Case Study Assignment: Stephen Collins
According to recent media reports, both the NYPD and the L.A. County Sheriff's Department are currently investigating Stephen Collins, an actor most well-known for his role on the T.V. show 7th Heaven, for alleged taped confessions in which he admits to inappropriate conduct with three minors. This information came to light during divorce proceedings of Collins from his estranged wife. In this case study, you will explore the role of the forensic psychologist and its application to a real world situation. You will also look at the ethical dilemmas a mental health professional can face when dealing with the legal system.
Review the following articles regarding the Stephen Collins case:
"Stephen Collins' wife alleges he had ‘secret life' in court docs: ‘I believe there are other victims'".
"A Guide to Psychology and its Practice: Confidentiality".
Write a three to five page paper in which you:
Determine whether or not the release of the taped therapy sessions violates the American Psychological Association's Code of Ethics. Next, discuss the likelihood of a lawsuit against the therapist and the media outlet that released the recording. Provide a rationale to support your position.
Review the roles of the forensic psychologist as outlined. Next, select one of the roles that you believe a forensic psychologist must play during the trial, if criminal charges against Collins are filed. Ascertain the importance of the role that you selected and suggest the main actions that the forensic psychologist must take in order to play the role that you selected.
Discuss one regulation that you feel the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) should make regarding the practice of recording patient therapy sessions in order to balance protecting the public with protecting patient privacy. Provide a rationale for your response.
Use at least three quality academic resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and similar type Websites do not qualify as academic resources.
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
1. The answer should be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also include a reference page. The Citations and references should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.
The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:
Demonstrate basic knowledge of the different elements and aspects of forensic psychology.
Brief and debate historic cases associated with mental health and forensic psychology.
Debate major ethical dilemmas facing mental health professionals.
Use technology and information resources to research issues related to forensic psychology.
Write clearly and concisely about topics related to forensic psychology using proper writing mechanics and technical style conventions.