Kim, who works for a small nonprofit counselling agency, is counselling Mark, an 18-year-old college student who is worried about his recent binge drinking behaviours. Because Mark uses his smartphone "for everything," Kim agrees to use texting to set up appointments. One morning upon checking her text messages, Kim finds a message sent by Mark at 2:00 am simply stating that "life has no meaning" and that he will "now end everything". Kim sends off a frantic message to Mark, indicating her concern and requesting he contact her immediately. Kim does not know Mark's address, and the phone number provided is no longer in service.

1. Identification of the individuals and groups potentially affected by the decision.

Usually, psychologists and clients would be legally interested in the result of an ethical dilemma. In some cases, third parties, such as an insurance company or court or agency that has hired a psychologist, may be involved.

2. Identification of ethically relevant issues and practices, including the interests, rights, and any relevant characteristics of the individuals and groups involved and of the system or circumstances in which the ethical problem arose.

The question obliges to review relevant professional documents, starting with the code for the relevant jurisdiction, the Code of Ethics, professional standards and scientific literature.

With the CPA Code of Ethics, four ethical principles should apply here as well:

Respect for the dignity of persons.

Responsible caring.

Integrity in relationships.

Responsibility to society.

3. Consideration of how personal biases, stresses, or self-interest might influence the development of or choice between courses of action.

Doing the right things professionally requires altruistic motives and commitment to serve others. When a psychologist finds out about any matter that affects a decision, he should refrain from acting in an ethical process, as the problem may interfere with compliance with professional responsibilities to consciousness before making an ethical decision. In both cases, it would be advisable to consult a trusted colleague.

4. Development of alternative courses of action.

In a situation where no single ethical principle prevails over others, the number of ethical actions may be ethically appropriate. A review of relevant codes and ethics literature can be beneficial.

5. Analysis of likely short-term, ongoing, and long-term risks and benefits of each course of action on the individual(s)/group(s) involved or likely to be affected (e.g., client, client's family or employees, employing institution, students, research participants, colleagues, the discipline, society, self).

When evaluating the alternative courses of actions generated in step 4, there is a need to consider:

Satisfies the preferences of the affected parties,

Presents no new ethical problems,

Addresses the ethical principles that are in conflict,

Advances one principles over the other(s) in conflict,

It can practically be implemented.

6. Choice of course of action after conscientious application of existing principles, values, and standards.

After applying steps 1 to 5, the psychologist must make a choice that will be justified for others and for his conscience.

7. Action, with a commitment to assume responsibility for the consequences of the action.

Making a decision is not enough; one must act to be able to say that he is genuinely ethical. Remember that even doing anything is a choice. All reasonable steps should be taken to inform and involve the person concerned and to document the ethical decision-making process.

8. Evaluation of the results of the course of action.

The assessment goes hand in hand with the implementation where the psychologist monitors all interested parties.

9. Assumption of responsibility for consequences of action, including correction of negative consequences, if any, or re-engaging in the decision-making process if the ethical issue is not resolved.

Although psychologists are expected to consult others and be guided by professional codes and standards, the responsibility lies with the individual psychologist. Often, their actions reveal additional dimensions of the situation, which can lead to a redefinition of the problem, which requires further alternatives.

10. Appropriate action, as warranted and feasible, to prevent future occurrences of the dilemma (e.g., communication and problem solving with colleagues; changes in procedures and practices).

Taking the time to reflect on what I have learned from this situation is probably the best way to prevent future dilemmas.