An obstetrician treating a heroin-addicted mother considers whether to comply with state law requiring medical professionals to report drug-addicted pregnant women to law enforcement for child endangerment.
A drug treatment counselor considers whether to allow a patient a second chance in the drug-treatment program, against stated program rules.
A religious cleric considers how to support a member of the community struggling with depression and alcoholism, who declines recommended referral to expert medical treatment.
A primary care physician considers if s/he can competently provide treatment to a patient who may have a serious psychiatric disorder and does not wish to go to another doctor.
A physician considers whether to honor a promising medical student’s request to withhold a diagnosis of depression from her record. The medical student fears a record of depression could hurt her career.
A psychologist considers whether there is a duty to warn a couple whom the jealous patient has expressed a desire to stalk and frighten.
An adolescent medicine physician considers how to help a potentially suicidal non-minor young adult who declines treatment. Potential options include the possibility of petitioning the court to coerce inpatient treatment.
A psychiatrist considers whether to use a placebo (a fake treatment) on a patient whom the clinician thinks might benefit.
Case studies on clinical ethics issues and patient care issues relating to mental and behavioral health issues.