What must psychologists do when making recommendations based on reviewed records?

When psychologists make recommendations based on reviewed records, it is essential that they explain the sources of information used for their conclusions. This practice upholds professional standards by ensuring transparency and allows for a clear understanding of how the recommendations were derived. By detailing the sources, psychologists provide context and validation for their conclusions, which are critical for credibility and accountability in their practice. This approach helps to maintain an ethical framework and fosters trust between the psychologist, the client, and any relevant third parties.

Maintaining confidentiality is a fundamental obligation in psychology, but omitting sources entirely would undermine the clarity of the psychologist's conclusions, making it difficult for others to understand the basis of the recommendations. The mere expression of personal opinions, without a foundation of evidence or information from reviewed records, does not meet the professional expectations for making informed recommendations. Additionally, while a list of all records reviewed may be comprehensive, it may not be necessary in every case and could lead to an overwhelming amount of information that detracts from the core recommendation. In summary, providing clarity about the information used is crucial for professionals in the field and aligns with best practices in psychological assessment and reporting.