What is the Professional Standard for giving out advice over the forums?

[ErikAndersen]

I reside in the United States, specifically New York State. Are there any ethicists who could help me understand?

[pert -5]

Remember that if people go to internet forums for answers they always bear the risk that someone might give them deleterious or false information (which is obvious, but I wanted to say it.)  Really there is no legal, set standard for doling out suggestions over the internet, it is anyone's game.  The ethics reside solely on the shoulders of you, the advice giver. 

If you have a professional practice then you might ask yourself, for example, "is this advice I would give to someone who employed my services?"  One thing that I like to do is to enter a caveat like: "in my opinion" or "if it were me, I would..."  I also tell people that if it is a serious problem that they should seek person-to-person professional help as soon as possible.

Hope that helps.

[SWM]

I dont know where the law stands but this is a discussion forum and not the best place to get advice about personal, psychological or emotional problems. it is an anonymous forum and so you cannot know for sure who the person is behind the avatar and username.

i would be very cautious when giving or taking advice on personal problems from an anonymous stranger on a forum.

[ErikAndersen]

Duly noted. Thank you both.