When might a psychologist provide emergency services even if not fully competent?

Providing emergency services in situations where a psychologist may not be fully competent can be justified when they have closely related training and experience. It highlights the importance of understanding that while competence is essential in psychological practice, certain scenarios—especially emergencies—may necessitate action even in the absence of complete expertise.

In emergency situations, timely assistance can be critical. If a psychologist has received training or has experience that is closely related to the circumstances at hand—even if it doesn't encompass the complete range of required competencies—they might still be in a position to provide meaningful support or guidance. This response involves a balance between ethical considerations and the duty to care for individuals in crisis.

The other options do not align with the ethical standards and professional guidelines established for psychologists. For example, providing services when no clients are available or during non-business hours does not inherently justify acting outside one's competence, as the need for professionalism and ethical considerations remains constant. Additionally, responding only if a client asks overlooks the psychologist's responsibility to assess their capability to provide appropriate care. Hence, the rationale for option B encompasses both ethical practice and the practical response to immediate needs in crisis situations.