Ethical Decision Making

Abstract

This paper summarizes the importance of ethical decision making, through analyzing a personal situation encountered. The ethical dilemma of a co-worker, in regard to her twenty-one year old daughter and her drug use, identified four ethical codes provided by the American Psychological Association. Nevertheless the steps identified contributed in the ethical decision making process and evaluating the precautions through protecting, both the client and professional.

Ethical Decision Making

Professionals are often faced with situations that require the judgment of ethical decision making. However, when faced with difficult ethical dilemmas, professionals need to use sound ethical decision making. The code of ethics and standards aids in helping professionals such as therapists and counselors to address ethical situations through moral judgment. Society, also contribute the extent of codes of ethics, to protect the welfare the clients through avoiding harm. However, boundaries also interfere with the accountability of professionals, despite trying to be helpful.

Ethical Dilemma

The ethical dilemma chosen for this assignment identifies how a personal relationship can interfere with a professional relationship. The scenario I will use a true scenario, in which I have recently encountered. A co-worker of mine received a phone call from her daughter's job. She was informed that her daughter was caught in the bathroom cutting herself, such as her arms and legs. She is aware that I am a substance abuse counselor of those in the Drug Court Program. She fears that her daughter is using drugs, but instead of testing her for drugs, she asks me to speak with her daughter to find out. However, she wants to know every detail discussed, but her daughter is 21. Based on the scenario, there are some things to consider in regard to identifying the steps to ethical decision making. First, there is a conflict of interest due to having a dual relationship. Second, it breaches confidentiality because my co-worker's daughter is no longer a minor, but an adult. Third, in attempts to avoid harm, avoiding entering a familiar relationship can prevent the client and the roles of a therapist and a friend from potential harm. Last, there is the concept of disclosure. Although, my co-worker is considered as a friend, I cannot disclose information to her despite the client being her daughter. Disclosing information without proper consent can also contribute to the harm of the client and the therapist, as it contributes in the personal problems and conflicts of the situation.

14 Steps of Ethical Decision Making

The steps of ethical decision making helps individuals, such as professionals respond to ethical dilemmas. The steps also provide a benefit, as well as an eye opener in finding better approaches to follow the professional codes of ethics. Pope and Vasquez (2007), proposes 17-steps of ethical decision making, however each step does not fit every situation.

Step 1: State Dilemma as Clear as Possible

Although the scenario was stated, it was not stated as clear as possible. There was information omitted, such as the drug history, if there was any. Also missing was a valid way to define the problem, such as what made her want to cut her arm and go into the state of depression and self-inflicted harm. Because information such as the above was omitted, helping becomes an ethical challenge.

Step 2: Anticipate who will be affected by the Decision

Because help if requested other than the person needing the help, as a counselor, I have to consider who the decision will affect; the client, her mother, or myself. Without putting my thought into it, the first person it will affect is the client. The reason is because will be doing something she has not agreed to, such as being drug tested and possibly entering treatment for her out of the norms, behaviors. In addition, the decision will also affect the co-worker, as she has and show concern for her daughter. However, although she is concerned she is not thinking logically that, even if I am willing to help her daughter, I cannot disclose information to her because her daughter is an adult, unless she provides and signs consent.

Step 3: Figure out who, if anyone, is the client

In this situation, although the client is a twenty-one year old who has cut her arm it is hard to determine the client. The mother of the client is panicky and concerned and because of it, may need to seek attention, as well. However, a deeper issue arises when the mother is responsible for paying any potential fees. Because of this, the mother may feel obligated to know every detail pertaining to her daughter.

Step 4: Assess the Situation

Because the issue arises with interfering with roles of the professional and personal relationship, I would more than likely consider another professional to treat my co-worker and her daughter. Doing so will prevent any harm that may also interfere with the work obligations of my job. Sometimes, considering the situation can ease the thought of having to work in a hostile work environment. The question that determines whether to the access of the situation relies on whether I would do an effective job in treating the daughter.

Step 5: Review Ethical Standards

According to the American Psychological Association, there are four ethical standards which interfere with the scenario. Personal problems and the conflict of interest, breaching confidentiality, avoiding harm, and disclosure of information without consent are standards that should be considered prior to assisting individuals that have a personal relationship with you (APA, 2010). However, speaking to someone who is experienced, can prevent conflicts of ethical standards.

Step 6: Review Legal Standards

Similar to the ethical standards, there are legal standards that can also coincide as well