Complementary/alternative medicine: Ethical, professional, and practical challenges for psychologists

Do your clients talk about using various complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) approaches to deal with their problems? Are you aware of the research on these approaches and their possible effect on health? Many popular CAM approaches are described, and the background and efficacy literature on several of them is reviewed and discussed. Ethical, legal, and practical issues for psychologists are discussed. Data from a preliminary survey of members of the American Psychological Association (N = 202) on their knowledge and use of CAM are reported. A majority held favorable opinions of the potential legitimacy of alternative modalities, but many correctly assumed that state laws are,ambiguous on this matter. This information may help the practicing psychologist respond more effectively when clients talk about their CAM interests and practices.