NJSBA Family Law Section

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  • 1.  FAMILY THERAPIST CONFLICT WITH CHILD'S THERAPIST

    Posted 01-10-2014 09:43 AM

    Can anyone let me know if there is a rule or case that states that the child's therapist and the family therapist cannot be the same person. I believe it is a clear conflict  but the judge does not see it that way.
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    Virginia Ryan Esq
    Livingston NJ
    (973) 597-0082

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  • 2.  RE:FAMILY THERAPIST CONFLICT WITH CHILD'S THERAPIST

    Posted 01-10-2014 11:09 AM

    It's not as definitive as one might like, but the American Psychological Association's Ethical Principals and Code of Conduct states:  

    Standard 3:  Human Relations

    3.05 Multiple Relationships

    (a) A multiple relationship occurs when a psychologist is in a professional role with a person and (1) at the same time is in another role with the same person, (2) at the same time is in a relationship with a person closely associated with or related to the person with whom the psychologist has the professional relationship.

    ***

    A psychologist refrains from entering into a multiple relationship if the multiple relationship could reasonably be expected to impair the psychologist's objectivity, competence or effectiveness in performing his or her functions as a psychologist, or otherwise risks exploitation or harm to the person with whom the professional relationship exists. 

    3.06 Conflict of Interest

    Psychologists refrain from taking on a professional role when personal, scientific, professional, legal, financial or other interests or relationships could reasonably be expected to (1) impair their objectivity, competence or effectiveness in performing their functions as psychologists or (2) expose the person or organization with whom the professional relationship exists to harm or exploitation.  

    Hope this helps.

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    Lisa M. Radell, Esq.
    207 South Main Street
    Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
    Phone (609) 465-9910
    Fax (609) 465-9920
    E-Mail [email protected]
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  • 3.  RE:FAMILY THERAPIST CONFLICT WITH CHILD'S THERAPIST

    Posted 01-11-2014 02:37 PM

    Thank you to everyone who responded and those who took the time to reach out. This is a great resource  as are the people who participate

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    Virginia Ryan Esq
    Livingston NJ
    (973) 597-0082

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