As a mental health practitioner working with clients who are suffering from dissociative disorders, it is important to be aware of legal and ethical considerations when providing care. Dissociation is a complex psychological phenomenon that can have serious implications for the health and wellbeing of individuals, both physically and mentally (Krenzelok et al., 2016). A thorough understanding of ethical and legal issues surrounding dissociative disorders is essential in order to provide appropriate care to these clients.
The first ethical consideration related to caring for individuals with dissociative disorder is privacy. The American Psychological Association’s Code of Ethics states that practitioners should respect their client’s right to confidentiality and ensure they take necessary steps to protect this right (American Psychological Association, 2010). This means that all information regarding the individual’s condition must be kept confidential so as not to violate any laws or regulations.
Explain ethical and legal considerations related to dissociative disorders that you need to bring to your practice and why they are important
Furthermore, any discussion between the therapist and the client must remain confidential unless otherwise authorized by law or deemed necessary by a court decision (American Psychological Association, 2010). Ensuring privacy also involves refraining from discussing any details about the individual’s diagnosis or treatment without prior consent from both parties.
In addition, informed consent is an important ethical consideration when working with individuals suffering from dissociative disorders. According to the American Psychological Association’s Code of Ethics “psychologists obtain informed consent prior to initiating…treatment” (American Psychological Association, 2010). It is essential for therapists treating individuals with dissociative disordersto obtain an informed consent in order for them understand what services will be provided during treatment. This includes informing clients about potential risks associated with their diagnosis such as anxiety attacks or flashbacks associated with trauma memories(Gleichman & Tuerkheimer 2017). Obtaining informed consent helps create transparency between both parties which can help foster trust between the therapist and their patient(Gleichman & Tuerkheimer 2017).