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Navigating "Patient" vs. "Client" in APA 7 Style: A Guide for Psychological Writing

Jennifer Hill

In the ever-evolving field of psychology, language plays a shaping role in how we perceive and interact with those we serve. The APA 7th Edition Publication Manual provides important guidance on using the terms "patient" and "client" in psychological writing.

Key Recommendations:

  1. Use "patient" in healthcare settings: When describing individuals diagnosed with mental health, behavioral health, or medical conditions who are receiving services from healthcare providers, the term "patient" is preferred. This aligns psychological writing with the broader healthcare system's language.

  2. Use "client" in other contexts: In academic, business, school, or other non-healthcare settings, "client" or another appropriate term may be preferred.

  3. Promote integration: Using "patient" in healthcare contexts helps position psychologists as integral members of interprofessional, integrated healthcare teams.

  4. Respect individual preferences: Above all, the APA emphasizes respecting the preferences of service recipients and their families when choosing terminology.

  5. Consider cultural context: Be mindful of cultural preferences and norms when selecting terminology.

Implications for Writers and Practitioners:

This guidance encourages writers and practitioners to be mindful of their context and audience. It also reflects the growing integration of psychology within the broader healthcare system.

However, it's important to note that this is not a one-size-fits-all rule. The APA stresses the importance of flexibility and respect for individual and cultural preferences. In practice, this might mean asking individuals in your research study how they prefer to be addressed or described. Such a question could be easily incorporated into a standard research survey design.

As psychological writing continues to evolve, staying attuned to these nuances in terminology can help ensure our language is both professionally appropriate and personally respectful. Always prioritize clear, respectful communication over rigid adherence to rules.

Reference:

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).  https://doi.org/10.1037/0000165-000