What does Pennsylvania law define as "exploitation" in a therapeutic relationship?

In Pennsylvania law, "exploitation" within a therapeutic relationship is specifically defined as taking advantage of the client or their resources for personal gain. This encompasses any actions by the psychologist that utilize the client's vulnerabilities or circumstances to enrich themselves financially, socially, or psychologically.

This definition emphasizes the ethical responsibility of psychologists to maintain a clear boundary between their professional obligations and their personal interests, ensuring that the client's well-being remains the primary concern. By recognizing the inherent power dynamics in the therapist-client relationship, the law seeks to protect clients from potential abuses that can arise when a practitioner prioritizes their own interests over their clients’.

The other answer options, while they may describe unethical practices, do not fit the specific legal definition of exploitation. Using therapeutic techniques for personal benefit may imply exploitation, but it does not fully capture the element of taking advantage of the client’s resources. Making unauthorized changes to treatment plans relates more to informed consent violations rather than exploitation. Similarly, disclosing patient information for financial gain is a serious breach of confidentiality but does not necessarily encompass the broader principle of exploitation as defined by the law.