What should a psychologist do when asked to perform conflicting roles in a forensic setting?

In forensic settings, psychologists often find themselves in positions where their roles may conflict, such as providing evaluations for both the defense and prosecution, or serving as both a treatment provider and evaluator for a client. In these situations, it is crucial to clarify role expectations and confidentiality at the outset.

Doing so ensures that all parties involved have a clear understanding of the psychologist's responsibilities, the limits of confidentiality, and how these may differ based on the specific roles being taken on. This clarification helps to prevent misunderstandings and can guide ethical decision-making, maintaining the integrity of the psychologist's work while protecting the interests of their clients.

Additionally, clarifying roles aids in setting boundaries and managing the expectations of the legal system, thereby upholding the psychologist's ethical obligations. For these reasons, addressing role expectations and confidentiality is essential in mitigating potential conflicts and maintaining ethical standards in forensic psychology.