Question 1

In the event that a practitioner is sued,he or she should:

Accepted Answer

A)   try to resolve the matter directly with the client.
B)   destroy or alter files or reports that may be incriminating.
C)   enter into personal therapy.
D)   promptly retain an attorney. D

Question 2

California enacted a law in 2011 allowing mental health practitioners to treat minors (12 years or older)if:

Accepted Answer

A)   a minor would like to enter into a counseling relationship; it is necessary to have informed parental or guardian consent or for counseling to be court ordered.
B)   the practitioner is informed by the minor he or she would like to enter into a counseling relationship for minor educational purposes.
C)   the practitioner determines the minor is mature enough to participate intelligently in outpatient treatment or mental health counseling.However,the statute does require parental (or guardian) involvement in the treatment unless the therapist finds,after consulting with the minor,that this would be inappropriate under the circumstances.
D)   there is no reason for a minor to be treated without parent consent. C

Question 3

Fran has decided to start an online counseling practice.Which of the following have the potential to result in unethical behavior?

Accepted Answer

A)   Refusing to accept psychotic and/or seriously disturbed individuals as clients
B)   Charging fees that are covered by insurance companies
C)   Limiting and/or providing general diagnoses due to lack of behavioral clues
D)   Promising confidentiality and privacy D

Question 4

Of the following,which is an example of a behavior that might leave a mental health practitioner vulnerable to a malpractice suit?

Accepted Answer

A)   Used a procedure within the realm of accepted professional practice
B)   Employed a technique that he or she was not trained to use
C)   Used a procedure to which the client did not respond favorably
D)   Explained the possible consequences of treatment and the client still wanted to participate in the process

Question 5

Records are:

Accepted Answer

A)   vital to review the course of treatment.The manner in which you document treatment is likely to determine the outcome of the case.
B)   important; however,the legal system does not expect a therapist to spend hours documenting treatment.
C)   only important during legal proceedings.
D)   necessary in order to diagnose suicidal or homicidal clients only.

Question 6

Mental health professionals now have a wide range of digital and electronic options to communicate with and to provide a range of clinical services to their clients.Which of the following is NOT an option?

Accepted Answer

A)   Tablets
B)   Videochat
C)   Social networking websites
D)   Smartphone apps

Question 7

Which of the following situations do NOT justify the use of remote services consistent with ethical practice and in keeping with regulatory standards?

Accepted Answer

A)   When service is provided in the context of an existing therapy relationship
B)   When in-person treatment is either difficult or impossible to access due to client's remote location
C)   When remote services offer practical advantages over in-person treatment (i.e.,a client's busy schedule makes remote sessions more efficient) 
D)   When the client desires remote sessions and the therapist has insufficient information about the client

Question 8

_____________ is the failure to render professional services or to exercise the degree of skill that is ordinarily expected of other professionals in a similar situation.

Accepted Answer

A)   Risk management
B)   Standard of care
C)   Malpractice
D)   Informed consent

Question 9

Because providing counseling services over the Internet (also known as remote services or distance counseling)is relatively new and controversial,a host of legal questions will NOT be addressed until:

Accepted Answer

A)   the APA meets again to update the DSM.
B)   the next ACA annual conference.
C)   lawsuits are filed pertaining to its use,or misuse,in counseling practice.
D)   clients are interviewed about the effectiveness of online counseling.

Question 10

__________________ is/are not reserved exclusively for the irresponsible practitioner.Clients may make allegations of unethical conduct or file a legal claim due to negligence,even though the counselor may have acted ethically and appropriately.

Accepted Answer

A)   Malpractice claims
B)   Legal matters and risk management
C)   Addictions counseling
D)   Ethical aspects of practice

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a professional association's ethical codes or guidelines in regards to technology and online counseling?

