Name:
Gemma Miller
Ethical Problem Solving: Review and Demonstration of Competence
Introduction to Psychological Consultation
In class activity: Describe a current or recent situation in which a potential ethical
dilemma presented itself. Work through this problem solving model and turn it in at the
end of class today. This assignment will be scored on the rubric listed in the syllabus, but
you will be asked to revise it if you do not demonstrate satisfactory competence (80%)
from a professional training standpoint.
Scenario 1: “you are a Facebook user, and you are friends with a teacher at the school
district where you are employed as a school psychologist…”
1. Describe the problem
situation. Objectively state the
issue, using behavioral
statements.
2. Define the potential ethicallegal issues. Be concise and
objective.
3. Consult available ethicallegal guidelines, including
NASP’s Principles, APA ethics,
and IDEA, for example.
School psychologist ‘liked’ a Facebook post about a
client they are serving

This may be a confidentiality problem in which
the client could be identified (FERPA)
 This could potentially be a dual relationship
 Article 7 code: 511 IAC 7-38-1 Access to and
disclosure of educational records
“The public agency must not permit a third party
access to personally identifiable information from
and educational record for at least five years, if the
DoE determines that the third party improperly
redisclosed personally identifiable information
from educational record”
 APA ethics code (3.05 Multiple Relationship)
“A multiple relationship occurs when the
psychologist is in a professional role with a person
and . . . (2) at the same time is in a relationship
with a person closely associated with or related to
the person with whom the psychologist has the
professional relationship . . .”
“Multiple relationships that would not reasonably
be expected to cause impairment or risk
exploitation or harm are not unethical.”
 APA Ethics Code (4.01 Maintaining
Confidentiality)
“Psychologists have a primary obligation and take
reasonable precautions to protect confidential
4. Consult with supervisors
and colleagues. Brainstorm
possible options.
5. Evaluate rights,
responsibilities, and welfare of
all affected parties. Remember
to advocate for the child client,
and do no harm, in particular.
6. Consider alternative
solutions and the
consequences of each decision.
Pros and Cons of each
information obtained through or stored in any
medium, recognizing that the extent and limits of
confidentiality may be regulated by law or
established by institutional rules or professional or
scientific relationship.”
 APA 4.02 discussing limits of confidentiality
 APA 4.04 minimize intrusion-privacy
 APA 4.05 disclosures
 NASP (Principle 111.4 Multiple relationship
and conflict of interest)
“School psychologist avoid multiple relationships
and conflicts of interest that diminish their
professional effectiveness”
 I. 2.1= rights self-determine confidential
 I.2.5= release confidential information only
when “need to know”
 I.2.2= minimize intrusion on privacy
 III.4.2= no personal or multiple
relationships
 III.4.4 cautious. Other multiple
relationships
 Review ethical guidelines for NASP,APA,
article 7
 Hold a professional development course on the
ethical problems
 “unlike” the post and be more aware
 “unfriend” the teacher
 explain to the team
 do nothing
 delete FB account
 Child/parent
- Lowers future risk for multiple
relationships /disclosure of information
- Could exaggerate
 Teacher
- could protect future clients from this
problem
 Special education director
 School psychologist
 School in general
 make a choice based on your best judgment for
all of the parties involved
alternative.
7. Make a decision and take
responsibility for it. Which
solution is best and how will
you know if it worked?


I think the best option here would to be open
and honest with the school team. This could be
done through explaining what happened to the
conference committee and explain how you
will learn from your mistake
The next choice would be to hold a course for
development of a social media ethical code of
conduct.