The legal system's impact and influence on the mental health profession has never been greater. Whether as a witness, plaintiff, or defendant, it is likely that a professional will have some kind of interaction with the law at least once in his/her career. More than ever, it is essential that psychologists, social workers, and counselors have a working knowledge of the legal and ethical mandates to which they will be held accountable. Legal and Ethical Dimensions for Mental Health Professionals is a complete guide to the law and ethics as they relate to clinical practice. These issues can often be very confusing as values and rules change based on clients and context. For example, a school counselor who works with children is bound by different rules of confidentiality than a psychologist who counsels adults. To simplify such issues, the authors divide information into the legal and ethical rules appropriate for various types of clients in a number of settings. The book opens with an explanation of the history of law related to mental health professionals, including a description of how and why laws related to clinicians are enacted. It then focuses on the therapist-client relationship and examines the many points at which legal and ethical considerations intersect with the practice of therapy. This comprehensive look at the standards of law and ethics is essential reading for not only graduate and doctoral level students in the mental health fields, but also practicing professionals.

As a psychotherapist, what do you need to know about the law? How does the legal system support (or fail to support) your work or the delivery of mental health services generally? What can you do to make use of the law and the legal system to improve your practice and to protect yourself? Filling a significant gap in the social work and other psychotherapeutic literature, Legal Issues in Social Work, Counseling, and Mental Health presents clearly and comprehensively what mental health and other direct practice professionals need to know to respond to the legal issues that surround practice. This volume covers a wide range of topics, including providing testimony, responding to subpoenas, dealing with an attorney, influencing the legal system, and understanding the legal side of the business of psychotherapy. The author also discusses various direct practice and human service issues, incorporating some of the everyday legal issues these professionals encounter and using case material. The book educates counselors and clinicians on the function of the law in their professional lives. Through cases and case vignettes, the author illustrates the legal processes relevant to cliniciansÆ professional lives, and suggests "alternative behaviors for clinicians that would satisfy legal requirements, yet remain within sound practice." Helping to demystify the legal system, Legal Issues in Social Work, Counseling, and Mental Health will allow professionals and students in social work, human services, family studies, counseling, clinical psychology, pastoral counseling and psychotherapy a better understanding of the law.

MENTAL HEALTH LAWS AND PROFESSIONALS.

The Law & Mental Health Professionals series is designed to provide a resource for both mental health professionals and attorneys regarding mental health law in each state. The series presents the laws addressing many areas pertinent to mental health professionals. Some of the issues discussed include setting up a private practice, working with health care provider organizations, understanding the duty to warn, and understanding the duty to report abuse and neglect of children and adults. The Law & Mental Health Professionals series is a concise and easy-to-understand resource outlining the obligations and responsibilities of mental health professionals according to the law in any given state.

The Law & Mental Health Professionals series is designed to provide a resource for both mental health professionals and attorneys regarding mental health law in each state. The series presents the laws addressing many areas pertinent to mental health professionals. Some of the issues discussed include setting up a private practice, working with health care provider organizations, understanding the duty to warn, and understanding the duty to report abuse and neglect of children and adults. The Law & Mental Health Professionals series is a concise and easy-to-understand resource outlining the obligations and responsibilities of mental health professionals according to the law in any given state.

Safeguard your mental health practice with up-to-date information and savvy advice on practicing in today's legal environment Today's mental health professional must approach the legal aspects of practice with both sensitivity and foreknowledge. The array of legal guidelines and ethical standards to comprehend is increasing in scope and complexity. Licensing issues, ethics questions, and malpractice suits all present pitfalls that, if ignored or misapprehended, can interrupt or even end a career. Written by two attorneys specializing in the legal aspects of mental health care, The Portable Lawyer for Mental Health Professionals, Second Edition is an indispensable survival guide for all clinicians. The authors explain how to handle allegations of malpractice, cope with threats of violence, preserve client confidentiality, and more. Each chapter features step-by-step guidance, helpful case studies, "legal light bulbs" highlighting important concepts, answers to frequently asked questions, dos and don'ts, and sample forms and contracts to help you safeguard your practice. Completely revised and updated, the Second Edition also includes new information on: * HIPAA * Treating older adults * Using "exotic" therapy techniques * Ethical and legal aspects of office leases * And more The Portable Lawyer for Mental Health Professionals, Second Edition offers the latest information for practicing in today's legal environment. Mental health caregivers, graduate students, attorneys, and clients alike will find this guide to be an invaluable resource.

The Law & Mental Health Professionals series is designed to provide a resource for both mental health professionals and attorneys regarding mental health law in each state. The series presents the laws addressing many areas pertinent to mental health professionals. Some of the issues discussed include setting up a private practice, working with health care provider organizations, understanding the duty to warn, and understanding the duty to report abuse and neglect of children and adults. The Law & Mental Health Professionals series is a concise and easy-to-understand resource outlining the obligations and responsibilities of mental health professionals according to the law in any given state.