2014 ACA Code of Ethics

24 Pages·2014·0.51 MB·English

by  American Counseling Association

2014
ACA

Code of Ethics
As approved by the ACA Governing Council
AMERICAN COUNSELING
ASSOCIATION
counseling.org
Mission
The mission of the American Counseling Association
is to enhance the quality of life in society by promoting
the development of professional counselors, advancing
the counseling profession, and using the profession and
practice of counseling to promote respect for human
dignity and diversity.
© 2014 by the American Counseling Association.
All rights reserved. Note: This document may be reproduced in its entirety without permission for non-commercial
purposes only.
Contents
ACA Code of Ethics Preamble • 3
ACA Code of Ethics Purpose • 3
Section A
The Counseling Relationship • 4
Section B
Confidentiality and Privacy • 6
Section C
Professional Responsibility • 8
Section D
Relationships With Other Professionals • 10
Section E
Evaluation, Assessment, and
Interpretation • 11
Section F
Supervision, Training, and Teaching • 12
Section G
Research and Publication • 15
Section H
Distance Counseling, Technology,
and Social Media • 17
Section I
Resolving Ethical Issues • 18
Glossary of Terms • 20
Index • 21
•  2  •
ACA Code of Ethics Preamble
The American Counseling Association (ACA) is an educational, scientific, and professional organization whose members
work in a variety of settings and serve in multiple capacities. Counseling is a professional relationship that empowers diverse
individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals.
Professional values are an important way of living out an ethical commitment. The following are core professional values
of the counseling profession:
1. enhancing human development throughout the life span;
2. honoring diversity and embracing a multicultural approach in support of the worth, dignity, potential, and
uniqueness of people within their social and cultural contexts;
3. promoting social justice;
4. safeguarding the integrity of the counselor–client relationship; and
5. practicing in a competent and ethical manner.
These professional values provide a conceptual basis for the ethical principles enumerated below. These principles are
the foundation for ethical behavior and decision making. The fundamental principles of professional ethical behavior are
• autonomy, or fostering the right to control the direction of one’s life;
• nonmaleficence, or avoiding actions that cause harm;
• beneficence, or working for the good of the individual and society by promoting mental health and well-being;
• justice, or treating individuals equitably and fostering fairness and equality;
• fidelity, or honoring commitments and keeping promises, including fulfilling one’s responsibilities of trust in
professional relationships; and
• veracity, or dealing truthfully with individuals with whom counselors come into professional contact.
ACA Code of Ethics Purpose
The ACA Code of Ethics serves six main purposes:
1. The Code sets forth the ethical obligations of ACA members and provides guidance intended to inform the ethical
practice of professional counselors.
2. The Code identifies ethical considerations relevant to professional counselors and counselors-in-training.
3. The Code enables the association to clarify for current and prospective members, and for those served by members,
the nature of the ethical responsibilities held in common by its members.
4. The Code serves as an ethical guide designed to assist members in constructing a course of action that best serves
those utilizing counseling services and establishes expectations of conduct with a primary emphasis on the role of
the professional counselor.
5. The Code helps to support the mission of ACA.
6. The standards contained in this Code serve as the basis for processing inquiries and ethics complaints
concerning ACA members.
The ACA Code of Ethics contains nine main sections that ad- When counselors are faced with ethical dilemmas that
dress the following areas: are difficult to resolve, they are expected to engage in a care-
fully considered ethical decision-making process, consulting
Section A: The Counseling Relationship available resources as needed. Counselors acknowledge
Section B: Confidentiality and Privacy that resolving ethical issues is a process; ethical reasoning
Section C: Professional Responsibility includes consideration of professional values, professional
Section D: Relationships With Other Professionals ethical principles, and ethical standards.
Section E: Evaluation, Assessment, and Interpretation Counselors’ actions should be consistent with the spirit
Section F: Supervision, Training, and Teaching as well as the letter of these ethical standards. No specific
Section G: Research and Publication ethical decision-making model is always most effective, so
Section H: Distance Counseling, Technology, and counselors are expected to use a credible model of deci-
Social Media sion making that can bear public scrutiny of its applica-
Section I: Resolving Ethical Issues tion. Through a chosen ethical decision-making process
and evaluation of the context of the situation, counselors
Each section of the ACA Code of Ethics begins with an work collaboratively with clients to make decisions that
introduction. The introduction to each section describes the promote clients’ growth and development. A breach of the
ethical behavior and responsibility to which counselors aspire. standards and principles provided herein does not neces-
The introductions help set the tone for each particular sec- sarily constitute legal liability or violation of the law; such
tion and provide a starting point that invites reflection on the action is established in legal and judicial proceedings.
ethical standards contained in each part of the ACA Code of The glossary at the end of the Code provides a concise
Ethics. The standards outline professional responsibilities and description of some of the terms used in the ACA Code
provide direction for fulfilling those ethical responsibilities. of Ethics.
