What does the term 'malpractice' refer to in a psychological context?

In a psychological context, 'malpractice' refers specifically to negligent actions taken by a psychologist that fail to meet the professional duty of care owed to a client, leading to harm as a result of those actions. This definition encompasses scenarios where a therapist may not uphold their responsibility to provide competent care, which can include a range of behaviors, such as inadequate assessment, failure to diagnose properly, or not following accepted ethical guidelines. When such negligence occurs and results in tangible harm to the client, it constitutes malpractice.

This term is crucial as it emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards of practice in psychological services. It highlights the necessity for practitioners to stay informed about clinical practices, adhere to ethical guidelines, and continuously update their skills to prevent situations that could lead to legal and professional consequences for both themselves and their clients.