Ethics of Informed Consent

Ethical Dilemma: Imagine a psychologist treating a minor child depression minor cutting. Because child's parents divorced, obtained consent treat child father, custodial parent. The mother (noncustodial parent) calls involved son's treatment.

Ethical dilemma: Treating a child of divorced patients

One of the most difficult issues for a therapist regarding the treatment of minors is the question of confidentiality. "An important aspect of treatment is to foster an individual's autonomy, and a great pleasure of treating adolescents is to watch as they come to enjoy their growing independence. One aspect of independence is privacy. As a child grows into adolescence and adulthood, the surrounding zone of privacy should increase, thus making room for a more defined sense of self and a greater sense of autonomy" (Behnke & Warner 2002: 44). In this instance, the custodial parent wants exclusive rights to be involved in the treatment of the...
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