•  3  •
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Section A A.1.d. Support Network A.2.c. Developmental and
Involvement Cultural Sensitivity
Counselors recognize that support Counselors communicate information
The Counseling networks hold various meanings in in ways that are both developmentally
the lives of clients and consider en- and culturally appropriate. Counselors
Relationship listing the support, understanding, use clear and understandable language
and involvement of others (e.g., reli- when discussing issues related to
gious/spiritual/community leaders, informed consent. When clients have
Introduction family members, friends) as positive difficulty understanding the language
resources, when appropriate, with that counselors use, counselors provide
Counselors facilitate client growth
client consent. necessary services (e.g., arranging for
and development in ways that foster
a qualified interpreter or translator)
the interest and welfare of clients and
A.2. Informed Consent to ensure comprehension by clients.
promote formation of healthy relation-
ships. Trust is the cornerstone of the in the Counseling In collaboration with clients, coun-
selors consider cultural implications
counseling relationship, and counselors Relationship
of informed consent procedures and,
have the responsibility to respect and
where possible, counselors adjust their
safeguard the client’s right to privacy A.2.a. Informed Consent
practices accordingly.
and confidentiality. Counselors actively Clients have the freedom to choose
attempt to understand the diverse cul- whether to enter into or remain in A.2.d. Inability to Give Consent
tural backgrounds of the clients they a counseling relationship and need When counseling minors, incapaci-
serve. Counselors also explore their own adequate information about the tated adults, or other persons unable
cultural identities and how these affect counseling process and the counselor. to give voluntary consent, counselors
their values and beliefs about the coun- Counselors have an obligation to re- seek the assent of clients to services
seling process. Additionally, counselors view in writing and verbally with cli- and include them in decision making
are encouraged to contribute to society ents the rights and responsibilities of as appropriate. Counselors recognize
by devoting a portion of their profes- both counselors and clients. Informed the need to balance the ethical rights
sional activities for little or no financial consent is an ongoing part of the of clients to make choices, their capac-
return (pro bono publico). counseling process, and counselors ity to give consent or assent to receive
appropriately document discussions services, and parental or familial legal
A.1. Client Welfare
of informed consent throughout the rights and responsibilities to protect
A.1.a. Primary Responsibility counseling relationship. these clients and make decisions on
their behalf.
The primary responsibility of counsel- A.2.b. Types of Information
ors is to respect the dignity and promote Needed A.2.e. Mandated Clients
the welfare of clients. Counselors explicitly explain to clients Counselors discuss the required
A.1.b. Records and the nature of all services provided. limitations to confidentiality when
Documentation They inform clients about issues such working with clients who have been
as, but not limited to, the follow- mandated for counseling services.
Counselors create, safeguard, and
ing: the purposes, goals, techniques, Counselors also explain what type
maintain documentation necessary
procedures, limitations, potential of information and with whom that
for rendering professional services.
risks, and benefits of services; the information is shared prior to the
Regardless of the medium, counselors
counselor’s qualifications, credentials, beginning of counseling. The client
include sufficient and timely docu-
relevant experience, and approach to may choose to refuse services. In this
mentation to facilitate the delivery and
counseling; continuation of services case, counselors will, to the best of
continuity of services. Counselors
upon the incapacitation or death of their ability, discuss with the client
take reasonable steps to ensure that
the counselor; the role of technol- the potential consequences of refusing
documentation accurately reflects cli-
ogy; and other pertinent information. counseling services.
ent progress and services provided.
Counselors take steps to ensure that
If amendments are made to records
clients understand the implications of A.3. Clients Served by Others
and documentation, counselors take
diagnosis and the intended use of tests When counselors learn that their clients
steps to properly note the amendments
and reports. Additionally, counselors are in a professional relationship with
according to agency or institutional
inform clients about fees and billing other mental health professionals, they
policies.
arrangements, including procedures request release from clients to inform
A.1.c. Counseling Plans for nonpayment of fees. Clients have the other professionals and strive to
Counselors and their clients work the right to confidentiality and to be establish positive and collaborative
jointly in devising counseling plans provided with an explanation of its professional relationships.
that offer reasonable promise of limits (including how supervisors
success and are consistent with the and/or treatment or interdisciplinary A.4. Avoiding Harm and
abilities, temperament, developmental team professionals are involved), to Imposing Values
level, and circumstances of clients. obtain clear information about their
Counselors and clients regularly re- records, to participate in the ongoing A.4.a. Avoiding Harm
view and revise counseling plans to counseling plans, and to refuse any Counselors act to avoid harming their
assess their continued viability and services or modality changes and to clients, trainees, and research par-
effectiveness, respecting clients’ free- be advised of the consequences of ticipants and to minimize or to remedy
dom of choice. such refusal. unavoidable or unanticipated harm.
