Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) Law and Ethics Practice Exam

What is an ethical dilemma therapists may encounter?

1. Choosing between low-cost and high-quality service

2. Deciding when to schedule sessions

3. Choosing between competing ethical principles

4. Determining appropriate payment plans for clients

The correct answer is: Choosing between competing ethical principles

An ethical dilemma in therapy often arises from a situation where a therapist must decide between two or more competing ethical principles. This can include conflicts such as the need to maintain client confidentiality versus the duty to protect someone from harm, or respecting client autonomy while also considering the therapist's obligation to provide beneficent care. The complexity of these situations requires careful consideration and ethical reasoning to navigate the implications of each choice. In contrast, the other options presented do not typically represent ethical dilemmas. The decision between low-cost and high-quality service is more about practical considerations in running a practice than ethical conflicts. Scheduling sessions primarily revolves around logistical factors rather than ethical obligations. Lastly, determining appropriate payment plans for clients, while important in practice management, does not inherently involve conflicting ethical principles, rather it is more a matter of financial and administrative policy.