MFT Professional Ethics 2

Question 1

A client discloses they are having an affair and asks the therapist to keep it secret from their spouse, who is also a client. What is the therapist's most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Discuss the ethical conflict and consider discontinuing conjoint therapy

Answer

Immediately disclose the affair to the spouse

Answer

Continue treating both clients and maintain secrecy

Answer

Report the client to the licensing board

Question 2

Which of the following best describes 'informed consent' in the context of MFT practice?

Accepted Answer

An ongoing process ensuring clients understand therapy goals, risks, and alternatives

Answer

A one-time document signed at intake

Answer

A legal requirement waived for minors

Answer

Consent given only for specific interventions

Question 3

An MFT is treating a teenager whose parents are divorcing. The father demands all session notes. What should the therapist do first?

Accepted Answer

Consult state law regarding minors' privacy rights and parental access

Answer

Release all notes immediately to avoid conflict

Answer

Refuse all access to protect the minor

Answer

Ask the teenager to decide

Question 4

A therapist realizes mid-session that they have a significant value conflict with a client's lifestyle. The ethical course of action is to:

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the potential for bias and consider consultation or referral if needed

Answer

Immediately terminate the therapeutic relationship

Answer

Continue therapy and suppress personal values

Answer

Disclose personal values to align the client with the therapist's worldview

Question 5

Under HIPAA, which of the following is considered a permissible disclosure without client authorization?

Accepted Answer

Sharing information for treatment coordination with another provider

Answer

Disclosing to an employer that the client is in therapy

Answer

Releasing records to the client's attorney upon attorney request alone

Answer

Discussing the client's diagnosis at a dinner party

Question 6

A former client contacts an MFT two years after termination requesting a personal relationship. According to the AAMFT Code of Ethics, the therapist should:

Accepted Answer

Evaluate carefully, as sexual relationships with former clients are prohibited for at least two years

Answer

Accept the relationship since two years have passed

Answer

Never enter a personal relationship regardless of time elapsed

Answer

Refer to a colleague before making a decision

Question 7

When a client presents a risk of harm to an identifiable third party, the Tarasoff ruling established that therapists have a duty to:

Accepted Answer

Take reasonable steps to protect the potential victim

Answer

Maintain confidentiality at all costs

Answer

Hospitalize the client immediately

Answer

Report the threat only if violence occurs