Welcome to the Nexus of Ethics, Psychology, Morality, Philosophy and Health Care

Welcome to the nexus of ethics, psychology, morality, technology, health care, and philosophy

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Vignette 3: A new referral?





A psychologist had an intake appointment with a new client.  As soon as he looked at the intake form, he realized that she is the ex-wife of his former client.  The therapy with the ex-husband was brief, and he focused on how he wanted to leave the marriage. The prospective client was using her maiden name and gave no indication that she had known about her ex-husband’s treatment with the psychologist.

When asked about the reason for the referral, she said that her physician had referred her for anxiety. During the session, she stated that he is still in communication with her ex-husband because they share three children.

What are the ethical issues for this scenario?

What emotional reactions may occur for the psychologist?

Should the psychologist treat the woman?