California Law and Ethics Practice Exam

What is the therapist's duty during psychotherapy?

1. To diagnose accurately and appropriately

2. To avoid discussing client issues

3. To rely solely on self-reporting

4. To provide social services without diagnosing

The correct answer is: To diagnose accurately and appropriately

The therapist's duty during psychotherapy encompasses various responsibilities, among which accurate and appropriate diagnosis is fundamental. Accurate diagnosis allows therapists to understand the client's condition better, tailor their treatment approach, and measure progress over time. It establishes a framework for the therapeutic process, helping to clarify the goals of therapy and guide intervention strategies. Additionally, a proper diagnosis aids in addressing any underlying mental health issues that may be affecting the client’s well-being and interpersonal relationships. This duty is reinforced by ethical guidelines in the mental health profession, which emphasize the importance of competence in assessment and intervention. The other options do not reflect the core responsibilities of a therapist: avoiding discussions about client issues undermines the therapeutic process, relying solely on self-reporting can lead to incomplete or biased information without professional assessment, and providing social services without diagnosis neglects the need for a structured understanding of a client's mental health needs.