Currently you are working with a man going through a divorce. He came to you because he was depressed but has been thinking clearly about his future goals, especially his co-parenting plan. Recently he discloses that he has begun to drink heavily and feels like his entire world is coming to an end. He continues to tell you, “Most days I just feel like dying.” When you ask him what has brought on this change, he tells you that while snooping through his wife’s cell phone records, he came across a man’s telephone number. He reports that they have been talking daily. When you ask him to elaborate, he tells you that he has access to a firearm and he “know[s] how to use it.”

For your initial post to this vignette, address the following:

What might be some assessment questions you would ask to assess for suicidality and/or homicidality?
Describe the statute in your state for mental health professionals to initiate involuntary hospitalization of clients for suicidal or homicidal tendencies.
What is the threshold—or what are the criteria—for involuntary hospitalization in your state? Who do you contact in your county or state to transport a suicidal client? Draft a short case note (see details below) in this discussion describing the legal and ethical responsibilities taken

#2) Technology and Therapy

Refer to the media piece from this unit’s Studies, Ethics Scenario: Technology Assisted Therapy, linked in Resources.

Andy and Jennifer planned a trip but do not want to miss their session. They asked Shannon to conduct a therapy session via Skype.

For this discussion’s initial post, address the following:

It there an ethical dilemma in conducting therapy online?
What are the steps that need to be taken to protect the client and the therapist if you are doing therapy online?
What do the AAMFT codes say about doing therapy online?