Law and Ethics Practice Exam

When transferring a client between therapists, what should the original therapist do?

1. Inform the new therapist without client consent

2. Communicate significant treatment details to ensure continuity of care

3. Offer the client additional sessions

4. Terminate the relationship immediately

The correct answer is: Communicate significant treatment details to ensure continuity of care

When transferring a client between therapists, the original therapist should communicate significant treatment details to ensure continuity of care. This approach is vital in maintaining the client's therapeutic progress and ensuring that the new therapist is equipped with the necessary context regarding the client's history, treatment goals, and any relevant issues that have been addressed in therapy. By providing a thorough handover, the original therapist supports the new therapist in creating an effective treatment plan tailored to the client's needs, fostering a sense of security and trust for the client during the transition. This practice aligns with ethical standards that emphasize the importance of continuity in care and the client's best interests, ensuring that the therapy process remains as seamless as possible. It is also important to respect client confidentiality and obtain their informed consent prior to sharing sensitive information with the new therapist whenever possible. In contrast, simply informing the new therapist without the client's consent does not respect confidentiality and could breach ethical guidelines. Offering additional sessions may not be necessary or appropriate if the client has already decided to transfer to a new therapist. Terminating the relationship immediately can be detrimental to the client's care and does not allow for a proper transition that safeguards the client's wellbeing.