Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct

2010 Amendments
Introduction and Applicability
The American Psychological Association's (APA) Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of
Conduct (hereinafter referred to as the Ethics Code) consists of an Introduction, a Preamble,
five General Principles and specific Ethical Standards. The Introduction discusses the intent,
organization, procedural considerations and scope of application of the Ethics Code. The Preamble
and General Principles are aspirational goals to guide psychologists toward the highest ideals of
psychology. Although the Preamble and General Principles are not themselves enforceable rules,
they should be considered by psychologists in arriving at an ethical course of action. The Ethical
Standards set forth enforceable rules for conduct as psychologists. Most of the Ethical Standards
are written broadly, in order to apply to psychologists in varied roles, although the application of an
Ethical Standard may vary depending on the context. The Ethical Standards are not exhaustive.
The fact that a given conduct is not specifically addressed by an Ethical Standard does not mean
that it is necessarily either ethical or unethical.

This Ethics Code applies only to psychologists' activities that are part of their scientific, educational
or professional roles as psychologists. Areas covered include but are not limited to the clinical,
counseling and school practice of psychology; research; teaching; supervision of trainees; public
service; policy development; social intervention; development of assessment instruments;
conducting assessments; educational counseling; organizational consulting; forensic activities;
program design and evaluation; and administration. This Ethics Code applies to these activities
across a variety of contexts, such as in person, postal, telephone, internet and other electronic
transmissions. These activities shall be distinguished from the purely private conduct of
psychologists, which is not within the purview of the Ethics Code.

Membership in the APA commits members and student affiliates to comply with the standards of the
APA Ethics Code and to the rules and procedures used to enforce them. Lack of awareness or
misunderstanding of an Ethical Standard is not itself a defense to a charge of unethical conduct.

The procedures for filing, investigating, and resolving complaints of unethical conduct are described
in the current Rules and Procedures of the APA Ethics Committee. APA may impose sanctions on
its members for violations of the standards of the Ethics Code, including termination of APA
membership, and may notify other bodies and individuals of its actions. Actions that violate the
standards of the Ethics Code may also lead to the imposition of sanctions on psychologists or
students whether or not they are APA members by bodies other than APA, including state
psychological associations, other professional groups, psychology boards, other state or federal
agencies and payors for health services. In addition, APA may take action against a member after
his or her conviction of a felony, expulsion or suspension from an affiliated state psychological
association or suspension or loss of licensure. When the sanction to be imposed by APA is less
than expulsion, the 2001 Rules and Procedures do not guarantee an opportunity for an in-person
hearing, but generally provide that complaints will be resolved only on the basis of a submitted
record.

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The Ethics Code is intended to provide guidance for psychologists and standards of professional
conduct that can be applied by the APA and by other bodies that choose to adopt them. The Ethics
Code is not intended to be a basis of civil liability. Whether a psychologist has violated the Ethics
Code standards does not by itself determine whether the psychologist is legally liable in a court
action, whether a contract is enforceable or whether other legal consequences occur.

The modifiers used in some of the standards of this Ethics Code (e.g., reasonably, appropriate,
potentially) are included in the standards when they would (1) allow professional judgment on the
part of psychologists, (2) eliminate injustice or inequality that would occur without the modifier, (3)
ensure applicability across the broad range of activities conducted by psychologists, or (4) guard
against a set of rigid rules that might be quickly outdated. As used in this Ethics Code, the term
reasonable means the prevailing professional judgment of psychologists engaged in similar
activities in similar circumstances, given the knowledge the psychologist had or should have had at
the time.

In the process of making decisions regarding their professional behavior, psychologists must
consider this Ethics Code in addition to applicable laws and psychology board regulations. In
applying the Ethics Code to their professional work, psychologists may consider other materials and
guidelines that have been adopted or endorsed by scientific and professional psychological
organizations and the dictates of their own conscience, as well as consult with others within the
field. If this Ethics Code establishes a higher standard of conduct than is required by law,
psychologists must meet the higher ethical standard. If psychologists' ethical responsibilities conflict
with law, regulations or other governing legal authority, psychologists make known their
commitment to this Ethics Code and take steps to resolve the conflict in a responsible manner in
keeping with basic principles of human rights.
 

Preamble
Psychologists are committed to increasing scientific and professional knowledge of behavior and
people's understanding of themselves and others and to the use of such knowledge to improve the
condition of individuals, organizations and society. Psychologists respect and protect civil and
human rights and the central importance of freedom of inquiry and expression in research, teaching,
and publication. They strive to help the public in developing informed judgments and choices
concerning human behavior. In doing so, they perform many roles, such as researcher, educator,
diagnostician, therapist, supervisor, consultant, administrator, social interventionist and expert
witness. This Ethics Code provides a common set of principles and standards upon which
psychologists build their professional and scientific work.

This Ethics Code is intended to provide specific standards to cover most situations encountered by
psychologists. It has as its goals the welfare and protection of the individuals and groups with whom
psychologists work and the education of members, students and the public regarding ethical
standards of the discipline.

The development of a dynamic set of ethical standards for psychologists' work-related conduct
requires a personal commitment and lifelong effort to act ethically; to encourage ethical behavior by
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students, supervisees, employees and colleagues; and to consult with others concerning ethical
problems.
General Principles
This section consists of General Principles. General Principles, as opposed to Ethical Standards,
are aspirational in nature. Their intent is to guide and inspire psychologists toward the very highest
ethical ideals of the profession. General Principles, in contrast to Ethical Standards, do not
represent obligations and should not form the basis for imposing sanctions. Relying upon General
Principles for either of these reasons distorts both their meaning and purpose.
 
Principle A: Beneficence and Nonmaleficence
Psychologists strive to benefit those with whom they work and take care to do no harm. In their
professional actions, psychologists seek to safeguard the welfare and rights of those with whom
they interact professionally and other affected persons and the welfare of animal subjects of
research. When conflicts occur among psychologists' obligations or concerns, they attempt to
resolve these conflicts in a responsible fashion that avoids or minimizes harm. Because
psychologists' scientific and professional judgments and actions may affect the lives of others, they
are alert to and guard against personal, financial, social, organizational or political factors that might
lead to misuse of their influence. Psychologists strive to be aware of the possible effect of their own
physical and mental health on their ability to help those with whom they work.
 
