Spring, 2020

FT502

Gabler

FT503: LEGAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES IN THERAPEUTIC PRACTICE. Gloria J. Gabler, PhD

DESCRIPTION:

This course offers a survey of the legal and ethical issues relevant to the clinical practice of behavioral health. These topics include confidentiality, informed consent, dual relationships, licensing standards, and family law. Students learn the application of ethical principles to specific professional and moral dilemmas. The course includes a review of Arizona laws governing the practice of marriage and family therapists and counselors.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. To introduce student to a virtue ethics orientation to professional ethics and legal issues.

2. To inform students of common ethical dilemmas faced by clinicians.

3. To instruct students in laws and regulations guiding the practice of clinicians in the state of Arizona.

4. To review the ethical standards of clinical practice.

5. To review practical strategies that will support ethical practice of clinical work.

RELATIONSHIP TO SCHOOL AND SEMINARY LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Graduates will develop the clinical and ethical competence commensurate with the expectations of post-graduate placement.

2. Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and attitudes necessary to serve effectively in diverse communities locally and globally.

3. Graduates will be prepared to serve underserved populations and to integrate in their practice and personal lives the disciplines of compassion and charity.

4. Graduates will demonstrate the ability to identify critical issues of diversity and make appropriate responses.

5. Graduates will be able to pursue careers consistent with their education.

COURSE FORMAT:

This 4 unit course will meet on Wednesdays from 5:40 to 8:40. Classes will include lecture and discussion. Attendance is required.

REQUIRED READING:

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (2015). 2015 AAMFT code of ethics. Washington, DC: AAMFT. (available online)

American Counseling Association (2014). 2014 ACA code of ethics. Alexandria, VA: ACA. (available online)

Corey, G. & Corey, M. S. (2018). Issues and ethics in the helping professions. Boston: Cengage.

Doherty, W. J. (1995). Soul searching: Why psychotherapy must promote moral responsibility. New York: Basic Books.

Nouwen, H. (1979). The wounded healer. New York: Image/Doubleday.

ASSIGNMENTS:

Four papers and three quizzes.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:

1. Meets BPC Section 4980.36(c)(3); 4980.36(d)(2)(C),(J) for the State of CA.

2. Meets AAMFT Core Competency domains 1.3.4, 1.3.5, 1.3.8, 1.4.1, 1.5.1-3, 5.1.1-4, 6.1.1-3.

FINAL EXAMINATION:

No.