It's a matter of clear role definition, careful informed consent, and well
crafted documentation, I would think. A MHP acting as a mediator not only
isn't obliged to, but would be violating role boundaries, to provide
treatment in a mediation. If that is so, then other roles and functions
that require or benefit from being served by a MHP also would have
boundaries and definitions inconsistent with being the provider of therapy
for an urgent or critical need. Whether there is an ethical obligation to
suggest a referral for treatment when a licensed MHP is acting in a role
other than treating therapist is another matter--surely there are ethics
opinions that address this? In any event I would think the obligation could
be satisfied by making a prompt appropriate referral. By way of analogy, a
couples therapist, for instance, might consider it inconsistent with the
retention as couples counselor and the boundaries relating thereto to
provide individual psychotherapy to one spouse, but might be ethically
obliged to recommend it under some circumstances.
pht
On Wed, Apr 16, 2008 at 1:19 PM, Lynda J. Robbins <ljrobbinsesq@xxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
A question has come up at our trainings with regard to the ethical
obligation of MHP. If their ethical obligation is to treat emotional issues
and they are acting as facilitator or neutral coach and there are people in
the room with emotional issues not being addressed, is the MHP in violation
of their ethics? In other words, how can a MHP NOT treat and not be in
violation of ethics?
As an attorney, I can limit my representation of a client. I thought that
MHP could also do so--is this correct?
Thanks for your assistance.
Lynda Robbins
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Lynda J. Robbins
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Chelmsford, MA 01824
978-256-8178
ljrobbinsesq@xxxxxxxxxxx <ljrobbinsesq%40verizon.net>
www.robbinsresolves.com
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