What are psychologists required to do with clients to maintain ethical standards?

Maintaining competence in their practice area is a fundamental ethical requirement for psychologists. This obligation ensures that practitioners are equipped with the most current knowledge and skills relevant to their field, which ultimately safeguards clients' well-being. Competence involves staying updated with new research, techniques, and best practices, which is essential for effective treatment. When psychologists commit to lifelong learning and professional development, they can provide the highest standard of care to their clients.

In contrast, offering discounts for long-term treatments, providing free consultations, or guaranteeing specific treatment outcomes do not directly address the ethical principle of competence. While these actions may appear beneficial, they don't necessarily reflect a psychologist's adherence to ethical standards related to the quality and effectiveness of their professional practice. Competence underpins all other ethical obligations, highlighting its critical role in safeguarding the integrity of the psychologist-client relationship.