Ethical Principles of Psychologists
The APA's Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct is the guiding document for professional behavior and board discipline.
The Five General Principles
The code is divided into aspirational principles and enforceable standards.
- A. Beneficence and Nonmaleficence: Do good and avoid harm.
- B. Fidelity and Responsibility: Establish trust and uphold professional standards.
- C. Integrity: Promote accuracy, honesty, and truthfulness.
- D. Justice: Ensure equal access and avoid bias.
- E. Respect for People's Rights and Dignity: Protect confidentiality and self-determination.
| Violation Type | Typical Board Action |
|---|---|
| Dual Relationships / Boundary Violations | Suspension or Revocation of License. (Most common cause of severe discipline). |
| Billing Fraud (e.g., upcoding) | Fines, mandatory audits, suspension. |
| Failure to maintain CE credits | Fines, conditional license renewal. |
Common Mistake: Social Media Boundaries
A rapidly growing area of ethical complaints involves psychologists accepting friend requests from clients, or posting identifiable clinical anecdotes on TikTok/Twitter without proper de-identification.
FAQ
When is it mandatory to break confidentiality?
Psychologists must break confidentiality if there is imminent danger to the client or others (Tarasoff duty to warn), or in cases of suspected child or elder abuse.
Next steps: See how ethics applies to Private Practice.