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James Wilson Case

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Introduction This is the case of James Wilson a graduate student who is doing his internship and a local mental health agency. Although, his intentions are good he obviously has forgotten some of things he learned in his ethics and legal course. As we proceed through the case we will look at some of the behaviors James exhibits and participates in, and what are some of the ethical and legal codes he has violated. Then consider what disciplinary actions he could face because of his carelessness at the mental health agency. The Case James Wilson begins an internship at a local mental health agency and as an intern he will learn a variety of tasks throughout his time there. For him to learn about the agency he will begin at the front desk …show more content…

James calls the number that is on the client’s file, and the person on the other end answers Annex Electric this is Andrea. At which point James says, this is James Wilson with Johnson Mental Health Center I am trying to reach John Jones regarding his Domestic Violence treatment. These actions are in violation of the American Counseling Association [ACA], 2014, B.1.b) as well as Colorado Statute 12-43-218(1). Later in the week as James is putting away some clients files the phone is ringing, so he sets the files down on a table where there are several new clients filling out paperwork. In this case James is careless with respect to client’s confidentiality by leaving clients records out where unauthorized persons can observe client’s information (ACA, 2014, B.6.b), (C.R.S. §§ 12-43-203(3), 12-43-222(1)(u)(d). Even though James has already placed client’s personal information at risk and broken client confidentiality up to this point other office workers told James not to tell anyone (C.R.S. §§ 12-43-224(9)(a)(b)). Although, James was under the agency supervisor and was required to have weekly meetings he primarily was answering to other staff members at the agency. When the supervisor did check in with James and asked other staff members how James was doing everyone reported he was doing a good job. Therefore, the …show more content…

First through phone communications and later by mishandling client’s records, and co-workers at the agency knew about the violations and did not report them. Allowing James to continue along in his internship by participating and facilitating groups, placing clients in harm’s way with an intern who has already exhibited incompetence in the field. Once James was allowed conduct groups his conduct did not change in fact it grew worse by eventually forming a sexual relationship with one of the clients. With the total disregard for the client’s rights James should not be allowed to work in the field of mental health counseling. If he still wants to pursue a career in this field, he needs to put on a suspension period before being allowed to practice in this

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