No, Donna should not treat Mary for her disordered eating. While Donna is a licensed professional counselor, treating eating disorders requires specialized training and expertise that she currently lacks. Here’s why:

Reasons why Donna shouldn’t treat Mary:

• Lack of specialized training: Disordered eating is a complex medical and psychological condition requiring specific knowledge and treatment approaches. Donna’s general counseling training, even coupled with experience with one case of emotional eating, doesn’t qualify her to handle the intricacies of various eating disorders.
• Potential for harm: Misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment, or failure to recognize medical complications can cause significant harm to Mary’s physical and mental health.
• Ethical violations: It’s unethical for Donna to practice outside her scope of competence, potentially breaching her professional code of ethics and risking disciplinary action.

What Donna should do:

• Refer Mary to a qualified eating disorder specialist: This involves identifying licensed professionals with relevant training and experience in treating eating disorders. Donna can search provider directories, consult colleagues, or reach out to professional organizations for recommendations.
• Inform Mary about the need for specialized care: Explain to Mary why she needs treatment from an eating disorder specialist and provide a list of potential referrals. Answering Mary’s questions and offering support throughout the referral process demonstrates professionalism and care.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries: While referring Mary, Donna can offer general support and help navigate the healthcare system, but she should avoid providing any specific treatment or advice related to eating disorders.

Considerations classmates might not have mentioned:

• Legal implications: In some states, treating eating disorders without proper qualifications might constitute practicing medicine without a license, leading to legal repercussions.
• Insurance coverage: Mary’s insurance might not cover treatment from a non-qualified provider, creating financial burdens.
• Impact on trust and reputation: Taking on a case beyond one’s competence can damage trust with clients and negatively impact professional reputation.

Donna prioritizing Mary’s well-being and ethical practice by referring her to a qualified specialist demonstrates responsible and ethical decision-making, ultimately benefiting Mary’s recovery journey.