Principle B: Fidelity and Responsibility
Psychologists establish relationships of trust with those with whom they work. They are aware of
their professional and scientific responsibilities to society and to the specific communities in which
they work. Psychologists uphold professional standards of conduct, clarify their professional roles
and obligations, accept appropriate responsibility for their behavior and seek to manage conflicts of
interest that could lead to exploitation or harm. Psychologists consult with, refer to, or cooperate
with other professionals and institutions to the extent needed to serve the best interests of those
with whom they work. They are concerned about the ethical compliance of their colleagues'
scientific and professional conduct. Psychologists strive to contribute a portion of their professional
time for little or no compensation or personal advantage.
 
Principle C: Integrity
Psychologists seek to promote accuracy, honesty and truthfulness in the science, teaching and
practice of psychology. In these activities psychologists do not steal, cheat or engage in fraud,
subterfuge or intentional misrepresentation of fact. Psychologists strive to keep their promises and
to avoid unwise or unclear commitments. In situations in which deception may be ethically justifiable
to maximize benefits and minimize harm, psychologists have a serious obligation to consider the
need for, the possible consequences of, and their responsibility to correct any resulting mistrust or
other harmful effects that arise from the use of such techniques.
 
Principle D: Justice
Psychologists recognize that fairness and justice entitle all persons to access to and benefit from
the contributions of psychology and to equal quality in the processes, procedures and services
being conducted by psychologists. Psychologists exercise reasonable judgment and take

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precautions to ensure that their potential biases, the boundaries of their competence and the
limitations of their expertise do not lead to or condone unjust practices.
 
Principle E: Respect for People's Rights and Dignity
Psychologists respect the dignity and worth of all people, and the rights of individuals to privacy,
confidentiality, and self-determination. Psychologists are aware that special safeguards may be
necessary to protect the rights and welfare of persons or communities whose vulnerabilities impair
autonomous decision making. Psychologists are aware of and respect cultural, individual and role
differences, including those based on age, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national
origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language and socioeconomic status and consider these
factors when working with members of such groups. Psychologists try to eliminate the effect on their
work of biases based on those factors, and they do not knowingly participate in or condone
activities of others based upon such prejudices
 

Standard 1: Resolving Ethical Issues

1.01 Misuse of Psychologists' Work
If psychologists learn of misuse or misrepresentation of their work, they take reasonable steps to
correct or minimize the misuse or misrepresentation.
 
1.02 Conflicts Between Ethics and Law, Regulations, or Other Governing Legal Authority
If psychologists’ ethical responsibilities conflict with law, regulations or other governing legal
authority, psychologists clarify the nature of the conflict, make known their commitment to the Ethics
Code and take reasonable steps to resolve the conflict consistent with the General Principles and
Ethical Standards of the Ethics Code. Under no circumstances may this standard be used to justify
or defend violating human rights.
 
1.03 Conflicts Between Ethics and Organizational Demands
If the demands of an organization with which psychologists are affiliated or for whom they are
working are in conflict with this Ethics Code, psychologists clarify the nature of the conflict, make
known their commitment to the Ethics Code and take reasonable steps to resolve the conflict
consistent with the General Principles and Ethical Standards of the Ethics Code. Under no
circumstances may this standard be used to justify or defend violating human rights.
 
1.04 Informal Resolution of Ethical Violations
When psychologists believe that there may have been an ethical violation by another psychologist,
they attempt to resolve the issue by bringing it to the attention of that individual, if an informal
resolution appears appropriate and the intervention does not violate any confidentiality rights that
may be involved.
 
1.05 Reporting Ethical Violations
If an apparent ethical violation has substantially harmed or is likely to substantially harm a person or
organization and is not appropriate for informal resolution under Standard 1.04, Informal Resolution
of Ethical Violations, or is not resolved properly in that fashion, psychologists take further action
appropriate to the situation. Such action might include referral to state or national committees on
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professional ethics, to state licensing boards or to the appropriate institutional authorities. This
standard does not apply when an intervention would violate confidentiality rights or when
psychologists have been retained to review the work of another psychologist whose professional
conduct is in question.

1.06 Cooperating with Ethics Committees

Psychologists cooperate in ethics investigations, proceedings and resulting requirements of the
APA or any affiliated state psychological association to which they belong. In doing so, they address
any confidentiality issues. Failure to cooperate is itself an ethics violation. However, making a
request for deferment of adjudication of an ethics complaint pending the outcome of litigation does
not alone constitute noncooperation.
 
1.07 Improper Complaints
Psychologists do not file or encourage the filing of ethics complaints that are made with reckless
disregard for or willful ignorance of facts that would disprove the allegation.
 
1.08 Unfair Discrimination Against Complainants and Respondents
Psychologists do not deny persons employment, advancement, admissions to academic or other
programs, tenure, or promotion, based solely upon their having made or their being the subject of
an ethics complaint. This does not preclude taking action based upon the outcome of such
proceedings or considering other appropriate information.
 

Standard 2: Competence
2.01 Boundaries of Competence
(a) Psychologists provide services, teach and conduct research with populations and in areas only
within the boundaries of their competence, based on their education, training, supervised
experience, consultation, study or professional experience.

(b) Where scientific or professional knowledge in the discipline of psychology establishes that an
understanding of factors associated with age, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture,
national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language or socioeconomic status is essential
for effective implementation of their services or research, psychologists have or obtain the training,
experience, consultation or supervision necessary to ensure the competence of their services, or
they make appropriate referrals, except as provided in Standard 2.02, Providing Services in
Emergencies.

(c) Psychologists planning to provide services, teach or conduct research involving populations,
areas, techniques or technologies new to them undertake relevant education, training, supervised
experience, consultation or study.

(d) When psychologists are asked to provide services to individuals for whom appropriate mental
health services are not available and for which psychologists have not obtained the competence
necessary, psychologists with closely related prior training or experience may provide such services

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in order to ensure that services are not denied if they make a reasonable effort to obtain the
competence required by using relevant research, training, consultation or study.

(e) In those emerging areas in which generally recognized standards for preparatory training do not
yet exist, psychologists nevertheless take reasonable steps to ensure the competence of their work
and to protect clients/patients, students, supervisees, research participants, organizational clients
and others from harm.

(f) When assuming forensic roles, psychologists are or become reasonably familiar with the judicial
or administrative rules governing their roles.
 
