Ethics question...
I know the answer to this is likely to vary depending on the particular mode, but I think for the most part, ethics are similar unilaterally in the human services fields.
I find myself with what I feel is a potential ethical dilemma. The site at which I am doing my practicum (graduate internship) for my LMFT has lost the two therapists in the program. This leaves myself (office manager and practicum student) and a prgram assistant responsible for running weeknight groups. As of right now, there will be no licensed therapist or even an LADC that is employed by the program and there does not appear that one will be starting as a replacement on Monday.
My uncertainty is whether I can continue to see the kids in my caseload and/or run groups without a licensed practitioner on site. I am not licensed, and am just beginning my clinical hours, but have already built the foundation of a rapport with the kids. I'd hate to see them not receive counseling simply because there's not a supervisor there that I can go to after sessions and debrief, since I'm doing 1:1s and groups on my own already.
I looked through the AAMFT's code of ethics and didn't find anything specific to practicum students, but I'm pretty sure it's not good to be "practicing" when you're not licensed. At the same time, there is an ethical code regarding "abandoning" clients without making proper arrangements for the continuance of treatment. I'm less concerned (if at all) in that regard, since the agency is, in good faith, working hard to find a replacement to continue services.
What are people's thoughts on this? Has anyone experienced this type of situation before?
I find myself with what I feel is a potential ethical dilemma. The site at which I am doing my practicum (graduate internship) for my LMFT has lost the two therapists in the program. This leaves myself (office manager and practicum student) and a prgram assistant responsible for running weeknight groups. As of right now, there will be no licensed therapist or even an LADC that is employed by the program and there does not appear that one will be starting as a replacement on Monday.
My uncertainty is whether I can continue to see the kids in my caseload and/or run groups without a licensed practitioner on site. I am not licensed, and am just beginning my clinical hours, but have already built the foundation of a rapport with the kids. I'd hate to see them not receive counseling simply because there's not a supervisor there that I can go to after sessions and debrief, since I'm doing 1:1s and groups on my own already.
I looked through the AAMFT's code of ethics and didn't find anything specific to practicum students, but I'm pretty sure it's not good to be "practicing" when you're not licensed. At the same time, there is an ethical code regarding "abandoning" clients without making proper arrangements for the continuance of treatment. I'm less concerned (if at all) in that regard, since the agency is, in good faith, working hard to find a replacement to continue services.
What are people's thoughts on this? Has anyone experienced this type of situation before?