•  4  •
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A.4.b. Personal Values A.5.e. Personal Virtual significantly involved with the client
Counselors are aware of—and avoid Relationships With or former client, the counselor must
imposing—their own values, attitudes, Current Clients show evidence of an attempt to remedy
beliefs, and behaviors. Counselors Counselors are prohibited from such harm.
respect the diversity of clients, train- engaging in a personal virtual re-
A.6.d. Role Changes in the
ees, and research participants and lationship with individuals with
Professional Relationship
seek training in areas in which they whom they have a current counseling
are at risk of imposing their values relationship (e.g., through social and When counselors change a role from
onto clients, especially when the other media). the original or most recent contracted
counselor’s values are inconsistent relationship, they obtain informed
with the client’s goals or are discrimina- A.6. Managing and consent from the client and explain the
tory in nature. Maintaining Boundaries client’s right to refuse services related
to the change. Examples of role changes
A.5. Prohibited and Professional include, but are not limited to
Noncounseling Roles Relationships
1. changing from individual to re-
and Relationships A.6.a. Previous Relationships lationship or family counseling,
Counselors consider the risks and or vice versa;
A.5.a. Sexual and/or
benefits of accepting as clients those 2. changing from an evaluative
Romantic Relationships
with whom they have had a previous role to a therapeutic role, or vice
Prohibited
relationship. These potential clients versa; and
Sexual and/or romantic counselor–
may include individuals with whom 3. changing from a counselor to a
client interactions or relationships with
the counselor has had a casual, distant, mediator role, or vice versa.
current clients, their romantic partners,
or past relationship. Examples include
or their family members are prohibited.
mutual or past membership in a pro- Clients must be fully informed of
This prohibition applies to both in-
fessional association, organization, or any anticipated consequences (e.g.,
person and electronic interactions or
community. When counselors accept financial, legal, personal, therapeutic)
relationships.
these clients, they take appropriate pro- of counselor role changes.
A.5.b. Previous Sexual and/or fessional precautions such as informed
A.6.e. Nonprofessional
Romantic Relationships consent, consultation, supervision, and
Interactions
Counselors are prohibited from engag- documentation to ensure that judgment
or Relationships (Other
ing in counseling relationships with is not impaired and no exploitation
Than Sexual or Romantic
persons with whom they have had occurs.
Interactions or
a previous sexual and/or romantic
A.6.b. Extending Counseling Relationships)
relationship.
Boundaries Counselors avoid entering into non-
A.5.c. Sexual and/or Romantic Counselors consider the risks and professional relationships with former
Relationships With benefits of extending current counsel- clients, their romantic partners, or their
Former Clients ing relationships beyond conventional family members when the interaction is
Sexual and/or romantic counselor– parameters. Examples include attend- potentially harmful to the client. This
client interactions or relationships with ing a client’s formal ceremony (e.g., a applies to both in-person and electronic
former clients, their romantic partners, wedding/commitment ceremony or interactions or relationships.
or their family members are prohibited graduation), purchasing a service or
for a period of 5 years following the last product provided by a client (excepting A.7. Roles and Relationships
professional contact. This prohibition unrestricted bartering), and visiting a cli-
at Individual, Group,
applies to both in-person and electronic ent’s ill family member in the hospital. In
interactions or relationships. Counsel- extending these boundaries, counselors Institutional, and
ors, before engaging in sexual and/or take appropriate professional precau- Societal Levels
romantic interactions or relationships tions such as informed consent, consul-
with former clients, their romantic tation, supervision, and documentation A.7.a. Advocacy
partners, or their family members, dem- to ensure that judgment is not impaired When appropriate, counselors advocate
onstrate forethought and document (in and no harm occurs. at individual, group, institutional, and
written form) whether the interaction or societal levels to address potential bar-
A.6.c. Documenting Boundary
relationship can be viewed as exploitive riers and obstacles that inhibit access
Extensions
in any way and/or whether there is still and/or the growth and development
If counselors extend boundaries as
potential to harm the former client; in of clients.
described in A.6.a. and A.6.b., they
cases of potential exploitation and/or
must officially document, prior to the A.7.b. Confidentiality and
harm, the counselor avoids entering
interaction (when feasible), the rationale Advocacy
into such an interaction or relationship.
for such an interaction, the potential Counselors obtain client consent prior
A.5.d. Friends or Family benefit, and anticipated consequences to engaging in advocacy efforts on be-
Members for the client or former client and other half of an identifiable client to improve
Counselors are prohibited from engaging individuals significantly involved with the provision of services and to work
in counseling relationships with friends the client or former client. When un- toward removal of systemic barriers
or family members with whom they have intentional harm occurs to the client or obstacles that inhibit client access,
an inability to remain objective. or former client, or to an individual growth, and development.