2.02 Providing Services in Emergencies
In emergencies, when psychologists provide services to individuals for whom other mental health
services are not available and for which psychologists have not obtained the necessary training,
psychologists may provide such services in order to ensure that services are not denied. The
services are discontinued as soon as the emergency has ended or appropriate services are
available.
 
2.03 Maintaining Competence
Psychologists undertake ongoing efforts to develop and maintain their competence.
 
2.04 Bases for Scientific and Professional Judgments
Psychologists' work is based upon established scientific and professional knowledge of the
discipline. (See also Standards2.01e, Boundaries of Competence, and 10.01b, Informed Consent to
Therapy.)
 
2.05 Delegation of Work to Others
Psychologists who delegate work to employees, supervisees or research or teaching assistants or
who use the services of others, such as interpreters, take reasonable steps to (1) avoid delegating
such work to persons who have a multiple relationship with those being served that would likely
lead to exploitation or loss of objectivity; (2) authorize only those responsibilities that such persons
can be expected to perform competently on the basis of their education, training or experience,
either independently or with the level of supervision being provided; and (3) see that such persons
perform these services competently.
 
2.06 Personal Problems and Conflicts
(a) Psychologists refrain from initiating an activity when they know or should know that there is a
substantial likelihood that their personal problems will prevent them from performing their work-
related activities in a competent manner.
(b) When psychologists become aware of personal problems that may interfere with their
performing work-related duties adequately, they take appropriate measures, such as obtaining
professional consultation or assistance and determine whether they should limit, suspend or
terminate their work-related duties.
 

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Standard 3: Human Relations
3.01 Unfair Discrimination
In their work-related activities, psychologists do not engage in unfair discrimination based on age,
gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability,
socioeconomic status or any basis proscribed by law.
 
3.02 Sexual Harassment
Psychologists do not engage in sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is sexual solicitation,
physical advances or verbal or nonverbal conduct that is sexual in nature, that occurs in connection
with the psychologist's activities or roles as a psychologist and that either (1) is unwelcome, is
offensive or creates a hostile workplace or educational environment, and the psychologist knows or
is told this or (2) is sufficiently severe or intense to be abusive to a reasonable person in the
context. Sexual harassment can consist of a single intense or severe act or of multiple persistent or
pervasive acts.
 
3.03 Other Harassment
Psychologists do not knowingly engage in behavior that is harassing or demeaning to persons with
whom they interact in their work based on factors such as those persons' age, gender, gender
identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language or
socioeconomic status.

3.04 Avoiding Harm

Psychologists take reasonable steps to avoid harming their clients/patients, students, supervisees,
research participants, organizational clients and others with whom they work, and to minimize harm
where it is foreseeable and unavoidable.
 
3.05 Multiple Relationships
(a) A multiple relationship occurs when a psychologist is in a professional role with a person and (1)
at the same time is in another role with the same person, (2) at the same time is in a relationship
with a person closely associated with or related to the person with whom the psychologist has the
professional relationship, or (3) promises to enter into another relationship in the future with the
person or a person closely associated with or related to the person.
A psychologist refrains from entering into a multiple relationship if the multiple relationship could
reasonably be expected to impair the psychologist's objectivity, competence or effectiveness in
performing his or her functions as a psychologist, or otherwise risks exploitation or harm to the
person with whom the professional relationship exists.
Multiple relationships that would not reasonably be expected to cause impairment or risk
exploitation or harm are not unethical.

(b) If a psychologist finds that, due to unforeseen factors, a potentially harmful multiple relationship
has arisen, the psychologist takes reasonable steps to resolve it with due regard for the best
interests of the affected person and maximal compliance with the Ethics Code.

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(c) When psychologists are required by law, institutional policy, or extraordinary circumstances to
serve in more than one role in judicial or administrative proceedings, at the outset they clarify role
expectations and the extent of confidentiality and thereafter as changes occur.
 
3.06 Conflict of Interest
Psychologists refrain from taking on a professional role when personal, scientific, professional,
legal, financial or other interests or relationships could reasonably be expected to (1) impair their
objectivity, competence or effectiveness in performing their functions as psychologists or (2) expose
the person or organization with whom the professional relationship exists to harm or exploitation.
 
3.07 Third-Party Requests for Services
When psychologists agree to provide services to a person or entity at the request of a third party,
psychologists attempt to clarify at the outset of the service the nature of the relationship with all
individuals or organizations involved. This clarification includes the role of the psychologist (e.g.,
therapist, consultant, diagnostician, or expert witness), an identification of who is the client, the
probable uses of the services provided or the information obtained, and the fact that there may be
limits to confidentiality.
 
3.08 Exploitative Relationships
Psychologists do not exploit persons over whom they have supervisory, evaluative or other
authority such as clients/patients, students, supervisees, research participants and employees.
 
3.09 Cooperation with Other Professionals
When indicated and professionally appropriate, psychologists cooperate with other professionals in
order to serve their clients/patients effectively and appropriately.

3.10 Informed Consent

(a) When psychologists conduct research or provide assessment, therapy, counseling or consulting
services in person or via electronic transmission or other forms of communication, they obtain the
informed consent of the individual or individuals using language that is reasonably understandable
to that person or persons except when conducting such activities without consent is mandated by
law or governmental regulation or as otherwise provided in this Ethics Code.

(b) For persons who are legally incapable of giving informed consent, psychologists nevertheless
(1) provide an appropriate explanation, (2) seek the individual's assent, (3) consider such persons'
preferences and best interests, and (4) obtain appropriate permission from a legally authorized
person, if such substitute consent is permitted or required by law. When consent by a legally
authorized person is not permitted or required by law, psychologists take reasonable steps to
protect the individual's rights and welfare.

(c) When psychological services are court ordered or otherwise mandated, psychologists inform the
individual of the nature of the anticipated services, including whether the services are court ordered
or mandated and any limits of confidentiality, before proceeding.

(d) Psychologists appropriately document written or oral consent, permission, and assent.

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3.11 Psychological Services Delivered to or Through Organizations
(a) Psychologists delivering services to or through organizations provide information beforehand to
clients and when appropriate those directly affected by the services about (1) the nature and
objectives of the services, (2) the intended recipients, (3) which of the individuals are clients, (4) the
relationship the psychologist will have with each person and the organization, (5) the probable uses
of services provided and information obtained, (6) who will have access to the information, and (7)
limits of confidentiality. As soon as feasible, they provide information about the results and
conclusions of such services to appropriate persons.

