Refrain & Refer

Psychologist must be aware that differences in religion can affect the clients’ reactions to different life events. For example, someone who is Muslim will have a different view on death of a loved one than someone who is Christian. If a psychologist is not knowledgeable enough or does not feel competent enough to counsel a client that is a certain religion it may be best to refer them to go elsewhere.  

Under standard 201b, psychologists who have not had or cannot obtain the knowledge or experience required must refrain from engaging in such activities and make referrals when appropriate except in emergencies when services are immediately needed but unavailable (Fisher, 2013). For example, a person who works with children might refer a couple who is seeking couples counseling to someone in that particular field.  

Standard 201c applies to someone expanding their scope of practice (Fisher, 2013) If someone who normally works with children would also like to counsel families, then they must become qualified for the area of work before providing services for them. It is very important to have the proper knowledge and experience when working with a new population.

When a psychologist is not competent or trained for the appropriate population and they are asked to provide services due to lack of services to assure they are not denied services, they must use relevant and related experience. Standard 201d applies to psychologists that are not trained but they are the only individual available for providing services. This ethics code  must be followed while still keeping in mind the balance of principle A, to do good and do no harm. If a psychologist who does not technically have the skills or experience thinks they can do the job due to related experience and they are the only person available, it would be ok to provide services.This would most likely happen in small towns where there aren’t many psychologists available or where some are available but they do not have experience with that particular population.

A good example would be if someone in a small community was providing services for elderly depression, and a client’s parents asked if the psychologist could evaluate their teenager, because they think that he/she is depressed, or has bipolar disorder. There are no nearby clinics that specialize in this type of population, and the family does not have transportation. The family is worried that the teen will harm themselves or someone else. In this case, it would be acceptable for the psychologist to evaluate the client, but not treat them. The psychologist should consult with someone who does work with this population, prior to the evaluation, and should also inform the family and the client that they cannot treat if treatment was necessary. The psychologist would do the evaluation, however would refer them where they think is best for the client.   

Psychologist must make sure they are taking the necessary steps to ensure that all of their work and techniques are safe. They also must they know the risks involved in a new area of study, even when the new area of study might not have professional or specific qualifications (Fisher, 2013)