Requirement to provide notice to psychotherapy clients

There was an addendum to the Business and Professions Code, beginning July 1, 2020.

California law (Business and Professions Code Sections 4980.01 [MFT], 4996.14 [LPCC], 4996.15 [LCSW]

This requires all mental health counselors, whether licensed or unlicensed, to provide a notice to each of their clients stating where they can file a complaint against their counselor.

The definition of “psychotherapy client” would be providing XXX services.

Note: A Social Worker is only a psychotherapist while actually providing those services.  Outside of those services, we’re not defined as psychotherapists.

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Adhere to ethical guidelines for supe or prelicensure relationship

Post in progress.

Ethics, 2C, T52. Adhere to ethical guidelines for engaging in the supervisor/prelicensure practitioner relationship.

K128. Knowledge of the ethical guidelines governing the supervisor/prelicensure practitioner relationship and responsibilities.

 

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Address unethical or incompetent colleagues

Post in progress.

Ethics, 2C, T51. Address unethical or incompetent conduct of colleague by taking action to promote the welfare and interests of clients.

K126. Knowledge of conditions/situations that may impair the integrity or efficacy of the therapeutic process.

K127. Knowledge of guidelines for addressing unethical or incompetent conduct of colleagues.

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Adhere to ethical guidelines to protect welfare and dignity of research clients

Post in progress.

Ethics, 2C, T50. Adhere to ethical guidelines for protecting the welfare and dignity of research participants when conducting research related to the provision of therapeutic services.

K122. Knowledge of procedures to safeguard participants when conducting research projects.

K123. Knowledge of disclosures required to inform participants of the nature and role of research projects.

K124. Knowledge of client’s rights regarding participation in research projects.

K125. Knowledge of methods for protecting client confidentiality and data when conducting research projects.

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Adhere to ethical guidelines on accepting gifts of appreciation

Post in progress.

Ethics, 2C, T49. Adhere to ethical guidelines regarding the acceptance of gifts and/or tokens of appreciation from clients.

K120. Knowledge of conditions/situations that may interfere with professional judgment or have a detrimental effect on the provision of therapeutic services.

K121. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding the acceptance of gifts from clients.

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Maintain fee policies for services and protect relationship

Post in progress.

Ethics, 2C, T48. Maintain fee/payment policies that are commensurate with services provided and protect the therapeutic relationship.

K114. Knowledge of methods and conditions for determining fees commensurate with professional services.

K115. Knowledge of prohibited business practices/forms of remuneration for making/accepting client referrals.

K116. Knowledge of the potential for client exploitation or harm that may result from bartering/exchanges for services.

K117. Knowledge of ethical standards pertaining to the collection of unpaid balances.

K118. Knowledge of ethical obligations regarding providing for continuation of treatment to the client.

K119. Knowledge of ethical guidelines regarding the provision of therapeutic services when interacting with third-party payers.

K47. Knowledge of referrals and resources to assist in meeting the needs of clients.

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Implement polices and procedures for electronic media and tech

Post in progress.

Ethics, 2C, T47. Implement policies/procedures that address ethical issues associated with the use of electronic media and technology in the course of providing services.

K111. Knowledge of the potential for harm to the client or therapeutic relationship with the use of electronic media in the therapeutic process.

K112. Knowledge of ethical standards for implementing electronic media in the therapeutic process.

K113. Knowledge of the limits and risks associated with electronic means of service delivery.

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Clarify roles to avoid confusion of qualifications

Post in progress.

Ethics, 2C, T46. Clarify roles when acting in a professional capacity other than licensed clinical social worker to avoid confusion and/or inaccurate representation of qualifications.

K109. Knowledge of the ethical responsibility to clarify roles when acting in a professional capacity other than licensed clinical social worker.

K110. Knowledge of ethical guidelines regarding engaging in conflicting and/or dual roles.

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