• FreeAdvice has a new Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, effective May 25, 2018.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our Terms of Service and use of cookies.

Malpractice or just unethical?

Accident - Bankruptcy - Criminal Law / DUI - Business - Consumer - Employment - Family - Immigration - Real Estate - Tax - Traffic - Wills   Please click a topic or scroll down for more.

lbb87

Member
What is the name of your state? Virginia

I'll make a long story short. If a doctor such as a psychologist knows and has admitted they can't treat a certain serious mental health problem, shouldn't they tell their patient this and refer their patient to a doctor who can? Isn't this especially important if this particular health problem causes the patient to continually break the law and has been doing so for more than five years? Wouldn't it be unethical and perhaps medical malpractice for them to continue treating this patient when in fact, they're not really treating them at all, or at least not for this most serious health problem?

I ask because my father is seeing a psychologist who is doing this. My father has serious mental health problems and is not capable of making sound decisions. Unfortunately, my mother and I cannot (legally) make this decision for him.
 


PJ Weber

Member
A Psychologist is not a M.D., having neither the training, knowledge, or experience

He should refer the patient to a Psychiatrist (a M.D.) who is trained to handle such matters
 

ecmst12

Senior Member
You're being a bit vague, but I don't think you really know what's going on at the therapy sessions. It's entirely possible that the therapist HAS referred your father to another doctor, but that doesn't mean the therapist has to stop seeing him. Seeing the psychologist is still likely better then seeing NO ONE. But obviously the therapist can't talk to you about his treatment plan or what goes on during the therapy.
 

barry1817

Senior Member
malpractice or not

What is the name of your state? Virginia

I'll make a long story short. If a doctor such as a psychologist knows and has admitted they can't treat a certain serious mental health problem, shouldn't they tell their patient this and refer their patient to a doctor who can? Isn't this especially important if this particular health problem causes the patient to continually break the law and has been doing so for more than five years? Wouldn't it be unethical and perhaps medical malpractice for them to continue treating this patient when in fact, they're not really treating them at all, or at least not for this most serious health problem?

I ask because my father is seeing a psychologist who is doing this. My father has serious mental health problems and is not capable of making sound decisions. Unfortunately, my mother and I cannot (legally) make this decision for him.

You could probably find, in codes and statutes, that a health care provider has an obligation to provide treatment to the level of the specialty that they are in. To continue to treat, especially after admitting that they can't treat this particular problem, is a blind admission of negligence.
 

LAWMED

Member
What is the name of your state? Virginia

I ask because my father is seeing a psychologist who is doing this. My father has serious mental health problems and is not capable of making sound decisions. Unfortunately, my mother and I cannot (legally) make this decision for him.

Either your father is competent or he is not. If not, then he should be declared as such both medically and legally and you or your mother appointed health care power of attorney. The rest of the information you provide is way to vague for anybody to answer your questions in a way to be very helpful.
 

Balldez

Junior Member
One of the most dangerous things on earth is a psychiatrist with a prescription pad. This guy may be helping him some and probably not doing him any harm.

Psychologists are generally useless but sometime they can help people and their families when dealing with a loved one with mental illness. Let your dad know he's loved and support you mom.
 

Find the Right Lawyer for Your Legal Issue!

Fast, Free, and Confidential
Top