Legal Issues in the Assessment and Treatment of Individuals With Dual Diagnoses

Abstract

The difficult legal, ethical, and professional issues confronting psychologists who work with people with dual diagnoses are discussed here. Applicable constitutional principles are outlined in the context of discussing the right to institutional services and to refuse treatment, statutes that go beyond constitutional protections are described, issues that people with dual diagnoses face in the criminal and civil justice systems are highlighted, and some recommendations that psychologists should consider when providing services to this population are offered.