What could the Ethics Committee do if a psychologist's actions are deliberate and cause harm?

The Ethics Committee has the authority to censure a psychologist if their actions are deliberate and cause harm. Censure serves as a formal reprimand acknowledging that the psychologist has violated ethical guidelines. This action reflects the seriousness of the offense and communicates that such behavior is unacceptable within the profession. Censure can also have implications for the psychologist’s professional reputation and standing within the field.

This response is appropriate in cases where the actions of the psychologist are not just a minor infraction but a deliberate act that has significantly harmed clients or the profession. Censure allows the committee to hold the psychologist accountable while also maintaining standards of ethical practice.

In contrast, options such as issuing a warning might be more suitable for less serious infractions, and implementing a self-service training program would typically be preventative rather than a direct response to harmful behavior. Authorizing additional supervision could be appropriate in some cases, but it generally serves as a remedial measure rather than an official sanction against the behavior.