What must psychologists do before terminating treatment under Pennsylvania law?

Before terminating treatment under Pennsylvania law, psychologists are required to provide appropriate notice and options for transferring care. This legal and ethical requirement ensures that clients are treated with respect and consideration, facilitating a smoother transition when treatment ends.

Providing notice informs the client of the termination, allowing them to understand the reasons behind it and ensuring that it is not abrupt or unexpected. This step is crucial in maintaining the therapeutic relationship's integrity and helps to protect the client’s well-being. Additionally, offering options for transferring care is fundamental, as it enables clients to continue receiving the support they need from other qualified professionals. This not only upholds the duty of care but also emphasizes the responsibility psychologists have to their clients’ continuity of care.

Other choices do not encapsulate the legal obligation fully. Simply notifying the client verbally and stopping all treatment immediately neglects the essential components of care continuity and client welfare. Completing a final assessment and providing a summary report might be part of a psychologist's professional practice, yet it does not replace the need for a structured transition process. Reassessing treatment goals together with the client could be beneficial but does not address the crucial issue of how care will be managed post-termination. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive and compassionate approach