What action can lead to the prosecution of a psychologist for ethical violations?

The action that can lead to the prosecution of a psychologist for ethical violations is failing to follow the Code of Ethics set by the Board. Psychologists are required to adhere strictly to the ethical guidelines and standards established by professional bodies and licensing boards. These codes are designed to ensure the welfare of clients, promote integrity in the profession, and maintain public trust in psychological services.

When a psychologist neglects these standards, it can result in serious consequences, including disciplinary actions, loss of license, and potential legal prosecution. The adherence to these ethical guidelines is crucial because they encompass duties such as maintaining client confidentiality, providing competent services, and avoiding conflicts of interest.

In contrast, the other options involve situations that may not necessarily constitute ethical violations. The personal opinion on conducting therapy may vary among professionals, and training in a new technique is a normal part of professional development, as is the terminology used— while it can create confusion, calling oneself a counselor instead of a psychologist may not alone lead to prosecution unless it involves misrepresentation or violation of licensure laws.