Course Description
This course examines and discusses the value of empirical evidence, tolerance of ambiguity, ethical behaviors (including the APA Ethics Code), and other values that underpin psychology as a science. (Requirement: fourth-year standing in Florida Tech University Online).
Course Objectives
Upon completing this course, students will be able to
- Identify ethical standards in psychology and related mental health professions
- Assess ethical dilemmas in practice and troubleshoot appropriate courses of action to manage them effectively
- Acquire the skills needed to promote ethical behavior in clinical and research settings
Week 1
Lecture: Introduction
Lecture: Why We Need Ethics – Part 1
Lecture: Why We Need Ethics – Part 2
Outcomes: Upon completing this module, students will be able to
- Describe how past incidents of abuse in research and treatment have led to the establishment of codes of ethics
- Determine how codes of ethics protect consumers and practitioners
- Identify how core ethical principles relate to current mental health practice
Week 2
Lecture: Core Ethical Principles and Applications
Outcomes: Upon completing this module, students will be able to
- Discuss strategies for minimizing risk: defensive vs. vigilant ethics
- Review nine core ethical principles in mental health and related fields
- Evaluate case examples that pertain to core ethical principles
- Determine the best course of action as a practitioner in keeping with ethical standards
Week 3
Lecture: Making Ethical Decisions – Part 1
Lecture: Making Ethical Decisions – Part 2
Outcomes: Upon completing this module, students will be able to
- Implement a decision-making strategy for ethics
- Identify appropriate courses of action during crisis situations
- Define peer monitoring in professional relationships
- Select appropriate methods for managing unethical situations
Week 4
Lecture: Enforcement of Ethical Codes
Outcomes: Upon completing this module, students will be able to
- Explain the methods of enforcement of ethical standards
- Discuss the basic legal standards for practice in your field
- Seek out information about regulating boards who determine ethical behavior in your jurisdiction and at the national level
- Explain possible sanctions for unethical conduct in your field
Week 5
Lecture: Competence and Credentials
Outcomes: Upon completing this module, students will be able to
- Explain the importance of knowing your personal/professional strengths and weaknesses
- List at least three reasons to only accept cases for which you are qualified
- Identify how to find the standards of practice in the state where you will work
Week 6
Lecture: The Mental Health Business
Outcomes: Upon completing this module, students will be able to
- Determine client fees based on other standards in your jurisdiction
- Avoid possible pitfalls when setting fees
- Prevent potential fraudulent acts by careful record-keeping
- Prepare for job interviews in advance: Know what to ask for
- Apply recommendations for maintaining ethical workplace standards
Week 7
Lecture: Privacy, Confidentiality, and Record-Keeping
Outcomes: Upon completing this module, students will be able to
- Explain why protecting client confidentiality is of paramount importance in mental health services
- Discuss therapist-client privilege, which is protected under law in most states
- Identify how HIPAA guidelines specify what, how, and to whom protected health information may be released
- List the required elements of informed consent in research and treatment
- Specify procedures for ensuring records are carefully maintained and destroyed according to statutes and applicable laws
Week 8
Lecture: Multiple Role Relationships
Outcomes: Upon completing this module, students will be able to
- Identify and avoid multiple relationships that may hamper objectivity and professionalism
- Evaluate potential sources of dual relationships before entering them
- Avoid bartering and service exchanges in the therapy relationship
- Explain why it is important to use caution when entering friendships and other close relationships during or after therapy
Lecture: Working With Others
Outcomes: Upon completing this module, students will be able to
- Explain the importance of maintaining collegial relationships with coworkers
- Avoid potential pitfalls when reporting colleagues for possible ethical violations
- Discuss client’s best interest when referring clients
- Discuss the recommendations for maintaining professional behavior with supervisees and employees
- Avoid potential forms of harassment and know how to respond if they occur
The course description, objectives and learning outcomes are subject to change without notice based on enhancements made to the course. May 2012