•  5  •
• ACA Code of Ethics •
A.8. Multiple Clients lect fees from clients who do not pay for being harmed by continued counseling.
When a counselor agrees to provide services as agreed upon, they include Counselors may terminate counseling
counseling services to two or more such information in their informed when in jeopardy of harm by the client
persons who have a relationship, the consent documents and also inform or by another person with whom the cli-
counselor clarifies at the outset which clients in a timely fashion of intended ent has a relationship, or when clients do
person or persons are clients and the actions and offer clients the opportunity not pay fees as agreed upon. Counselors
nature of the relationships the counselor to make payment. provide pretermination counseling and
will have with each involved person. If recommend other service providers
A.10.e. Bartering
it becomes apparent that the counselor when necessary.
Counselors may barter only if the bar-
may be called upon to perform poten-
tering does not result in exploitation A.11.d. Appropriate Transfer of
tially conflicting roles, the counselor will
or harm, if the client requests it, and Services
clarify, adjust, or withdraw from roles
if such arrangements are an accepted When counselors transfer or refer clients
appropriately.
practice among professionals in the to other practitioners, they ensure that
community. Counselors consider the appropriate clinical and administra-
A.9. Group Work
cultural implications of bartering and tive processes are completed and open
A.9.a. Screening discuss relevant concerns with clients communication is maintained with both
Counselors screen prospective group and document such agreements in a clients and practitioners.
counseling/therapy participants. To clear written contract.
A.12. Abandonment and
the extent possible, counselors select
A.10.f. Receiving Gifts
members whose needs and goals are Client Neglect
Counselors understand the challenges
compatible with the goals of the group, of accepting gifts from clients and rec- Counselors do not abandon or neglect
who will not impede the group process, ognize that in some cultures, small gifts clients in counseling. Counselors assist in
and whose well-being will not be jeop- are a token of respect and gratitude. making appropriate arrangements for the
ardized by the group experience. When determining whether to accept continuation of treatment, when neces-
A.9.b. Protecting Clients a gift from clients, counselors take into sary, during interruptions such as vaca-
In a group setting, counselors take rea- account the therapeutic relationship, the tions, illness, and following termination.
sonable precautions to protect clients monetary value of the gift, the client’s
from physical, emotional, or psychologi- motivation for giving the gift, and the Section B
cal trauma. counselor’s motivation for wanting to
accept or decline the gift.
A.10. Fees and Business
Confidentiality
Practices A.11. Termination and
and Privacy
Referral
A.10.a. Self-Referral
Counselors working in an organization A.11.a. Competence Within
(e.g., school, agency, institution) that Termination and Referral Introduction
provides counseling services do not If counselors lack the competence to
Counselors recognize that trust is a cor-
refer clients to their private practice be of professional assistance to clients,
nerstone of the counseling relationship.
unless the policies of a particular orga- they avoid entering or continuing
Counselors aspire to earn the trust of cli-
nization make explicit provisions for counseling relationships. Counselors
ents by creating an ongoing partnership,
self-referrals. In such instances, the cli- are knowledgeable about culturally and
establishing and upholding appropriate
ents must be informed of other options clinically appropriate referral resources
boundaries, and maintaining confi-
open to them should they seek private and suggest these alternatives. If clients
dentiality. Counselors communicate
counseling services. decline the suggested referrals, counsel-
the parameters of confidentiality in a
ors discontinue the relationship.
A.10.b. Unacceptable Business culturally competent manner.
Practices
A.11.b. Values Within
Counselors do not participate in fee B.1. Respecting Client Rights
Termination and Referral
splitting, nor do they give or receive
Counselors refrain from referring pro- B.1.a. Multicultural/Diversity
commissions, rebates, or any other form
spective and current clients based solely Considerations
of remuneration when referring clients
on the counselor’s personally held val- Counselors maintain awareness and sen-
for professional services.
ues, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. sitivity regarding cultural meanings of
A.10.c. Establishing Fees Counselors respect the diversity of confidentiality and privacy. Counselors
In establishing fees for professional clients and seek training in areas in respect differing views toward disclosure
counseling services, counselors con- which they are at risk of imposing their of information. Counselors hold ongo-
sider the financial status of clients and values onto clients, especially when the ing discussions with clients as to how,
locality. If a counselor’s usual fees cre- counselor’s values are inconsistent with when, and with whom information is
ate undue hardship for the client, the the client’s goals or are discriminatory to be shared.
counselor may adjust fees, when legally in nature.
