Purchase Solution

Confidentiality in Therapy with Adolescents

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

As a therapist your client is a sixteen year old Hispanic female sent to therapy by her parents when she told them she had been molested. She also has behavioral issues possibly related to the abuse. According to her parents, she locks herself in her room when she gets home, sneaks out, writes dark and disturbing poetry, and they suspect that she has at least passive suicidal thoughts.

Think about what you need to know based on what the parents have told you.

(Question) What do you do about confidentiality?

Purchase this Solution

Solution Summary

This solution of 430 words will outline the issue of confidentiality when conducting therapy with minors, namely, adolescents. References used are included.

Solution Preview

The question of confidentiality with teenagers is a tough one, as they are still minors, but are old enough to be deserving of full confidentiality. Consequently, it can be difficult for therapists to know where they stand in terms of confidentiality.

According to Behneke and Warner (2002; see article here: http://www.apa.org/monitor/mar02/confidentiality.aspx), the question of confidentiality must be explored from three different perspectives: the law, clinical practice, and ethics.

-Law: Parents are the ones who consented to treatment, as a minor cannot do this (except in special circumstances). Therefore, the law states that children under the age of 18 cannot make treatment decisions. "A parent who consents on the minor's behalf ...

Purchase this Solution


Free BrainMass Quizzes
Can you name these types of cognitive distortions?

In each mini-scenario, can you identify the type of cognitive distortion being displayed? All of us are subject to cognitive errors, biases, and distortions throughout our daily lives.

Brain and behaviour

Reviews areas of the brain involved in specific behaviours. This information is important for introductory psychology courses.

Health Psychology

This quiz speaks to the general concepts, themes, and terminology associated with the field of health psychology.

Controversies in Developmental Psychology

This quiz addresses controversies in developmental psychology.

Key Psychology Theories and their Developers

Match which psychologist developed and/or contributed to which theory.