DIRECTIONS: Read the following case example and determine if an ethical violation
occurred. If a violation occurred, state what code was violated and include what sanction your
ethics committee recommends, i.e. license suspension, license revoked, probation, administrative
fine, continuing education, etc.
1.) During a counseling session, Bob, a 16 year old client, told Dr. Phil that he was so depressed he
didn’t have the strength to go on. When Dr. Phil asked what he might do, Bob said the next time
he goes hunting with his grandfather he could use the rifle on himself. Dr. Phil immediately sent
Bob to the hospital for evaluation. This angered Bob’s father who believed his son wasn’t
serious. He withdrew Bob from the hospital against their orders and filed a grievance against Dr.
Phil for an unlawful breach of confidentiality and seeking medical treatment without parental
consent.
2.) It was discovered that one of Sally’s clients was involved in selling drugs, but was
guaranteed by Sally that she would not report him or her. Sally believed this did not
necessitate a breach of confidentiality. Her client was apprehended by the authorities &
they have filed an ethical grievance against her for failure to notify the authorities. What
does your committee recommend?
