Parental Disclosure: How Should a Practitioner Proceed if a Parent Requests
Dual Relationships: How Should a School Psychologist Proceed if Asked to Counsel
a Relative’s Child?
It may not be uncommon that a school psychologist be asked to provide counseling for relative
or close neighbor. Although not uncommon, providing such services would constitute a dual relationship,
whereby a school psychologist must delicately balance two relational issues. A practitioner
should consider other service providers, such as a school counselor or school social worker who
may be able to provide such services. School mental health service units should consider alternative
treatment options for such situations.