California Law and Ethics Practice Exam

What ethical duty do therapists have regarding the potential outcomes of treatment?

1. To guarantee specific client outcomes

2. To inform clients of potential outcomes

3. To avoid discussing treatment outcomes

4. To provide treatment free of charge

The correct answer is: To inform clients of potential outcomes

Therapists have an ethical duty to inform clients of potential outcomes associated with treatment because transparency is pivotal in establishing an informed consent process. This involves adequately discussing the possible benefits, risks, and limitations of therapy. By informing clients about what they might expect from treatment, therapists empower clients to make educated decisions about their care, fostering autonomy and trust within the therapeutic relationship. The importance of this duty is underscored by ethical guidelines in the mental health profession, which stress that clients should be made aware of not only the goals of treatment but also the realistic expectations surrounding those goals. This helps in forming a collaborative partnership between the therapist and client, where both parties have a clear understanding of the therapeutic process. In contrast, guaranteeing specific client outcomes is unrealistic and not in line with ethical practice, as therapy is inherently unpredictable and outcome can vary based on numerous factors. Avoiding discussions about treatment outcomes contradicts the fundamental ethical obligation to promote informed consent. Providing treatment free of charge is not generally an ethical requirement but rather a business decision, and therapy professionals are expected to adhere to compensation structures for their services.