2024 SPA Expert Insights - Ethical Challenges Evolving in Psychological Assessment

Abstract

Assessment is a cornerstone of psychological practice and is touted by public figures as a major contribution of our profession given its impact on educational placement, employment decisions, child-custody, medical procedures, forensics, eligibility to own lethal weapons, identification of neuropsychological strengths and limitations, and treatment planning for mental health concerns. Ethical standards and nearly all clinical practice guidelines include attention to psychological assessment practices. Standards include attention to the uses, procedures, informed consent, release of data, test construction, test security, interpretation and explanation of test results, use of scoring and interpretive services, etc. While these topical areas may seem straightforward, controversies often arise. Current literature highlights the impact of: telepsychology competence in the usage of interpretive programs and artificial intelligence; online (remote) assessments; legal implications in the access and release of clinical data; and interdisciplinary collaborations in the assessment process. In addition, the availability of novel assessment procedures (e.g., technologically assisted methods – data collected via smartphones, virtual reality) create new sources of viable assessment data for the clinician and researcher. The purpose of this workshop is to identify contemporary challenges impacting psychological assessment and assist professionals in making ethical decisions throughout the assessment process. Clinical vignettes and exercises will be used throughout to illustrate and highlight aspects of ethically competent practices.

Presenter

Lisa Suzuki | New York University