How is "negligence" defined in the context of psychological practice?

In the context of psychological practice, "negligence" is defined as failing to provide the standard of care that a reasonably competent psychologist would provide. This means that a psychologist is expected to adhere to the professional standards and guidelines established in the field. If a psychologist does not meet these standards and a patient experiences harm as a result, that psychologist may be held liable for negligence.

The standard of care is determined by the prevailing practices and knowledge in the field of psychology, ensuring that patients receive appropriate and effective treatment. Negligence encompasses various actions or omissions that deviate from this standard, such as inadequate assessment, mismanagement of treatment, or failure to maintain appropriate boundaries, which ultimately can lead to harm or negative outcomes for the patient.

Understanding this definition is crucial in the practice of psychology, as it underlines the importance of maintaining professional standards to protect clients and establish accountability among practitioners.