Patient targeted googling (PTG) is the behavior of obtaining patient-related information through search engines, social platforms, etc. In the field of mental health services, PTG is widely disputed because of its complex ethical issues: on the one hand, PTG may violate patient privacy, undermine treatment boundaries, and affect treatment relationships. On the other hand, PTG can help to evaluate and screen patients, and also, at critical moments, ensure patient safety. Therefore, it is essential to research further on PTG in the field of mental health services and to establish corresponding ethical standards and decision-making procedures for the purpose of regulating and managing the PTG behavior of professionals.
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