Ethical Issues in Forensic Psychology: Treatment and Evaluation

Professional ethics provide the scaffolding for the provision of professional services. Ethics guide how individuals are trained as well as how they treat and interact with others. Ethical guidelines, then, affect numerous activities in which professionals are engaged. This holds true for providers from all professional groups who practice in the many forensic treatment settings available.

As a forensic psychology practitioner, you need a firm understanding of the professional ethics that guide your practice. Having such an understanding as it relates to your professional identity will prepare you to provide high quality, ethically sound, and ethically informed professional services to the populations with which you choose to work. An understanding of professional ethics also reduces liability risks and provides you with a foundation for addressing challenges in a professional manner.

Review the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. Pay particular attention to specific principles and guidelines that pertain to the treatment of forensic populations.

Review the Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists from the APA's Division 41 website. Note the guidelines specific to the treatment of forensic populations.

Conduct an Internet search and locate additional ethical codes related to forensic professionals (e.g., those who provide sex offender treatment or juvenile offender treatment.

Please provide a description of at least two ethical dilemmas encountered by mental health professionals who practice in forensic treatment settings. Explain how each dilemma might complicate treatment in specific forensic settings. Finally, describe how you would resolve each dilemma using ethical principles and guidelines from the APA's Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, the Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists, and/or other appropriate codes of ethics.