotional support after losing his job. However, just as he hangs up, Bruce adds, ‘Thanks. My wife suggested I see a psychologist, but I informed her I could speak with you for considerably less money.’ This statement from Bruce raises questions about his self-motivated decision to acquire Dr. Goodwin’s services, which are less expensive than those of the therapist.
An ethical issue of informed consent to therapy arises from the conversation between Bruce and Dr. Goodwin. Informed consent is a procedure in which the psychotherapist shares adequate information with the patient or prospective client so that the individual can make a well-informed decision about involvement in the recommended treatment course (Convie et al., 2022). Bruce states he has been feeling “stressed” over the last month. He explains that he recently lost his job and has been worrying about the financial impact that this has had on his family.
From this experience, it is clear that Bruce needs the services of a therapist as he is under some stress. Nonetheless, Bruce has informed consent to therapy from his partner, yet he decided to ask his friend, who was not a therapist, due to Dr. Goodwin’s services being cheap. Goodwin’s services were meant to calm Bruce down rather than manage his current mental state.
Actions in Addressing these Legal and Ethical Issues
From the scenario, it is clear that Bruce has illustrated legal and ethical issues that may jeopardize his relationship with Dr. Goodwin. I would apply the five-step ethical decision-making model to handle the case study. The five-phase framework provides insight into how individuals may make moral choices related to ethics.
Knapp et al. (2017) identified five stages that people may use to address concerns about honesty and professional integrity. Firstly, one must investigate the issue to identify whether moral ideals appear at risk. The case report highlights ethical issues involving a conflict of interest and a lack of informed consent for treatment.
Secondly, Knapp et al. (2017) insinuated that one should develop options or theories that are harmonious with, or at least compatible with, fundamental moral standards. From the instance provided, I would refer Bruce to a therapist, as they are well-equipped to handle individuals in his present state of affairs. This is because such individuals have the requisite background knowledge to meet Bruce’s demands. Additionally, I will recommend that Bruce practice autonomy in decision-making.
Thirdly, individuals should evaluate alternatives based on weighing or prioritizing moral values (Knapp et al., 2017). Based on the two options provided and considering Bruce’s condition, I will prefer the services of a therapist to help manage him for better and more productive clinical outcomes.
Fourthly, people should perform or act to minimize damage to the violated principle (Knapp et al., 2017). Since the relationship between Bruce and Dr. Goodwin dates back to high school, I will politely advise him and inform him that it was appropriate to ask for Dr. Goodwin’s services; however, it was wrong not to heed his wife’s advice to see a therapist.
Lastly, Knapp et al. (2017) highlighted that individuals should assess the degree to which the activities were consistent with moral norms. In evaluating the extent to which the acts were streamlined with ethical standards, I will ensure that Bruce seeks the services of a therapist. I will follow up weekly to check his progress with the practitioner.
References
Convie, L. J., Clements, J. M., McCain, S., Campbell, J., Kirk, S. J., & Clarke, M. (2022). Development of a core outcome set for informed consent for therapy: An international key stakeholder consensus study. BMC Medical Ethics, 23(1), 1-15.
Knapp, S. J., VandeCreek, L. D., & Fingerhut, R. (2017). Practical ethics for psychologists: A positive approach (3rded.). Washington, DC: APA.