B.1.b. Respect for Privacy
permissible, or assist the client in locat-
ing comparable, affordable services. A.11.c. Appropriate Termination Counselors respect the privacy of
Counselors terminate a counseling re- prospective and current clients. Coun-
A.10.d. Nonpayment of Fees lationship when it becomes reasonably selors request private information from
If counselors intend to use collection apparent that the client no longer needs clients only when it is beneficial to the
agencies or take legal measures to col- assistance, is not likely to benefit, or is counseling process.
•  6  •
• ACA Code of Ethics •
B.1.c. Respect for without a client’s permission, coun- B.4.b. Couples and Family
Confidentiality selors seek to obtain written, informed Counseling
Counselors protect the confidential consent from the client or take steps to In couples and family counseling, coun-
information of prospective and current prohibit the disclosure or have it limited selors clearly define who is considered
clients. Counselors disclose information as narrowly as possible because of po- “the client” and discuss expectations and
only with appropriate consent or with tential harm to the client or counseling limitations of confidentiality. Counselors
sound legal or ethical justification. relationship. seek agreement and document in writing
such agreement among all involved parties
B.1.d. Explanation of B.2.e. Minimal Disclosure
regarding the confidentiality of informa-
Limitations To the extent possible, clients are
tion. In the absence of an agreement to the
At initiation and throughout the counsel- informed before confidential infor-
contrary, the couple or family is considered
ing process, counselors inform clients of mation is disclosed and are involved
to be the client.
the limitations of confidentiality and seek in the disclosure decision-making
to identify situations in which confiden- process. When circumstances require B.5. Clients Lacking Capacity
tiality must be breached. the disclosure of confidential infor-
to Give Informed
mation, only essential information
B.2. Exceptions is revealed. Consent
B.2.a. Serious and Foreseeable B.3. Information Shared B.5.a. Responsibility to Clients
Harm and Legal When counseling minor clients or adult
With Others
Requirements clients who lack the capacity to give
The general requirement that counsel- B.3.a. Subordinates voluntary, informed consent, counselors
ors keep information confidential does protect the confidentiality of informa-
Counselors make every effort to ensure
not apply when disclosure is required tion received—in any medium—in the
that privacy and confidentiality of
to protect clients or identified others counseling relationship as specified by
clients are maintained by subordi-
from serious and foreseeable harm or federal and state laws, written policies,
nates, including employees, supervisees,
when legal requirements demand that and applicable ethical standards.
students, clerical assistants, and
confidential information must be re-
volunteers. B.5.b. Responsibility to Parents
vealed. Counselors consult with other
and Legal Guardians
professionals when in doubt as to the B.3.b. Interdisciplinary Teams
Counselors inform parents and legal
validity of an exception. Additional When services provided to the client
guardians about the role of counselors
considerations apply when addressing involve participation by an interdisci-
and the confidential nature of the coun-
end-of-life issues. plinary or treatment team, the client
seling relationship, consistent with cur-
will be informed of the team’s existence
B.2.b. Confidentiality Regarding rent legal and custodial arrangements.
and composition, information being
End-of-Life Decisions Counselors are sensitive to the cultural
shared, and the purposes of sharing
Counselors who provide services to such information. diversity of families and respect the
terminally ill individuals who are con- inherent rights and responsibilities of
sidering hastening their own deaths have B.3.c. Confidential Settings parents/guardians regarding the wel-
the option to maintain confidentiality, Counselors discuss confidential infor- fare of their children/charges according
depending on applicable laws and the mation only in settings in which they to law. Counselors work to establish,
specific circumstances of the situation can reasonably ensure client privacy. as appropriate, collaborative relation-
and after seeking consultation or super- ships with parents/guardians to best
B.3.d. Third-Party Payers
vision from appropriate professional and serve clients.
Counselors disclose information to
legal parties.
third-party payers only when clients B.5.c. Release of Confidential
B.2.c. Contagious, Life- have authorized such disclosure. Information
Threatening Diseases When counseling minor clients or
B.3.e. Transmitting Confidential
When clients disclose that they have a Information adult clients who lack the capacity
disease commonly known to be both to give voluntary consent to release
Counselors take precautions to ensure
communicable and life threatening, confidential information, counselors
the confidentiality of all information
counselors may be justified in disclos- seek permission from an appropriate
transmitted through the use of any
ing information to identifiable third third party to disclose information.
medium.
parties, if the parties are known to be In such instances, counselors inform
at serious and foreseeable risk of con- B.3.f. Deceased Clients clients consistent with their level of
tracting the disease. Prior to making a Counselors protect the confidentiality understanding and take appropriate
disclosure, counselors assess the intent of deceased clients, consistent with le- measures to safeguard client confi-
of clients to inform the third parties gal requirements and the documented dentiality.
about their disease or to engage in preferences of the client.
