psychology 627
Vignette Analysis
Students will complete a formal case vignette analysis in writing. The vignette analysis will cover the following areas:
- In-depth explanation of the legal, clinical, and ethical issues
- CAMFT code of ethics involved
- APA principles involved
- Discussion of applicable questions involving the vignette
- Decision Tree/Ethical Decision-Making Process (Read the steps in Ethical Decision Making in Chapter 1 of your text and the Ethical Dilemma Poster located in Course Resources)
- Therapist plan of action: Write up a treatment plan for this scenario.
Case
Mercedes is a 14-year-old Hispanic female who currently resides with her maternal grandmother, Magdalena, who is 72 years old. Magdalena, concerned about Mercedes’ recent difficulties in school, has scheduled an assessment at my office. One week prior to the appointment, your office received a fax from a person claiming to be Mercedes’ aunt. The fax contained detailed information about Mercedes’ potential suicidality, inclusive of past attempts, and elder abuse that she is alleged to have committed against her grandmother. The paperwork includes Mercedes’ history of neglect with a homeless and drug addicted mother and statements that she has made about “wanting to die”. Additionally, it describes events when Mercedes has gone to the bank with her grandmother and withdrawn money from the grandmother’s account. The aunt writes that she spoke with the bank teller, who reported that the grandmother seemed confused at the time. The aunt also indicates that she believes Mercedes has opened credit cards in the grandmother’s name, but has no proof of this and the grandmother denies that this has occurred.
When you call the aunt to follow up on her concerns and to explain the policy of “no secrets” and confidentiality, she becomes very anxious. She repeatedly states that she does not want Mercedes and Magdalena to know that she has provided you with this information. The aunt goes on to say that they both will deny everything because, per the aunt’s report, Mercedes is very manipulative and Magdalena becomes easily confused and disoriented. The aunt hangs up the phone and is unable to be contacted for further assessment or to engage in services.