California Law and Ethics Practice Exam

What is recognized about the use of electronic communication devices in therapy?

1. All forms of electronic communication are equally secure

2. Hard-wired lines are more secure than wireless communication

3. Therapists should avoid any form of electronic communication

4. Clients should always use texting for communication

The correct answer is: Hard-wired lines are more secure than wireless communication

Hard-wired lines are indeed considered more secure than wireless communication because they are less susceptible to interception and hacking. When communication occurs over a hard-wired line, the transmission is typically confined to physical connections, making unauthorized access more challenging. In contrast, wireless communication can be intercepted by individuals with the right technology, posing a higher risk for sensitive information being accessed by unintended parties. While it's important for therapists to consider the security of their communication methods, they do not need to avoid all forms of electronic communication entirely. Careful selection of secure methods, along with informed consent from clients about the risks and benefits of using electronic communication, can create a safe therapeutic environment. Other options might suggest inappropriate or non-secure methods of communication, which do not align with best practices in confidentiality or security in therapy.