B.6. Records and
any behaviors that may be harmful to
an identifiable third party. Counselors B.4. Groups and Families Documentation
adhere to relevant state laws concern-
B.4.a. Group Work B.6.a. Creating and Maintaining
ing disclosure about disease status.
In group work, counselors clearly Records and Documentation
B.2.d. Court-Ordered Disclosure explain the importance and param- Counselors create and maintain records
When ordered by a court to release eters of confidentiality for the specific and documentation necessary for ren-
confidential or privileged information group. dering professional services.
•  7  •
• ACA Code of Ethics •
B.6.b. Confidentiality of Records B.6.i. Reasonable Precautions search methodologies. Counselors are
and Documentation Counselors take reasonable precautions encouraged to contribute to society by
Counselors ensure that records and to protect client confidentiality in the devoting a portion of their professional
documentation kept in any medium are event of the counselor’s termination of activity to services for which there is
secure and that only authorized persons practice, incapacity, or death and ap- little or no financial return (pro bono
have access to them. point a records custodian when identi- publico). In addition, counselors engage
fied as appropriate. in self-care activities to maintain and
B.6.c. Permission to Record
promote their own emotional, physical,
Counselors obtain permission from cli- B.7. Case Consultation mental, and spiritual well-being to best
ents prior to recording sessions through meet their professional responsibilities.
electronic or other means. B.7.a. Respect for Privacy
Information shared in a consulting C.1. Knowledge of and
B.6.d. Permission to Observe
relationship is discussed for profes-
Counselors obtain permission from cli- sional purposes only. Written and oral Compliance With
ents prior to allowing any person to ob- reports present only data germane to the Standards
serve counseling sessions, review session purposes of the consultation, and every Counselors have a responsibility to
transcripts, or view recordings of sessions effort is made to protect client identity read, understand, and follow the ACA
with supervisors, faculty, peers, or others and to avoid undue invasion of privacy. Code of Ethics and adhere to applicable
within the training environment.
B.7.b. Disclosure of laws and regulations.
B.6.e. Client Access Confidential Information
Counselors provide reasonable access When consulting with colleagues, C.2. Professional Competence
to records and copies of records when counselors do not disclose confidential C.2.a. Boundaries of
requested by competent clients. Coun- information that reasonably could lead Competence
selors limit the access of clients to their to the identification of a client or other
Counselors practice only within the
records, or portions of their records, person or organization with whom they
boundaries of their competence, based
only when there is compelling evidence have a confidential relationship unless
on their education, training, super-
that such access would cause harm to they have obtained the prior consent
vised experience, state and national
the client. Counselors document the of the person or organization or the
professional credentials, and appropri-
request of clients and the rationale for disclosure cannot be avoided. They
ate professional experience. Whereas
withholding some or all of the records disclose information only to the extent
multicultural counseling competency is
in the files of clients. In situations necessary to achieve the purposes of the
required across all counseling specialties,
involving multiple clients, counselors consultation.
counselors gain knowledge, personal
provide individual clients with only
awareness, sensitivity, dispositions, and
those parts of records that relate directly
Section C skills pertinent to being a culturally
to them and do not include confidential
competent counselor in working with a
information related to any other client.
diverse client population.
B.6.f. Assistance With Records
Professional
C.2.b. New Specialty Areas
When clients request access to their re-
cords, counselors provide assistance and Responsibility of Practice
consultation in interpreting counseling Counselors practice in specialty areas
records. new to them only after appropriate
Introduction education, training, and supervised
B.6.g. Disclosure or Transfer experience. While developing skills
Counselors aspire to open, honest,
Unless exceptions to confidentiality in new specialty areas, counselors
and accurate communication in deal-
exist, counselors obtain written permis- take steps to ensure the competence
ing with the public and other profes-
sion from clients to disclose or transfer of their work and protect others from
sionals. Counselors facilitate access to
records to legitimate third parties. Steps possible harm.
counseling services, and they practice
are taken to ensure that receivers of
counseling records are sensitive to their in a nondiscriminatory manner within C.2.c. Qualified for Employment
confidential nature. the boundaries of professional and Counselors accept employment only
personal competence; they also have for positions for which they are quali-
B.6.h. Storage and Disposal a responsibility to abide by the ACA fied given their education, training,
After Termination Code of Ethics. Counselors actively supervised experience, state and
Counselors store records following ter- participate in local, state, and national national professional credentials, and
mination of services to ensure reasonable associations that foster the develop- appropriate professional experience.
future access, maintain records in ac- ment and improvement of counseling. Counselors hire for professional coun-
cordance with federal and state laws and Counselors are expected to advocate seling positions only individuals who
statutes such as licensure laws and policies to promote changes at the individual, are qualified and competent for those
governing records, and dispose of client group, institutional, and societal lev- positions.
records and other sensitive materials in a els that improve the quality of life for
manner that protects client confidentiality. individuals and groups and remove C.2.d. Monitor Effectiveness
Counselors apply careful discretion and potential barriers to the provision or Counselors continually monitor their effec-
deliberation before destroying records access of appropriate services being of- tiveness as professionals and take steps to
that may be needed by a court of law, such fered. Counselors have a responsibility improve when necessary. Counselors take
as notes on child abuse, suicide, sexual to the public to engage in counseling reasonable steps to seek peer supervision
harassment, or violence. practices that are based on rigorous re- to evaluate their efficacy as counselors.