(b) If psychologists will be precluded by law or by organizational roles from providing such
information to particular individuals or groups, they so inform those individuals or groups at the
outset of the service.
 
3.12 Interruption of Psychological Services
Unless otherwise covered by contract, psychologists make reasonable efforts to plan for facilitating
services in the event that psychological services are interrupted by factors such as the
psychologist's illness, death, unavailability, relocation or retirement or by the client's/patient's
relocation or financial limitations.

Standard 4: Privacy and Confidentiality

4.01 Maintaining Confidentiality
Psychologists have a primary obligation and take reasonable precautions to protect confidential
information obtained through or stored in any medium, recognizing that the extent and limits of
confidentiality may be regulated by law or established by institutional rules or professional or
scientific relationship.

4.02 Discussing the Limits of Confidentiality

(a) Psychologists discuss with persons (including, to the extent feasible, persons who are legally
incapable of giving informed consent and their legal representatives) and organizations with whom
they establish a scientific or professional relationship (1) the relevant limits of confidentiality and (2)
the foreseeable uses of the information generated through their psychological activities.

(b) Unless it is not feasible or is contraindicated, the discussion of confidentiality occurs at the
outset of the relationship and thereafter as new circumstances may warrant.

(c) Psychologists who offer services, products, or information via electronic transmission inform
clients/patients of the risks to privacy and limits of confidentiality.
 
4.03 Recording
Before recording the voices or images of individuals to whom they provide services, psychologists
obtain permission from all such persons or their legal representatives.

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4.04 Minimizing Intrusions on Privacy
(a) Psychologists include in written and oral reports and consultations, only information germane to
the purpose for which the communication is made.
(b) Psychologists discuss confidential information obtained in their work only for appropriate
scientific or professional purposes and only with persons clearly concerned with such matters.
 
4.05 Disclosures
(a) Psychologists may disclose confidential information with the appropriate consent of the
organizational client, the individual client/patient or another legally authorized person on behalf of
the client/patient unless prohibited by law.
(b) Psychologists disclose confidential information without the consent of the individual only as
mandated by law, or where permitted by law for a valid purpose such as to (1) provide needed
professional services; (2) obtain appropriate professional consultations; (3) protect the client/patient,
psychologist, or others from harm; or (4) obtain payment for services from a client/patient, in which
instance disclosure is limited to the minimum that is necessary to achieve the purpose.

4.06 Consultations
When consulting with colleagues, (1) psychologists do not disclose confidential information that
reasonably could lead to the identification of a client/patient, research participant or other person or
organization with whom they have a confidential relationship unless they have obtained the prior
consent of the person or organization or the disclosure cannot be avoided, and (2) they disclose
information only to the extent necessary to achieve the purposes of the consultation.

4.07 Use of Confidential Information for Didactic or Other Purposes

Psychologists do not disclose in their writings, lectures or other public media, confidential,
personally identifiable information concerning their clients/patients, students, research participants,
organizational clients or other recipients of their services that they obtained during the course of
their work, unless (1) they take reasonable steps to disguise the person or organization, (2) the
person or organization has consented in writing, or (3) there is legal authorization for doing so.

Standard 5: Advertising and Other Public Statements

5.01 Avoidance of False or Deceptive Statements
(a) Public statements include but are not limited to paid or unpaid advertising, product
endorsements, grant applications, licensing applications, other credentialing applications,
brochures, printed matter, directory listings, personal resumes or curricula vitae or comments for
use in media such as print or electronic transmission, statements in legal proceedings, lectures and
public oral presentations and published materials. Psychologists do not knowingly make public
statements that are false, deceptive or fraudulent concerning their research, practice or other work
activities or those of persons or organizations with which they are affiliated.

(b) Psychologists do not make false, deceptive or fraudulent statements concerning (1) their
training, experience or competence; (2) their academic degrees; (3) their credentials; (4) their
institutional or association affiliations; (5) their services; (6) the scientific or clinical basis for or

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results or degree of success of, their services; (7) their fees; or (8) their publications or research
findings.
(c) Psychologists claim degrees as credentials for their health services only if those degrees (1)
were earned from a regionally accredited educational institution or (2) were the basis for psychology
licensure by the state in which they practice.
 
5.02 Statements by Others
(a) Psychologists who engage others to create or place public statements that promote their
professional practice, products, or activities retain professional responsibility for such statements.

(b) Psychologists do not compensate employees of press, radio, television or other communication
media in return for publicity in a news item.

(c) A paid advertisement relating to psychologists' activities must be identified or clearly

recognizable as such.
 
5.03 Descriptions of Workshops and Non-Degree-Granting Educational Programs
To the degree to which they exercise control, psychologists responsible for announcements,
catalogs, brochures or advertisements describing workshops, seminars or other non-degree-
granting educational programs ensure that they accurately describe the audience for which the
program is intended, the educational objectives, the presenters and the fees involved.
 
5.04 Media Presentations
When psychologists provide public advice or comment via print, Internet or other electronic
transmission, they take precautions to ensure that statements (1) are based on their professional
knowledge, training or experience in accord with appropriate psychological literature and practice;
(2) are otherwise consistent with this Ethics Code; and (3) do not indicate that a professional
relationship has been established with the recipient.

5.05 Testimonials
Psychologists do not solicit testimonials from current therapy clients/patients or other persons who
because of their particular circumstances are vulnerable to undue influence.
 
5.06 In-Person Solicitation
Psychologists do not engage, directly or through agents, in uninvited in-person solicitation of
business from actual or potential therapy clients/patients or other persons who because of their
particular circumstances are vulnerable to undue influence. However, this prohibition does not
preclude (1) attempting to implement appropriate collateral contacts for the purpose of benefiting an
already engaged therapy client/patient or (2) providing disaster or community outreach services.

Standard 6: Record Keeping and Fees

6.01 Documentation of Professional and Scientific Work and Maintenance of Records
Psychologists create, and to the extent the records are under their control, maintain, disseminate,
store, retain and dispose of records and data relating to their professional and scientific work in
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order to (1) facilitate provision of services later by them or by other professionals, (2) allow for
replication of research design and analyses, (3) meet institutional requirements, (4) ensure
accuracy of billing and payments, and (5) ensure compliance with law.

