What is an obligation of psychologists regarding the outcome of their assessments?

Psychologists have an obligation to explain the implications and recommendations resulting from their assessments clearly to clients. This responsibility is grounded in the ethical principles of psychology, which emphasize informed consent, transparency, and the client's right to understand their treatment options and the rationale behind specific recommendations. By clearly articulating assessment outcomes, psychologists enable clients to make informed decisions about their mental health care, fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship.

Sharing results, while sometimes necessary, is typically limited to relevant parties involved in the client's care and should not be indiscriminate. The obligation to maintain confidentiality is paramount in psychology, but there are circumstances under which some disclosure may be warranted, such as legal or ethical requirements. Therefore, providing results only when they benefit the client does not encompass the full scope of a psychologist's duty regarding outcomes, as the objective is to ensure comprehensive understanding rather than just selective benefit.