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• ACA Code of Ethics •
C.2.e. Consultations on may be vulnerable to undue influence. selves as “Dr.” in a counseling context
Ethical Obligations Counselors discuss with clients the when their doctorate is not in counsel-
Counselors take reasonable steps to implications of and obtain permission ing or a related field. Counselors do not
consult with other counselors, the for the use of any testimonial. use “ABD” (all but dissertation) or other
ACA Ethics and Professional Standards such terms to imply competency.
C.3.c. Statements by Others
Department, or related professionals
When feasible, counselors make reason- C.4.e. Accreditation Status
when they have questions regarding
able efforts to ensure that statements Counselors accurately represent the
their ethical obligations or professional
made by others about them or about accreditation status of their degree pro-
practice.
the counseling profession are accurate. gram and college/university.
C.2.f. Continuing Education
C.3.d. Recruiting Through C.4.f. Professional Membership
Counselors recognize the need for con-
Employment Counselors clearly differentiate between
tinuing education to acquire and main-
Counselors do not use their places of current, active memberships and former
tain a reasonable level of awareness
employment or institutional affiliation to memberships in associations. Members
of current scientific and professional
recruit clients, supervisors, or consultees of ACA must clearly differentiate be-
information in their fields of activity.
for their private practices. tween professional membership, which
Counselors maintain their competence
implies the possession of at least a mas-
in the skills they use, are open to new C.3.e. Products and Training
ter’s degree in counseling, and regular
procedures, and remain informed re- Advertisements
membership, which is open to indi-
garding best practices for working with Counselors who develop products
viduals whose interests and activities are
diverse populations. related to their profession or conduct
consistent with those of ACA but are not
workshops or training events ensure
C.2.g. Impairment qualified for professional membership.
that the advertisements concerning
Counselors monitor themselves for
signs of impairment from their own these products or events are accurate C.5. Nondiscrimination
and disclose adequate information for
physical, mental, or emotional problems Counselors do not condone or engage
consumers to make informed choices.
and refrain from offering or providing in discrimination against prospective or
professional services when impaired. C.3.f. Promoting to Those Served current clients, students, employees, su-
They seek assistance for problems that Counselors do not use counseling, pervisees, or research participants based
reach the level of professional impair- teaching, training, or supervisory rela- on age, culture, disability, ethnicity, race,
ment, and, if necessary, they limit, tionships to promote their products or religion/spirituality, gender, gender
suspend, or terminate their professional training events in a manner that is de- identity, sexual orientation, marital/
responsibilities until it is determined ceptive or would exert undue influence partnership status, language preference,
that they may safely resume their on individuals who may be vulnerable. socioeconomic status, immigration
work. Counselors assist colleagues or However, counselor educators may status, or any basis proscribed by law.
supervisors in recognizing their own adopt textbooks they have authored for
professional impairment and provide instructional purposes. C.6. Public Responsibility
consultation and assistance when war-
C.6.a. Sexual Harassment
ranted with colleagues or supervisors C.4. Professional Qualifications
Counselors do not engage in or condone
showing signs of impairment and
C.4.a. Accurate Representation sexual harassment. Sexual harassment
intervene as appropriate to prevent
imminent harm to clients. Counselors claim or imply only profes- can consist of a single intense or severe act,
sional qualifications actually completed or multiple persistent or pervasive acts.
C.2.h. Counselor Incapacitation, and correct any known misrepresenta-
C.6.b. Reports to Third Parties
Death, Retirement, or tions of their qualifications by others.
Counselors are accurate, honest, and
Termination of Practice Counselors truthfully represent the qual-
objective in reporting their professional
Counselors prepare a plan for the trans- ifications of their professional colleagues.
activities and judgments to appropriate
fer of clients and the dissemination of Counselors clearly distinguish between
third parties, including courts, health
records to an identified colleague or paid and volunteer work experience
insurance companies, those who are
records custodian in the case of the and accurately describe their continuing
the recipients of evaluation reports,
counselor’s incapacitation, death, retire- education and specialized training.
and others.
ment, or termination of practice.