6.02 Maintenance, Dissemination, and Disposal of Confidential Records of Professional and

Scientific Work
(a) Psychologists maintain confidentiality in creating, storing, accessing, transferring and disposing
of records under their control, whether these are written, automated or in any other medium.

(b) If confidential information concerning recipients of psychological services is entered into

databases or systems of records available to persons whose access has not been consented to by
the recipient, psychologists use coding or other techniques to avoid the inclusion of personal
identifiers.

(c) Psychologists make plans in advance to facilitate the appropriate transfer and to protect the
confidentiality of records and data in the event of psychologists' withdrawal from positions or
practice.
 
6.03 Withholding Records for Nonpayment
Psychologists may not withhold records under their control that are requested and needed for a
client's/patient's emergency treatment solely because payment has not been received.
 
6.04 Fees and Financial Arrangements
(a) As early as is feasible in a professional or scientific relationship, psychologists and recipients of
psychological services reach an agreement specifying compensation and billing arrangements.

(b) Psychologists' fee practices are consistent with law.

(c) Psychologists do not misrepresent their fees.

(d) If limitations to services can be anticipated because of limitations in financing, this is discussed
with the recipient of services as early as is feasible.

(e) If the recipient of services does not pay for services as agreed, and if psychologists intend to
use collection agencies or legal measures to collect the fees, psychologists first inform the person
that such measures will be taken and provide that person an opportunity to make prompt payment.

6.05 Barter with Clients/Patients

Barter is the acceptance of goods, services, or other nonmonetary remuneration from
clients/patients in return for psychological services. Psychologists may barter only if (1) it is not
clinically contraindicated, and (2) the resulting arrangement is not exploitative.
 
6.06 Accuracy in Reports to Payors and Funding Sources
In their reports to payors for services or sources of research funding, psychologists take reasonable
steps to ensure the accurate reporting of the nature of the service provided or research conducted,

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the fees, charges or payments, and where applicable, the identity of the provider, the findings and
the diagnosis.

6.07 Referrals and Fees

When psychologists pay, receive payment from or divide fees with another professional, other than
in an employer-employee relationship, the payment to each is based on the services provided
(clinical, consultative, administrative or other) and is not based on the referral itself.

Standard 7: Education and Training

7.01 Design of Education and Training Programs
Psychologists responsible for education and training programs take reasonable steps to ensure that
the programs are designed to provide the appropriate knowledge and proper experiences, and to
meet the requirements for licensure, certification or other goals for which claims are made by the
program.

7.02 Descriptions of Education and Training Programs

Psychologists responsible for education and training programs take reasonable steps to ensure that
there is a current and accurate description of the program content (including participation in
required course- or program-related counseling, psychotherapy, experiential groups, consulting
projects or community service), training goals and objectives, stipends and benefits and
requirements that must be met for satisfactory completion of the program. This information must be
made readily available to all interested parties.
 
7.03 Accuracy in Teaching
(a) Psychologists take reasonable steps to ensure that course syllabi are accurate regarding the
subject matter to be covered, bases for evaluating progress and the nature of course experiences.
This standard does not preclude an instructor from modifying course content or requirements when
the instructor considers it pedagogically necessary or desirable, so long as students are made
aware of these modifications in a manner that enables them to fulfill course requirements.

(b) When engaged in teaching or training, psychologists present psychological information

accurately.
 
7.04 Student Disclosure of Personal Information
Psychologists do not require students or supervisees to disclose personal information in course- or
program-related activities, either orally or in writing, regarding sexual history, history of abuse and
neglect, psychological treatment and relationships with parents, peers and spouses or significant
others except if (1) the program or training facility has clearly identified this requirement in its
admissions and program materials or (2) the information is necessary to evaluate or obtain
assistance for students whose personal problems could reasonably be judged to be preventing
them from performing their training- or professionally related activities in a competent manner or
posing a threat to the students or others.
 
7.05 Mandatory Individual or Group Therapy
(a) When individual or group therapy is a program or course requirement, psychologists responsible
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for that program allow students in undergraduate and graduate programs the option of selecting
such therapy from practitioners unaffiliated with the program.
(b) Faculty who are or are likely to be responsible for evaluating students' academic performance
do not themselves provide that therapy.

7.06 Assessing Student and Supervisee Performance

(a) In academic and supervisory relationships, psychologists establish a timely and specific process
for providing feedback to students and supervisees. Information regarding the process is provided
to the student at the beginning of supervision.

(b) Psychologists evaluate students and supervisees on the basis of their actual performance on
relevant and established program requirements.
 
7.07 Sexual Relationships with Students and Supervisees
Psychologists do not engage in sexual relationships with students or supervisees who are in their
department, agency, or training center or over whom psychologists have or are likely to have
evaluative authority.

Standard 8: Research and Publication

8.01 Institutional Approval
When institutional approval is required, psychologists provide accurate information about their
research proposals and obtain approval prior to conducting the research. They conduct the
research in accordance with the approved research protocol.
 
8.02 Informed Consent to Research
(a) When obtaining informed consent as required in Standard 3.10, Informed Consent,
psychologists inform participants about (1) the purpose of the research, expected duration and
procedures; (2) their right to decline to participate and to withdraw from the research once
participation has begun; (3) the foreseeable consequences of declining or withdrawing; (4)
reasonably foreseeable factors that may be expected to influence their willingness to participate
such as potential risks, discomfort or adverse effects; (5) any prospective research benefits; (6)
limits of confidentiality; (7) incentives for participation; and (8) whom to contact for questions about
the research and research participants' rights. They provide opportunity for the prospective
participants to ask questions and receive answers.

(b) Psychologists conducting intervention research involving the use of experimental treatments
clarify to participants at the outset of the research (1) the experimental nature of the treatment; (2)
the services that will or will not be available to the control group(s) if appropriate; (3) the means by
which assignment to treatment and control groups will be made; (4) available treatment alternatives
if an individual does not wish to participate in the research or wishes to withdraw once a study has
begun; and (5) compensation for or monetary costs of participating including, if appropriate, whether
reimbursement from the participant or a third-party payor will be sought.

