Scope and Limits of Confidentiality

© Laureate Education 2012

CPSY 6250/PSYC6250/PSYC8251: Group Process and Dynamics

Clients and Confidentiality – Week 9

Program Transcript

As you read these messages, think about your response (Students with last names beginning with A-M, respond to client 1. Students with last names beginning with N-Z, respond to client 2). As you formulate your response, consider the legalities and ethics of confidentiality and its limits.

Review the Discussion prompt before writing your response.

CALLER 1 (FEMALE): Oh, hello. My name is Martha and my husband, Donald, is one of your group therapy patients. He is in the dementia group, but I also take part in the spouse support group. I thought things were getting better for him, but Donald has been acting a little different lately. And I'm not sure if he is moving to the next stage of his illness, or if this behavior is from what he's learning in group therapy. Please call me back, as I'd like to find out what's going on.

CALLER 2 (FEMALE): Hi, my name is Marjorie, and I just found out that my son started attending the so-called Adult Children of Alcoholics group of yours. But there's no reason for it. I know he's at college and out of our house and everything, but since we're paying for him to go to school there, I want to know what this group is about and what's going on. You should also know that I've contacted the dean of students about this. I'm very upset, and I want answers immediately.