Accepted Answer

A)   Psychologists who offer online services inform clients of the risks to privacy and the limits of confidentiality.
B)   Competence to provide online counseling is the most important aspect of ethical codes or guidelines.
C)   Counselors are expected to inform clients of the benefits and limitations of using technology in the counseling process.
D)   Therapists must: (a) determine that electronic therapy is appropriate for clients,taking into account the clients' intellectual,emotional,and physical needs; (b) inform clients of the potential risks and benefits associated with electronic therapy; (c) ensure the security of their communication medium; and (d) only commence electronic therapy after appropriate education,training,or supervised experience using the relevant technology.

Question 12

Disclosures should be given in:

Accepted Answer

A)   plain language in a culturally sensitive manner and must be understandable to clients,including minors and people with impaired cognitive functioning.
B)   elevated language that will impress consumers and give them confidence in the services they are about to receive.
C)   writing that makes it unnecessary to discuss informed consent during sessions.
D)   several languages since we live in a multicultural society.

Question 13

Which of the following would NOT be found in managed care contracts?

Accepted Answer

A)   "Gag clauses" that prohibit practitioners from sharing any negative information about managed care policies
B)   Informing the client the managed care company may request a client's diagnosis,results on any tests given,a wide range of clinical information,treatment plans,and perhaps even the entire clinical record of a client
C)   Information regarding limits of confidentiality and the potential repercussions of disclosing personal information to insurance providers
D)   Information regarding benefits,risks,and costs of various interventions

Question 14

Regarding counseling with children and adolescents,informed consent of parents or guardians may NOT be legally required when a minor is seeking counseling for:

Accepted Answer

A)   difficulties in school or at home.
B)   a safe place to discuss normal changes adolescents experience throughout their developmental process.
C)   assistance with planning their educational future.
D)   dangerous drugs or narcotics,sexually transmitted diseases,pregnancy and birth control,and examination following alleged sexual assault of a minor over 12 years of age.

Question 15

Written consent forms should NOT include:

Accepted Answer

A)   a discussion of how a managed care system will affect the treatment,if applicable.
B)   a detailed description of what will occur in therapy and a guarantee that the client will resolve their issues.
C)   a statement describing the counselor's theoretical orientation and how this will affect treatment.
D)   clarification pertaining to fees and charges and procedures for filing for insurance reimbursement.

Question 16

In regards to record keeping,the _________________ states:"Mental health counselors create,maintain,store,transfer,and dispose of client records in ways that protect confidentiality and are in accordance with applicable regulations or laws."

Accepted Answer

A)   National Association of Social Workers
B)   American Mental Health Counselors Association
C)   American Psychological Association
D)   Code of Professional Ethics for Rehabilitation Counselors

Question 17

___________ are essentially the same as psychotherapy notes.They address the client's transference reactions and the therapist's subjective impressions of the client.

Accepted Answer

A)   Process notes
B)   Progress notes
C)   Diagnostic notes
D)   Treatment summary

Question 18

Generally,the best way to proceed when you have concerns about the behavior of a colleague is to:

Accepted Answer

A)   not address the problem until a client has been injured emotionally or physically.
B)   speak with other colleagues to determine if they have the same concerns.
C)   speak directly with the client about your colleague's behavior.
D)   deal directly with the colleague,unless doing so would compromise a client's confidentiality.

Question 19

Samuel has been planning a two-week vacation to Europe for months.He is a private practitioner and has a caseload of clients who have dependency issues.As an ethical practitioner,Samuel should:

Accepted Answer

A)   not inform his clients until a few days before he leaves.
B)   not go on vacation so as to not increase his clients' anxiety levels.
C)   provide his clients with another therapist in case of need.
D)   bring back a souvenir for each client to show them how important they are to him.

Question 20

Concerning counseling via the Internet,which statement is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

A)   The codes of the major professional organizations offer detailed guidance regarding ethical practices in the use of technology.
B)   There are both advantages and disadvantages in using Internet technology to deliver counseling services.
C)   Most experts agree that what is being currently offered via Internet counseling is a form of traditional psychotherapy.
D)   This form of counseling is not suited to a problem-solving approach.

Exam 5: Client Rights and Counselor Responsibilities