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8.03 Informed Consent for Recording Voices and Images in Research
Psychologists obtain informed consent from research participants prior to recording their voices or
images for data collection unless (1) the research consists solely of naturalistic observations in
public places, and it is not anticipated that the recording will be used in a manner that could cause
personal identification or harm, or (2) the research design includes deception, and consent for the
use of the recording is obtained during debriefing.
 
8.04 Client/Patient, Student, and Subordinate Research Participants
(a) When psychologists conduct research with clients/patients, students or subordinates as
participants, psychologists take steps to protect the prospective participants from adverse
consequences of declining or withdrawing from participation.
(b) When research participation is a course requirement or an opportunity for extra credit, the
prospective participant is given the choice of equitable alternative activities.

8.05 Dispensing with Informed Consent for Research

Psychologists may dispense with informed consent only (1) where research would not reasonably
be assumed to create distress or harm and involves (a) the study of normal educational practices,
curricula, or classroom management methods conducted in educational settings; (b) only
anonymous questionnaires, naturalistic observations or archival research for which disclosure of
responses would not place participants at risk of criminal or civil liability or damage their financial
standing, employability or reputation, and confidentiality is protected; or (c) the study of factors
related to job or organization effectiveness conducted in organizational settings for which there is no
risk to participants' employability, and confidentiality is protected or (2) where otherwise permitted
by law or federal or institutional regulations.
 
8.06 Offering Inducements for Research Participation
(a) Psychologists make reasonable efforts to avoid offering excessive or inappropriate financial or
other inducements for research participation when such inducements are likely to coerce
participation.
(b) When offering professional services as an inducement for research participation, psychologists
clarify the nature of the services, as well as the risks, obligations and limitations
 
8.07 Deception in Research
(a) Psychologists do not conduct a study involving deception unless they have determined that the
use of deceptive techniques is justified by the study's significant prospective scientific, educational
or applied value and that effective nondeceptive alternative procedures are not feasible.

(b) Psychologists do not deceive prospective participants about research that is reasonably
expected to cause physical pain or severe emotional distress.

(c) Psychologists explain any deception that is an integral feature of the design and conduct of an
experiment to participants as early as is feasible, preferably at the conclusion of their participation,
but no later than at the conclusion of the data collection, and permit participants to withdraw their
data.
 

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8.08 Debriefing
(a) Psychologists provide a prompt opportunity for participants to obtain appropriate information
about the nature, results, and conclusions of the research, and they take reasonable steps to
correct any misconceptions that participants may have of which the psychologists are aware.

(b) If scientific or humane values justify delaying or withholding this information, psychologists take
reasonable measures to reduce the risk of harm.

(c) When psychologists become aware that research procedures have harmed a participant, they
take reasonable steps to minimize the harm.
 
8.09 Humane Care and Use of Animals in Research
(a) Psychologists acquire, care for, use, and dispose of animals in compliance with current federal,
state and local laws and regulations, and with professional standards.

(b) Psychologists trained in research methods and experienced in the care of laboratory animals
supervise all procedures involving animals and are responsible for ensuring appropriate
consideration of their comfort, health and humane treatment.

(c) Psychologists ensure that all individuals under their supervision who are using animals have
received instruction in research methods and in the care, maintenance and handling of the species
being used, to the extent appropriate to their role.

(d) Psychologists make reasonable efforts to minimize the discomfort, infection, illness and pain of
animal subjects.

(e) Psychologists use a procedure subjecting animals to pain, stress or privation only when an
alternative procedure is unavailable and the goal is justified by its prospective scientific, educational
or applied value.

(f) Psychologists perform surgical procedures under appropriate anesthesia and follow techniques
to avoid infection and minimize pain during and after surgery.

(g) When it is appropriate that an animal's life be terminated, psychologists proceed rapidly, with an
effort to minimize pain and in accordance with accepted procedures.
 
8.10 Reporting Research Results
(a) Psychologists do not fabricate data.

(b) If psychologists discover significant errors in their published data, they take reasonable steps to
correct such errors in a correction, retraction, erratum or other appropriate publication means.
 
8.11 Plagiarism
Psychologists do not present portions of another's work or data as their own, even if the other work
or data source is cited occasionally.

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8.12 Publication Credit
(a) Psychologists take responsibility and credit, including authorship credit, only for work they have
actually performed or to which they have substantially contributed.

(b) Principal authorship and other publication credits accurately reflect the relative scientific or
professional contributions of the individuals involved, regardless of their relative status. Mere
possession of an institutional position, such as department chair, does not justify authorship credit.
Minor contributions to the research or to the writing for publications are acknowledged
appropriately, such as in footnotes or in an introductory statement.

(c) Except under exceptional circumstances, a student is listed as principal author on any multiple-
authored article that is substantially based on the student's doctoral dissertation. Faculty advisors
discuss publication credit with students as early as feasible and throughout the research and
publication process as appropriate.
 
8.13 Duplicate Publication of Data
Psychologists do not publish, as original data, data that have been previously published. This does
not preclude republishing data when they are accompanied by proper acknowledgment.
 
8.14 Sharing Research Data for Verification
(a) After research results are published, psychologists do not withhold the data on which their
conclusions are based from other competent professionals who seek to verify the substantive
claims through reanalysis and who intend to use such data only for that purpose, provided that the
confidentiality of the participants can be protected and unless legal rights concerning proprietary
data preclude their release. This does not preclude psychologists from requiring that such
individuals or groups be responsible for costs associated with the provision of such information.

(b) Psychologists who request data from other psychologists to verify the substantive claims
through reanalysis may use shared data only for the declared purpose. Requesting psychologists
obtain prior written agreement for all other uses of the data.
 
8.15 Reviewers
Psychologists who review material submitted for presentation, publication, grant or research
proposal review respect the confidentiality of and the proprietary rights in such information of those
who submitted it.
Standard 9: Assessment
9.01 Bases for Assessments
(a) Psychologists base the opinions contained in their recommendations, reports and diagnostic or
evaluative statements, including forensic testimony, on information and techniques sufficient to
substantiate their findings.

(b) Except as noted in 9.01c, psychologists provide opinions of the psychological characteristics of
individuals only after they have conducted an examination of the individuals adequate to support
their statements or conclusions. When, despite reasonable efforts, such an examination is not
practical, psychologists document the efforts they made and the result of those efforts, clarify the
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probable impact of their limited information on the reliability and validity of their opinions and
appropriately limit the nature and extent of their conclusions or recommendations.

