Ethical Dilemma Paper
Ellen is a social worker who works an outpatient mental health agency in a rural town. Ellen’s primary mode of service delivery is through telebehavioral health services. Her supervisor assigned a case to her to contact to set up their initial session. The client is a 32-year-old female who resides in a nearby town who had been recently discharged from a detox rehabilitation unit. The client spent six weeks on the unit and has transitioned home to her parent’s home.
The supervisor advised Ellen to be sure to send the initial paperwork ahead of the session which included a Release of Information for the previous placement, Informed Consent Forms, Insurance Forms and Agency Practice Statement detailing the services that will be provided, resource information and contact information. Ellen asked if there was any additional information that she should be collecting at the time of the session since this was her first-time meeting with this client through a telebehavioral platform. Her supervisor indicated that no other information was needed or should be given to the client.
During the first session, Ellen noticed that family members were walking through the room and there seemed to be a lack of privacy. In addition, Ellen realized that she recognized this client from an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting she attends. The client didn’t seem to recognize Ellen and she moved forward with the session as planned. The client disclosed that she didn’t feel supported at her parent’s home since they are “tired of her empty promises of remaining sober.” She expressed her concern that she would relapse if she remained living in the home or didn’t find additional support in the community. Ellen has a wide network of supports in her life, has been in recovery for over 15 years and has many resources pertaining to recovery. The client also shared that she has not had positive experiences with social workers in the past and thus far therapy has not helped her. She noted that she has trouble trusting providers because past therapists have told her parents information about her life choices, lied to her and she felt judged and misunderstood. The client did agree to engage in therapy with Ellen because she felt like she needed the extra support at this time.
How do you define an ethical dilemma? How do you describe a clinical dilemma? What are the dilemmas in this scenario?
In terms of agency policy, what aspects of the initial interview were missing that could cause ethical dilemmas? What should Ellen do to follow up?
During the first session, Ellen has concerns about privacy. Explain what the concerns might be and how she should follow up.
How should Ellen use supervision in this case? What would you do?
Specifications: The paper will be 4-5 pages, double-spaced in APA format with headings for each section. Weave citations from the literature throughout your paper (i.e NASW Code of Ethics). Include a corresponding references list. Include a cover page.
