Dual Relationships

American Psychological Association Code of Ethics, 2002

An example of a code of ethics that addresses the issue of dual relationships is the 2002 American Psychological Association (APA) Ethics Code—Section 3.05 that describes "multiple relationships" as occurring 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, or (3) promises to enter into another relationship in the future with the person or a person closely associated with or related to the person. It is strongly advised that a psychologist refrains from entering into any multiple relationship if that 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. The APA Ethics Code goes on to state that "multiple relationships" that would not reasonably be expected to cause impairment or risk exploitation or harm are not unethical.

If a psychologist discovers a situation where a dual relationship could be potentially harmful, the psychologist should take reasonable steps to resolve that issue with due regard for the best interests of the affected person and maximal compliance with the APA Code of Ethics. For example, a potential client seeks treatment at a psychotherapeutic agency, and the potential client turns out to be a family member of one of the psychologists. It would be unwise for the psychologist to treat that family member. Another example might be, without prior knowledge, a client in treatment shows up at the helping professional's house one day to fix the roof. At the next opportunity, the issue should be discussed with the client and documented. The client should be given the option to seek treatment with someone else.

However, there are times when psychologists are required by law, institutional policy, or other extraordinary circumstances to serve in more than one role in judicial or administrative proceedings. Under those circumstances, the psychologist must clarify role expectations and the extent of confidentiality to both the client and to those involved in the judicial or administrative proceedings.

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