Portable Ethicist

• Provides clear, concise answers to ethical questions–from the simple to the complex
• Covers key categories, including confidentiality, dual relationships, sexual misconduct, false and misleading statements, malpractice, drug and alcohol use, documentation, record keeping, closing a practice (retirement or death), responding to a subpoena, and more
• Features step-by-step guidance, helpful case studies, and "ethical flash points" that alert you to warning signs and help you steer clear of ethically questionable situations
• Covers the role of state licensing boards and national mental health associations in responding to complaints of ethical violations

Even an unintentional ethical violation can lead to personal and professional disaster. The Portable Ethicist for Mental Health Professionals helps you protect yourself, your future, and your practice–and lets you focus on the bestinterests of your clients.

Everything you need to know to protect your practice against ethical violations and complaints The Portable Ethicist for Mental Health Professionals is a valuable, easy-to-use resource for all mental health service providers. Written by two attorneys specializing in legal and ethical issues in mental health, this indispensable guide arms you with the expert knowledge you need to avoid an ethical violation–or to handle the situation if a complaint is filed. Barton Bernstein and Thomas Hartsell Jr. tackle dozens of ethical questions using the codes of several mental health professional associations and provide practical guidelines for avoiding ethically questionable behavior. Organized alphabetically for easy reference, this complete A-to-Z guide:

• Provides clear, concise answers to ethical questions–from the simple to the complex
• Covers key categories, including confidentiality, dual relationships, sexual misconduct, false and misleading statements, malpractice, drug and alcohol use, documentation, record keeping, closing a practice (retirement or death), responding to a subpoena, and more
• Features step-by-step guidance, helpful case studies, and "ethical flash points" that alert you to warning signs and help you steer clear of ethically questionable situations
• Covers the role of state licensing boards and national mental health associations in responding to complaints of ethical violations

Even an unintentional ethical violation can lead to personal and professional disaster. The Portable Ethicist for Mental Health Professionals helps you protect yourself, your future, and your practice–and lets you focus on the bestinterests of your clients.

Booknews

A resource for mental health service providers who want to be armed with the knowledge needed to avoid an ethical violation or handle the situation if a complaint is filed. Dozens of ethical questions are dealt with using the codes of several mental health professional associations, and practical guidelines are provided for avoiding ethically questionable behavior. Coverage includes categories such as confidentiality, drug and alcohol use, sexual misconduct, malpractice, and the role of state licensing boards and national associations in responding to complaints of ethical violations. The authors are both attorneys in private practice. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

BARTON E. BERNSTEIN, JD, LMSW, is an attorney in private practice in Dallas, Texas, and a Licensed Master Social Worker. He is an adjunct professor at the University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, and the University of Texas, Arlington, Graduate School of Social Work. He conducts workshops and seminars throughout the United States.

THOMAS L. HARTSELL Jr., JD, maintains a private law practice in Dallas, Texas. He is a requent workshop presenter on topics related to ethics, managed care, confidentiality, informed consent, abuse allegations, and other legal aspects of mental health practice, and is an adjunct professor at Southern Methodist University, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, and Northlake College.