Question: Using the 6 step ethical dilemma decision making model from Chapter 3 of the text book, determine if Dr. Newhart is facing an ethical dilemma regarding Dr. Melfi’s work? Is Dr. Melfi acting unethically?

Expert answer

Yes, Dr. Newhart is facing an ethical dilemma as he is unsure whether what Dr. Melfi is doing is right or wrong. In this case, Dr. Newhart should consult with his colleagues to get their opinions on the matter before making a decision. It is possible that Dr. Melfi is acting unethically by charging people for advice, but it is also possible that she is not doing anything wrong. Therefore, more information is needed before a judgement can be made.

EXPLANATION:

There are six steps in the ethical dilemma decision-making model: 1) gather the facts; 2) define the ethical issues; 3) identify the affected parties; 4) identify the consequences; 5) identify the obligations; and 6) consider your character and integrity.

In this case, Dr. Newhart has discovered that his colleague Dr. Melfi has started a new general psychology advice website. The website includes her picture and credentials, and charges credit cards for responses to email questions received. Dr. Newhart is wondering if this is an ethical dilemma.

To begin, we must first gather the facts of the case. According to the information given, Dr. Melfi has started a new website that provides general psychological advice. This advice is not therapy, but simply a personal response to each question received, for a fee. Dr. Melfi’s private practice office website provides information about her qualifications and experience.

The next step is to define the ethical issues at hand. In this case, there are two possible ethical issues: 1) whether it is ethical for Dr. Melfi to charge for her advice, and 2) whether it is ethical for her to use her credentials and experience to promote her website.

The third step is to identify the affected parties. In this case, the affected parties are Dr. Newhart, Dr. Melfi, and the clients who use Dr. Melfi’s website.

The fourth step is to identify the consequences. The possible consequences of this situation include: 1) Dr. Newhart feeling betrayed by Dr. Melfi, 2) Dr. Melfi’s clients not getting the help they need, and 3) Dr. Melfi’s credibility as a psychologist being called into question.

The fifth step is to identify the obligations. The obligations in this case are: 1) the obligation to act in the best interests of one’s clients, and 2) the obligation to uphold the standards of one’s profession.

The final step is to consider your character and integrity. In this case, Dr. Newhart must decide what he believes is the right thing to do.

After careful consideration of all the facts and ethical issues, it is clear that Dr. Newhart is facing an ethical dilemma. Dr. Melfi is acting unethically by charging for her advice, and by using her credentials and experience to promote her website. Dr. Newhart must decide whether to confront Dr. Melfi about her actions, or to keep silent and allow her to continue operating her website unethically.