Ethics & Cultural Competency in Practice Flashcards

A play therapist discovers that a child client's parent is also the therapist's neighbor and occasionally attends the same social events. What is the MOST appropriate initial step?

Answer: Consult with a supervisor or colleague about the dual relationship

Consulting with a supervisor or colleague helps the therapist objectively assess whether the dual relationship impairs objectivity or harms the client before deciding on a course of action.

A play therapist working with a Latino child notices the family values 'personalismo' (personal, warm relationships). Which culturally competent response is BEST?

Answer: Incorporate appropriate warmth and personal connection while upholding ethical limits

Culturally competent practice involves adapting relational style to honor cultural values like personalismo while still maintaining professional and ethical boundaries.

Under HIPAA, a play therapist may share a minor client's protected health information with the child's parent EXCEPT when:

Answer: Disclosure would endanger the child

HIPAA allows clinicians to withhold information from parents when sharing it could reasonably endanger the child's safety.

A play therapist learns during a session that a 9-year-old client has been physically disciplined in a way that leaves visible bruises. The therapist is MOST obligated to:

Answer: File a mandatory report with child protective services

As a mandated reporter, a play therapist must report suspected child abuse to the appropriate authorities without delay, regardless of parental explanations.

A culturally competent play therapist working with a Native American child would MOST likely:

Answer: Incorporate the child's Indigenous traditions and values into treatment planning

Integrating a child's cultural traditions, including Indigenous values and storytelling, reflects culturally responsive and competent practice.

When a play therapist's personal religious beliefs conflict with a client family's practices, the MOST ethical course of action is to:

Answer: Provide competent care that prioritizes the client's welfare over personal beliefs

Ethical codes require therapists to prioritize client welfare and refrain from imposing personal values, while referral is only appropriate if the therapist cannot provide competent, unbiased care.

A play therapist is contacted by the child's non-custodial parent requesting session notes. The FIRST action the therapist should take is:

Answer: Review the custody agreement and applicable state law to determine legal access rights

The therapist must first determine the non-custodial parent's legal rights by reviewing the custody agreement and relevant state statutes before releasing any records.