Case Study BOB
Bob is a licensed clinical counselor who has operated a small group practice in a suburban office building for twenty years. He is well recognized for his expertise in working with clients with complex problems who require long term counseling. One day he receives a telephone call from another counselor (Ted) working in the same neighborhood. Bob does not know Ted. Ted tells Bob that he is currently in the office with a woman named Nancy who has come to see him to discuss her depression. Ted proceeds to tell Bob that Nancy has just accused him of sexual misconduct and that Ted wants him to explain what happened when Nancy came to see Bob. Ted tells Bob that nothing he can say will dissuade him from reporting Bob to the licensing board but that he still wants to hear what he has to say. Ted goes on to tell Bob that his actions have been totally unprofessional and that he has traumatized this woman. Bob is shocked and first tries to ascertain that this is not a crank call and to clarify that Ted is indeed a licensed professional. The information Ted shares clarifies that he is a licensed clinical social worker and that he has Nancy’s permission to make this phone call. As he listens to Ted describe Nancy and the comments she has made to Ted, Bob realizes that he does not even recognize the woman to whom Ted is referring. Bob asks Nancy to describe his physical appearance, but her description could fit many men and is not very helpful. Next Bob asks if Nancy would be willing to speak with him on the phone because he still has no memory of seeing Nancy. As soon as they begin the conversation Nancy realizes that she does not recognize Bob’s voice. After a few more exchanges Nancy comes to seriously doubt whether she has identified the right counselor. Ted mumbles a few words about getting more information and calling back later and hangs up. Bob is so upset by this conversation that he cannot sleep that night and immediately consults with a colleague. Bob then tries to figure out how to follow up with Ted who falsely accused him of a serious violation. (Bob later learns that Nancy had seen another counselor in a nearby building with the first name of Robert). Bob comes to you for consultation. How would you advise him regarding his interaction with Ted and what about Nancy and his knowledge about the other counselor? Use a CODE of Ethics to support your response.
Respond to the following questions for this case study:
Is there an ethical issue in the case?
Summarize what the ethical issues is.
If so, did the professional act in a manner consistent with current standards and principles? Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the American Counseling Association (2014)
Identify the CODES from the ACA
If not, what other courses of action would be more ethical?
Identify what model you used to come to your decision and what is the basis for that judgment?
Resolution: Which of those potentially ethical responses is most consistent with the ethical ideals of the profession?
Resolution: What competing values may interfere with the professional implementing the ethical decision?
How can colleagues and supervisors help the professional to act ethically?
If the professional fails to act responsibly and his or her misconduct is reported to a disciplinary body, what kind of action should that body take in this kind of case?
Summarize your findings.
