A written ethics opinion you can put in the record.
When a clinical decision might be questioned later, a documented consultation is the standard of care. I produce a formal memo applying your professional code — CAMFT, APA, NASW, ACA, or NBCC — and California law to the facts you present.
A documented consultation is the standard of care.
When a clinical decision carries risk — a dual relationship, a difficult termination, a disclosure you’re not sure is mandated — consulting and documenting that consultation is what your professional code and the standard of care both expect of you. A phone call gives you a memory of that conversation. A written ethics opinion gives you a record.
What the memo includes:
- The specific facts you present, restated so the analysis is anchored to your actual situation
- Application of your professional code of ethics — CAMFT, APA, NASW, ACA, or NBCC, depending on your license — to those facts
- Relevant California law where it overlays the ethical question: mandated reporting, Tarasoff and the duty to protect, confidentiality and privilege, scope of practice
- A clear recommendation, with the reasoning that supports it, so you understand the “why” and not just the answer
- Delivered as a formal, written memo you can keep in your files
When clinicians use this:
- Before ending treatment with a client in a way that could be seen as abandonment
- When a client relationship is shifting in a way that raises dual-relationship concerns
- Before disclosing information you believe (but aren’t certain) is legally required
- When a supervisee or colleague brings you a situation and you want a documented second opinion
- Before responding to a client complaint, so your response reflects sound ethical reasoning rather than defensiveness
Turnaround and cost:
Written ethics consultations are a flat fee of $200, with a guaranteed turnaround of one to three business days. If the situation is acute enough that you need it faster, say so in your request.