RPT Ethics & Cultural Competency in Practice 3

Question 1

A play therapist receives a subpoena for a child client's treatment records. The MOST appropriate initial response is to:

Accepted Answer

Contact the client's attorney or guardian and consult with legal counsel before releasing records

Answer

A subpoena does not automatically override confidentiality; the therapist should consult legal counsel and, where applicable, the client's guardian or attorney before releasing records.

Question 2

Which of the following BEST describes the concept of 'assent' in play therapy with children?

Accepted Answer

The child's voluntary agreement to participate in treatment, appropriate to their developmental level

Answer

Assent refers to a developmentally appropriate process of explaining therapy to the child and seeking their willing participation, distinct from the legal consent provided by guardians.

Question 3

A play therapist working with a refugee child notices the child's drawing repeatedly depicts scenes of violence. Cultural competence requires the therapist to FIRST:

Accepted Answer

Interpret the drawings through the lens of the child's trauma and cultural background before drawing conclusions

Answer

Culturally competent trauma-informed practice requires understanding that a refugee child's violent imagery likely reflects witnessed or experienced war trauma, not current abuse, and should be understood within that context.

Question 4

According to the APT Code of Ethics, play therapists must obtain informed consent PRIMARILY to:

Accepted Answer

Respect client autonomy and ensure clients can make knowledgeable decisions about treatment

Answer

Informed consent is fundamentally an ethical requirement that honors client autonomy by ensuring clients understand the nature of treatment, risks, benefits, and alternatives.

Question 5

A play therapist working with an Asian American family notices the parents are reluctant to discuss the child's emotional struggles openly. The therapist should recognize this MOST likely reflects:

Accepted Answer

Cultural values around privacy, family honor, and stigma related to mental health

Answer

Many Asian American families hold cultural values around privacy and family reputation that can create reluctance to openly discuss mental health, which the culturally competent therapist should recognize and address sensitively.

(RPT) Registered Play Therapist Practice Test

(RPT) Registered Play Therapist Practice Test

RPT Ethics & Cultural Competency in Practice 3