Under what circumstances is a psychologist mandated to report a supervisee misusing alcohol and drugs?

In the context of a psychologist's ethical and legal obligations, a psychologist is mandated to report a supervisee's misuse of alcohol and drugs primarily if the colleague is not engaged in treatment. This situation raises concerns for public safety and the well-being of clients due to the potential impairment of professional judgment or ethical conduct related to the misuse of substances.

When a supervisee is not in treatment, the psychologist has a responsibility to take action to prevent harm. By reporting, the psychologist ensures that the supervisee receives appropriate support and intervention that can help address the misuse of substances, thereby protecting clients and upholding the standards of the profession.

This obligation exists even if other circumstances, like third-party reports or voluntary admissions, occur. However, voluntary admissions might indicate some level of self-awareness and willingness to seek help, and confidentiality requests do not negate the obligation to act when there is a significant risk of harm to clients or the public. Therefore, the decision to report is grounded in the potential risk associated with the supervisee's condition, especially when they are not receiving treatment.