(c) When psychologists conduct a record review or provide consultation or supervision and an
individual examination is not warranted or necessary for the opinion, psychologists explain this and
the sources of information on which they based their conclusions and recommendations.
 
9.02 Use of Assessments
(a) Psychologists administer, adapt, score, interpret or use assessment techniques, interviews,
tests or instruments in a manner and for purposes that are appropriate in light of the research on or
evidence of the usefulness and proper application of the techniques.

(b) Psychologists use assessment instruments whose validity and reliability have been established
for use with members of the population tested. When such validity or reliability has not been
established, psychologists describe the strengths and limitations of test results and interpretation.

(c) Psychologists use assessment methods that are appropriate to an individual's language
preference and competence, unless the use of an alternative language is relevant to the
assessment issues.
 
9.03 Informed Consent in Assessments
(a) Psychologists obtain informed consent for assessments, evaluations or diagnostic services, as
described in Standard 3.10, Informed Consent, except when (1) testing is mandated by law or
governmental regulations; (2) informed consent is implied because testing is conducted as a routine
educational, institutional or organizational activity (e.g., when participants voluntarily agree to
assessment when applying for a job); or (3) one purpose of the testing is to evaluate decisional
capacity. Informed consent includes an explanation of the nature and purpose of the assessment,
fees, involvement of third parties and limits of confidentiality and sufficient opportunity for the
client/patient to ask questions and receive answers.

(b) Psychologists inform persons with questionable capacity to consent or for whom testing is
mandated by law or governmental regulations about the nature and purpose of the proposed
assessment services, using language that is reasonably understandable to the person being
assessed.

(c) Psychologists using the services of an interpreter obtain informed consent from the client/patient
to use that interpreter, ensure that confidentiality of test results and test security are maintained,
and include in their recommendations, reports and diagnostic or evaluative statements, including
forensic testimony, discussion of any limitations on the data obtained.
 
9.04 Release of Test Data
(a) The term test data refers to raw and scaled scores, client/patient responses to test questions or
stimuli and psychologists' notes and recordings concerning client/patient statements and behavior
during an examination. Those portions of test materials that include client/patient responses are
included in the definition of test data. Pursuant to a client/patient release, psychologists provide test
data to the client/patient or other persons identified in the release. Psychologists may refrain from
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releasing test data to protect a client/patient or others from substantial harm or misuse or
misrepresentation of the data or the test, recognizing that in many instances release of confidential
information under these circumstances is regulated by law.

(b) In the absence of a client/patient release, psychologists provide test data only as required by law
or court order.
 
9.05 Test Construction
Psychologists who develop tests and other assessment techniques use appropriate psychometric
procedures and current scientific or professional knowledge for test design, standardization,
validation, reduction or elimination of bias and recommendations for use.
 
9.06 Interpreting Assessment Results
When interpreting assessment results, including automated interpretations, psychologists take into
account the purpose of the assessment as well as the various test factors, test-taking abilities and
other characteristics of the person being assessed, such as situational, personal, linguistic and
cultural differences, that might affect psychologists' judgments or reduce the accuracy of their
interpretations. They indicate any significant limitations of their interpretations.
 
9.07 Assessment by Unqualified Persons
Psychologists do not promote the use of psychological assessment techniques by unqualified
persons, except when such use is conducted for training purposes with appropriate supervision.

9.08 Obsolete Tests and Outdated Test Results

(a) Psychologists do not base their assessment or intervention decisions or recommendations on
data or test results that are outdated for the current purpose.

(b) Psychologists do not base such decisions or recommendations on tests and measures that are
obsolete and not useful for the current purpose.

9.09 Test Scoring and Interpretation Services

(a) Psychologists who offer assessment or scoring services to other professionals accurately
describe the purpose, norms, validity, reliability and applications of the procedures and any special
qualifications applicable to their use.

(b) Psychologists select scoring and interpretation services (including automated services) on the
basis of evidence of the validity of the program and procedures as well as on other appropriate
considerations.

(c) Psychologists retain responsibility for the appropriate application, interpretation and use of
assessment instruments, whether they score and interpret such tests themselves or use automated
or other services.
 
9.10 Explaining Assessment Results
Regardless of whether the scoring and interpretation are done by psychologists, by employees or
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assistants or by automated or other outside services, psychologists take reasonable steps to ensure
that explanations of results are given to the individual or designated representative unless the
nature of the relationship precludes provision of an explanation of results (such as in some
organizational consulting, preemployment or security screenings, and forensic evaluations), and this
fact has been clearly explained to the person being assessed in advance.
 
9.11 Maintaining Test Security
The term test materials refers to manuals, instruments, protocols and test questions or stimuli and
does not include test data as defined in Standard 9.04, Release of Test Data. Psychologists make
reasonable efforts to maintain the integrity and security of test materials and other assessment
techniques consistent with law and contractual obligations, and in a manner that permits adherence
to this Ethics Code.

Standard 10: Therapy

10.01 Informed Consent to Therapy
(a) When obtaining informed consent to therapy as required in Standard 3.10, Informed Consent,
psychologists inform clients/patients as early as is feasible in the therapeutic relationship about the
nature and anticipated course of therapy, fees, involvement of third parties and limits of
confidentiality and provide sufficient opportunity for the client/patient to ask questions and receive
answers.

(b) When obtaining informed consent for treatment for which generally recognized techniques and
procedures have not been established, psychologists inform their clients/patients of the developing
nature of the treatment, the potential risks involved, alternative treatments that may be available
and the voluntary nature of their participation.

(c) When the therapist is a trainee and the legal responsibility for the treatment provided resides
with the supervisor, the client/patient, as part of the informed consent procedure, is informed that
the therapist is in training and is being supervised and is given the name of the supervisor.
 
10.02 Therapy Involving Couples or Families
(a) When psychologists agree to provide services to several persons who have a relationship (such
as spouses, significant others, or parents and children), they take reasonable steps to clarify at the
outset (1) which of the individuals are clients/patients and (2) the relationship the psychologist will
have with each person. This clarification includes the psychologist's role and the probable uses of
the services provided or the information obtained.

