Read the following case and decide your answer. Don’t forget to use your critical thinking skills! Discussion Board Due By,
Client: Sarah, 17 years old
Social Worker: Jane Doe, Counselor
Agency: Community Youth Counseling Services
Presenting Problem: Sarah, a 17-year-old high school senior, has been referred to Jane, a social worker, by her school counselor due to increasing anxiety and depressive symptoms. Sarah has a history of trauma, including parental abuse and neglect. She is living with her aunt, who has legal guardianship over her. Sarah has not shared these issues with her aunt and is hesitant to involve her in any way.
Initial Session
During the first session, Sarah expresses a deep distrust of adults, citing her traumatic experiences with her parents. She is resistant to the idea of anyone outside of the counseling office knowing about her situation, specifically stating that she does not want her aunt to be informed about her sessions. Sarah is adamant about keeping her counseling private, but she is also a minor, and her aunt has the legal right to be informed about her treatment.
Sarah also reveals some distressing details about her mental health, including recent suicidal ideation, though she states she has no current plan to harm herself. She seeks help but fears that her aunt may be overbearing or punitive if she finds out about her emotional struggles.
The Ethical Dilemma
Jane faces an ethical dilemma: How can she balance Sarah’s need for confidentiality and trust in the therapeutic relationship with the legal requirement to involve Sarah’s legal guardian in decision-making, especially regarding treatment and informed consent? Please provide the various reasons why informed consent is important in this case.