Why Is “Who is the Client” the Wrong Ethical Question?
What Ethical Question Should We Ask Instead?
We are often advised to ask “Who is the client?” when determining our role or clarifying our confidentiality rules in cases involving multiple clients or agency referrals. But that question implies a singular answer, and that can create more problems than it solves! “Who is the client?” may be a required reimbursement question; and it is sometimes a helpful clinical question; but as an ethical question, it can lead us astray.
(This workshop is based on Dr. Fisher’s article, which is available on this website or as published below:
Fisher, M.A. (2009). Replacing “Who is the client” with a different ethical question. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 40 (1), 1-7.)
The Center for Ethical Practice is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Center maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
The Center for Ethical Practice has been approved by National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) as an Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP No. 6768). The Center is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified.
The Center for Ethical Practice (provider 1287), is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 3/21/2021-3/21/2024.