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It has to be about choice.

L J Tenney1

  • 1laurentenney@aol.com

Journal of Clinical Psychology
|December 1, 2000
PubMed
Summary

The mental health system requires significant ethical reform, emphasizing patient choice and systemic change. True progress in psychology necessitates a shift from maintaining the status quo to prioritizing individual autonomy and respect within the system.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Mental Health Systems
  • Ethics in Healthcare

Background:

  • The author's personal and professional experiences span over two decades within the mental health system.
  • A critical perspective has been developed regarding the ethical standards and systemic practices in psychology.
  • Past advocacy efforts involved defending the system, but a realization of its resistance to change emerged.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically examine the ethical underpinnings and systemic inertia within the mental health and psychology fields.
  • To advocate for a paradigm shift prioritizing patient choice and ethical conduct.
  • To challenge the self-perpetuating nature of psychological institutions.

Main Methods:

  • Personal narrative and reflection on long-term engagement with the mental health system.
  • Critical analysis of psychological institutions and their self-regulatory mechanisms.
  • Advocacy for systemic change based on lived experience.

Main Results:

  • The author has moved from being an apologist for the system to a vocal critic demanding ethical accountability.
  • Systemic change within psychology is difficult to achieve without internal buy-in, despite clear needs for reform.
  • The current system is perceived as self-perpetuating, defining its own rules and transgressors.

Conclusions:

  • The mental health system requires fundamental ethical restructuring and a commitment to patient autonomy.
  • Meaningful reform is contingent on the willingness of those within the system to embrace change.
  • The core principle for a reformed mental health system must be centered on individual choice.

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