Ethical dilemmas that arise when mental health professionals use client date for research purposes

Abstract

This manuscript presents a critical analysis of the ethical implications when mental health professionals, such as psychologists, use data from their clients’ assessments for research purposes. The ethical premise, drawn from the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) which is the national association for the science, practice and education of psychology in Canada, focuses on the dual role of the clinician-researcher. This includes the need for mental health professionals to remain cognizant of the strengths and limitations associated with the use of assessments in both clinical and research settings, and ensure that the research produced is guided by ethical standards. This manuscript includes four best practice recommendations that mental health professionals can utilize as a guide when using standardized and unstandardized assessments in their research studies.