Assignment:
For this module, you will be required to complete a written exercise. The paper must be in APA format and include a title page, abstract, discussion, conclusion, and references. Your paper should go beyond the obvious, be written at a graduate level, and must be at least 1,700 words in length. You must use at least three resources to support your position. Remember, all resources including, but not limited to, journals, magazines, and/or books must be properly cited using APA style.
Dr. Bernadette Jackson is a correctional psychologist and treats patients at the state correctional facility using group and individual therapy. Dr. Jackson is treating Andy K., an inmate with an Axis I diagnosis of depression and an Axis II diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder. Andy was sentenced to ten years in prison for strong-arm robbery. He has served six and one-half years and goes before the parole board in six months for the possibility of early conditional-release.
Andy requested individual psychotherapy sessions approximately three months ago with a presenting complaint of symptoms related to depression. Andy attributes his depression to news that his estranged mother has been diagnosed with stage-four cancer and has been told by her doctors that she has approximately one year left to live. In therapy, Andy expresses his desire to make amends with his mother and indicates his desire to care for her during her final days.
During a therapy session, Andy mentions that he has private information from inmate Zackman regarding a previous sexual offense. Inmate Zackman was sentenced to three years on a drug-related charge. However, Andy reports that Zackman bragged about a child abduction which has never been solved.
The warden has requested that Dr. Jackson prepare a report on Andy's progress in therapy and offer a prediction regarding his risk to re-offend for Andy's upcoming parole hearing.
Written Exercise 3 Questions:
1. Should Dr. Jackson reveal Andy's information in therapy regarding inmate Zackman, considering the source of the information? Andy's parole hearing will be completed before the information can be confirmed.
2. What are the ethical implications of releasing information obtained in therapy? Also, should Dr. Jackson provide a report on Andy's progress in therapy and provide a risk assessment for the parole hearing?
3. What are the ethical implications and ramifications for future therapy with Andy, as well as with other inmates, if his request for early release is denied, particularly if Dr. Jackson provides a negative report or risk assessment?
4. How should Dr. Jackson proceed?