Professional Ethics Flashcards
7 cards from real MFT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Professional Ethics flashcards as text
An MFT's client base is predominantly from a cultural group unfamiliar to the therapist. Ethically, the therapist should:
Answer: Seek cultural competence training and supervision to provide effective services
MFTs have an ethical obligation to develop cultural competence through training, supervision, and ongoing education when serving diverse populations.
Which of the following best describes 'professional will' as it applies to MFT practice?
Answer: A plan ensuring client care continuity if the therapist dies or becomes incapacitated
A professional will designates a colleague to manage client transitions, record security, and ongoing care if the therapist is suddenly unable to practice.
Under the AAMFT Code of Ethics, when an MFT becomes aware of an ethical violation by a colleague, they are expected to:
Answer: Address the concern with the colleague first if it does not jeopardize client welfare, then consider formal reporting
The AAMFT Code encourages addressing ethical concerns informally with the colleague first when doing so does not risk client harm, before escalating to formal reporting.
A therapist treating a family learns that the adolescent identified patient has begun using marijuana recreationally, which is legal in their state. The therapist must:
Answer: Assess whether use poses a risk to the minor and address it clinically within existing confidentiality guidelines
Legal substance use by a minor should be clinically assessed for risk; confidentiality should be broken only if the minor is in significant danger.
The ethical principle of 'fidelity' in MFT practice primarily refers to:
Answer: Keeping promises and honoring commitments to clients, colleagues, and the profession
Fidelity involves being trustworthy and keeping professional commitments, including honoring confidentiality agreements and therapeutic contracts.
When considering whether to accept a client who is a distant acquaintance, an MFT should primarily evaluate:
Answer: The likelihood that the prior relationship will impair therapeutic objectivity or harm the client
The core ethical question is whether any prior relationship will compromise the therapist's objectivity or the client's welfare.
A client asks their MFT to write a letter exaggerating symptoms to help them obtain disability benefits. The therapist should:
Answer: Refuse, as submitting inaccurate documentation constitutes fraud
Writing fraudulent documentation violates ethical principles of honesty, harms third parties, and constitutes professional misconduct and potential fraud.