(b) If it becomes apparent that psychologists may be called on to perform potentially conflicting
roles (such as family therapist and then witness for one party in divorce proceedings), psychologists
take reasonable steps to clarify and modify, or withdraw from, roles appropriately.

10.03 Group Therapy

When psychologists provide services to several persons in a group setting, they describe at the
outset the roles and responsibilities of all parties and the limits of confidentiality.
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10.04 Providing Therapy to Those Served by Others
In deciding whether to offer or provide services to those already receiving mental health services
elsewhere, psychologists carefully consider the treatment issues and the potential client's/patient's
welfare. Psychologists discuss these issues with the client/patient or another legally authorized
person on behalf of the client/patient in order to minimize the risk of confusion and conflict, consult
with the other service providers when appropriate, and proceed with caution and sensitivity to the
therapeutic issues.
 
10.05 Sexual Intimacies with Current Therapy Clients/Patients
Psychologists do not engage in sexual intimacies with current therapy clients/patients.
 
10.06 Sexual Intimacies with Relatives or Significant Others of Current Therapy
Clients/Patients
Psychologists do not engage in sexual intimacies with individuals they know to be close relatives,
guardians, or significant others of current clients/patients. Psychologists do not terminate therapy to
circumvent this standard.
 
10.07 Therapy with Former Sexual Partners
Psychologists do not accept as therapy clients/patients persons with whom they have engaged in
sexual intimacies.
 
10.08 Sexual Intimacies with Former Therapy Clients/Patients
(a) Psychologists do not engage in sexual intimacies with former clients/patients for at least two
years after cessation or termination of therapy.

(b) Psychologists do not engage in sexual intimacies with former clients/patients even after a two-
year interval except in the most unusual circumstances. Psychologists who engage in such activity
after the two years following cessation or termination of therapy and of having no sexual contact
with the former client/patient bear the burden of demonstrating that there has been no exploitation,
in light of all relevant factors, including (1) the amount of time that has passed since therapy
terminated; (2) the nature, duration, and intensity of the therapy; (3) the circumstances of
termination; (4) the client's/patient's personal history; (5) the client's/patient's current mental status;
(6) the likelihood of adverse impact on the client/patient; and (7) any statements or actions made by
the therapist during the course of therapy suggesting or inviting the possibility of a posttermination
sexual or romantic relationship with the client/patient.
 
10.09 Interruption of Therapy
When entering into employment or contractual relationships, psychologists make reasonable efforts
to provide for orderly and appropriate resolution of responsibility for client/patient care in the event
that the employment or contractual relationship ends, with paramount consideration given to the
welfare of the client/patient.

10.10 Terminating Therapy

(a) Psychologists terminate therapy when it becomes reasonably clear that the client/patient no
longer needs the service, is not likely to benefit, or is being harmed by continued service.

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(b) Psychologists may terminate therapy when threatened or otherwise endangered by the
client/patient or another person with whom the client/patient has a relationship.

(c) Except where precluded by the actions of clients/patients or third-party payors, prior to
termination psychologists provide pretermination counseling and suggest alternative service
providers as appropriate.

History and Effective Date

The American Psychological Association’s Council of Representatives adopted this version of the
APA Ethics Code during its meeting on August 21, 2002. The Code became effective on June 1,
2003. The Council of Representatives amended this version of the Ethics Code on February 20,
2010. The amendments became effective on June 1, 2010. Inquiries concerning the substance or
interpretation of the APA Ethics Code should be addressed to the Director, Office of Ethics,
American Psychological Association, 750 First St. NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242. The standards
in this Ethics Code will be used to adjudicate complaints brought concerning alleged conduct
occurring on or after the effective date. Complaints will be adjudicated on the basis of the version of
the Ethics Code that was in effect at the time the conduct occurred.

The APA has previously published its Ethics Code as follows:

American Psychological Association. (1953). Ethical standards of psychologists. Washington, DC:
Author.
American Psychological Association. (1959). Ethical standards of psychologists. American
Psychologist, 14, 279-282.
American Psychological Association. (1963). Ethical standards of psychologists. American
Psychologist, 18, 56-60.
American Psychological Association. (1968). Ethical standards of psychologists. American
Psychologist, 23, 357-361.
American Psychological Association. (1977, March). Ethical standards of psychologists.
APA Monitor, 22-23.
American Psychological Association. (1979). Ethical standards of psychologists. Washington, DC:
Author.
American Psychological Association. (1981). Ethical principles of psychologists. American
Psychologist, 36, 633-638.
American Psychological Association. (1990). Ethical principles of psychologists (Amended June 2,
1989). American Psychologist, 45, 390-395.
American Psychological Association. (1992). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of
conduct. American Psychologist,47, 1597-1611.
American Psychological Association. (2002). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of
conduct. American Psychologist,57, 1060-1073.
Request copies of the APA's Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct from the APA
Order Department, 750 First St. NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242, or phone (202) 336-5510

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Language of the 2002 Ethics Code with Changes Marked
Introduction and Applicability
If psychologists’ ethical responsibilities conflict with law, regulations, or other governing legal
authority, psychologists make known their commitment to this Ethics Code and take steps to
resolve the conflict in a responsible manner. If the conflict is unresolvable via such means,
psychologists may adhere to the requirements of the law, regulations, or other governing
authority in keeping with basic principles of human rights.
1.02 Conflicts Between Ethics and Law, Regulations, or Other Governing Legal Authority
If psychologists’ ethical responsibilities conflict with law, regulations, or other governing legal
authority, psychologists clarify the nature of the conflict, make known their commitment to the Ethics
Code and take reasonable steps to resolve the conflictconsistent with the General Principles and
Ethical Standards of the Ethics Code. If the conflict is unresolvable via such means, psychologists
may adhere to the requirements of the law, regulations, or other governing legal authority.Under no
circumstances may this standard be used to justify or defend violating human rights.
1.03 Conflicts Between Ethics and Organizational Demands
If the demands of an organization with which psychologists are affiliated or for whom they are
working are in conflict with this Ethics Code, psychologists clarify the nature of the conflict, make
known their commitment to the Ethics Code, and to the extent feasible, resolve the conflict in a way
that permits adherence to the Ethics Code.take reasonable steps to resolve the conflict consistent
with the General Principles and Ethical Standards of the Ethics Code. Under no circumstances may
this standard be used to justify or defend violating human rights.

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