This limited series will run Fridays and Saturdays 5 p.m. (PST) to demystify the profession of psychology. The world is confusing enough with misinformation, scams, and scamps that help from trained, experienced psychologists should be as user-friendly as possible. Your comments and questions are encouraged. -SQ
Dear Readers, All Psychologists operate under strict Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct as core requirements set out by the American Psychological Association. There is no wiggle room for compliance or not. We are secret-keepers and lives can depend on our adherence to the rules. If we are unsure in some situation, our profession mandates that we seek consultation from those that know. Principle 4 establishes that all confidential information is to be protected, and the limits and foreseeable uses are to be discussed at the onset of the relationship. Release of confidential information requires informed consent, so be assured that no psychologist will speak to anyone unless authorized ahead of time. We can't even acknowledge that we know you. Some confidential information can be released without the consent of the individual as mandated by law, or allowed by law, for such reasons as: obtain payment for services; protect client or others from harm; professional consultations; or provide other professional services.
As a clinical and forensic (legal) psychologist, the inside joke is that we see good people at their worst, as opposed to attorneys who see bad people (criminals and such) acting their best. So, we’re the good guys helping good people be, and feel, better. It falls naturally that our professional motto, like that of physicians is “first, do not harm.” Our education is rigorous, a four-year college degree plus another four-years of post-graduate college, with 3,000 hours of supervised experience before you are licensed, and another 1,500 hours post-doctoral. And if you make it that far and passed the state licensing test, THEN you are a Ph.D. (Doctor of Psychology) and can hang out your shingle. -SQ
*This information is based on California rules and laws.
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