Intermountain Health: Ethical Standards for Students

Intermountain Health sets high ethical standards for its students, ensuring they provide clinically sound and ethical treatment. These standards apply to various roles, including School Based Outpatient Therapists (SBOTs). Let's delve into the specifics of these ethical expectations and their implications.

The Role of a School Based Outpatient Therapist (SBOT)

School Based Services offers therapeutic support to children and families, aiming to promote success within the school, family, and community environments. This support is delivered by master’s level therapists and specially-trained mental health specialists, both during school hours and, if necessary, within the child’s home. Together with the family, they develop a tailored treatment plan that addresses the child’s unique needs.

The program encompasses Comprehensive School and Community Treatment (CSCT) and Outpatient Services. Funding for CSCT is sourced through Medicaid, private insurance, and private pay options. An SBOT is responsible for planning, reviewing, and implementing individual, conjoint, and family psychotherapy. They must possess a dynamic understanding of the client's and/or their family's inner workings. A core responsibility of the SBOT is to guarantee that all treatment adheres to clinical and ethical standards.

Key Ethical Responsibilities of SBOTs

The SBOT holds a multifaceted role that extends beyond direct therapy. They may lead or co-lead therapeutic groups focusing on various topics, deliver in-service trainings addressing relevant treatment issues, and even train and supervise graduate-level interns, provided they are approved. Crucially, the SBOT is entrusted with upholding the ethical standards dictated by their respective licensures.

Maintaining Ethical Standards

The SBOT plays a critical role in upholding ethical standards, ensuring that all treatment provided is clinically sound and ethical. This involves a commitment to the ethical guidelines of their specific licensure, such as those for Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPC) or Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW).

Read also: Opportunities in Child Life

Dynamic Conceptualization

The SBOT is expected to possess a deep understanding of the inner workings of their clients and their families. This "dynamic conceptualization" informs their approach to treatment, ensuring that it is tailored to the individual needs of each client.

Treatment Planning and Execution

The SBOT is responsible for planning, reviewing, and executing individual, conjoint, and family psychotherapy. This requires careful consideration of the client's needs and goals, as well as the relevant ethical considerations.

Training and Supervision

In some cases, the SBOT may be involved in training and supervising graduate-level interns. This role carries significant ethical responsibilities, as the SBOT is responsible for ensuring that the interns are properly trained and supervised, and that they adhere to ethical standards in their work.

Qualifications and Requirements

To meet the demands of this role, specific qualifications and requirements must be fulfilled. These criteria ensure that individuals are adequately prepared to handle the responsibilities and ethical considerations associated with being an SBOT.

Educational Background

A 60-credit Master’s degree from an accredited university is generally required. Acceptable fields of study include professional counseling, social work (with a focus on clinical social work), or psychological counseling. This educational foundation provides the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills for effective therapeutic intervention.

Licensure

Applicants must be licensed or a licensure candidate through the State of Montana’s Board of Behavioral Health as either an LCPC or LCSW. Licensure ensures that practitioners have met specific educational, training, and examination requirements, demonstrating their competence and adherence to ethical standards.

Experience

Two years of experience working with children, gained either before or after completing the Master’s degree, is essential. This practical experience allows individuals to develop their skills in working with young clients and to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges they face.

Specialized Training

Training and/or experience in attachment theory, attachment-based therapeutic approaches, and trauma-informed care are highly valued. These specialized areas of knowledge enable therapists to address the unique needs of children who have experienced attachment difficulties or trauma.

Further Requirements

As part of the application process, candidates must acknowledge and confirm their understanding that they meet the minimum age requirements stipulated by applicable laws to be eligible for employment at Intermountain. The minimum age for employment stands at 21 years.

Intermountain is committed to conducting thorough investigations, which encompass Department of Justice criminal, child protective services, and motor vehicle background checks. They also verify prior employment and educational qualifications to ensure the safety and well-being of the children and families they serve.

Read also: Your Counseling Career

Ethical Considerations in Practice

The ethical standards for students at Intermountain Health, particularly those in roles like SBOTs, are deeply rooted in principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, justice, and fidelity.

Beneficence

This principle emphasizes the obligation to act in the best interests of the client. For an SBOT, this means providing effective and appropriate treatment that promotes the child's well-being and development. It involves carefully assessing the child's needs, setting realistic goals, and using evidence-based interventions.

Non-Maleficence

This principle requires avoiding actions that could harm the client. SBOTs must be vigilant in identifying and mitigating any potential risks associated with treatment. This includes maintaining professional boundaries, protecting confidentiality, and avoiding conflicts of interest.

Autonomy

This principle respects the client's right to make their own decisions. While children may have limited autonomy, SBOTs must involve them in the treatment process to the extent possible, respecting their views and preferences. They must also work with parents or guardians to ensure that decisions are made in the child's best interests.

Justice

This principle emphasizes fairness and equity in the provision of services. SBOTs must ensure that all clients have equal access to treatment, regardless of their background or circumstances. This may involve advocating for resources and addressing systemic barriers to care.

Fidelity

This principle requires maintaining trust and loyalty in the therapeutic relationship. SBOTs must be honest and transparent with their clients, keeping their promises and commitments. They must also maintain confidentiality and respect the client's privacy.

Avoiding Common Misconceptions and Clichés

It's crucial to avoid simplistic or cliché-ridden approaches to ethical decision-making. Ethical dilemmas are often complex and nuanced, requiring careful consideration of multiple factors.

One common misconception is that ethical guidelines provide clear-cut answers to every situation. In reality, ethical codes offer general principles, but their application may require interpretation and judgment. SBOTs must be prepared to engage in critical thinking and consultation to navigate complex ethical challenges.

Another cliché is that "the client is always right." While respecting client autonomy is essential, SBOTs must also consider their professional responsibilities and the well-being of the child. In some cases, it may be necessary to challenge a client's wishes or to set limits on their behavior.

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