Ethical Dilemmas in Clinical Practices

Abstract

This column presents a clinical case that poses an ethical or professional dilemma along with one or more invited responses to the case. The ethical dilemma is related to dealing with multiple clients. In the case a clinical child psychologist on the staff of a pediatric hospital is asked for consultation by the physician of a 16-year-old male patient with a recent spinal cord injury, which has rendered him quadriplegic. The issue of of working with multiple professional relationships in this situation is examined. The role of the clinical child psychologist as a consultant and ensuring confidentiality are also examined.