C.4.b. Credentials C.6.c. Media Presentations
C.3. Advertising and Counselors claim only licenses or certifica- When counselors provide advice or com-
Soliciting Clients tions that are current and in good standing. ment by means of public lectures, dem-
C.4.c. Educational Degrees onstrations, radio or television programs,
C.3.a. Accurate Advertising Counselors clearly differentiate be- recordings, technology-based applica-
When advertising or otherwise rep- tween earned and honorary degrees. tions, printed articles, mailed material,
resenting their services to the public, or other media, they take reasonable
C.4.d. Implying Doctoral-Level
counselors identify their credentials precautions to ensure that
Competence
in an accurate manner that is not false,
misleading, deceptive, or fraudulent. Counselors clearly state their highest 1. the statements are based on ap-
earned degree in counseling or a closely propriate professional counsel-
C.3.b. Testimonials related field. Counselors do not imply ing literature and practice,
Counselors who use testimonials do doctoral-level competence when pos- 2. the statements are otherwise
not solicit them from current clients, sessing a master’s degree in counseling consistent with the ACA Code of
former clients, or any other persons who or a related field by referring to them- Ethics, and
•  9  •
• ACA Code of Ethics •
3. the recipients of the information with colleagues can influence the D.1.f. Personnel Selection and
are not encouraged to infer that a quality of services provided to clients. Assignment
professional counseling relation- They work to become knowledgeable When counselors are in a position
ship has been established. about colleagues within and outside requiring personnel selection and/or
the field of counseling. Counselors assigning of responsibilities to others,
C.6.d. Exploitation of Others
develop positive working relation- they select competent staff and assign
Counselors do not exploit others in their
ships and systems of communication responsibilities compatible with their
professional relationships.
with colleagues to enhance services skills and experiences.
C.6.e. Contributing to the to clients.
D.1.g. Employer Policies
Public Good
D.1. Relationships With The acceptance of employment in an
(Pro Bono Publico)
agency or institution implies that counsel-
Counselors make a reasonable effort Colleagues, Employers,
ors are in agreement with its general poli-
to provide services to the public for
and Employees cies and principles. Counselors strive to
which there is little or no financial
reach agreement with employers regard-
return (e.g., speaking to groups, shar- D.1.a. Different Approaches
ing acceptable standards of client care
ing professional information, offering Counselors are respectful of approaches and professional conduct that allow for
reduced fees). that are grounded in theory and/or changes in institutional policy conducive
have an empirical or scientific founda- to the growth and development of clients.
C.7. Treatment Modalities
tion but may differ from their own.
C.7.a. Scientific Basis for Counselors acknowledge the expertise D.1.h. Negative Conditions
Treatment of other professional groups and are Counselors alert their employers of inap-
When providing services, counselors use respectful of their practices. propriate policies and practices. They
techniques/procedures/modalities that attempt to effect changes in such policies
D.1.b. Forming Relationships
are grounded in theory and/or have an or procedures through constructive action
Counselors work to develop and
empirical or scientific foundation. within the organization. When such poli-
strengthen relationships with col-
cies are potentially disruptive or damaging
C.7.b. Development and leagues from other disciplines to best
to clients or may limit the effectiveness of
Innovation serve clients.
services provided and change cannot be af-
When counselors use developing or D.1.c. Interdisciplinary fected, counselors take appropriate further
innovative techniques/procedures/ Teamwork action. Such action may include referral to
modalities, they explain the potential Counselors who are members of in- appropriate certification, accreditation, or
risks, benefits, and ethical considerations terdisciplinary teams delivering mul- state licensure organizations, or voluntary
of using such techniques/procedures/ tifaceted services to clients remain termination of employment.
modalities. Counselors work to minimize
focused on how to best serve clients.
any potential risks or harm when using D.1.i. Protection From
They participate in and contribute to
these techniques/procedures/modalities. Punitive Action
decisions that affect the well-being of
Counselors do not harass a colleague
C.7.c. Harmful Practices clients by drawing on the perspectives,
or employee or dismiss an employee
Counselors do not use techniques/pro- values, and experiences of the counsel-
who has acted in a responsible and
cedures/modalities when substantial ing profession and those of colleagues
ethical manner to expose inappropriate
evidence suggests harm, even if such from other disciplines.
employer policies or practices.
services are requested.
D.1.d. Establishing
Professional and D.2. Provision of
C.8. Responsibility to
Ethical Obligations Consultation Services
Other Professionals
Counselors who are members of inter-
disciplinary teams work together with D.2.a. Consultant Competency
C.8.a. Personal Public
team members to clarify professional Counselors take reasonable steps to
Statements
and ethical obligations of the team as ensure that they have the appropri-
When making personal statements in a
a whole and of its individual members. ate resources and competencies when
public context, counselors clarify that they
When a team decision raises ethical providing consultation services. Coun-
are speaking from their personal perspec-
concerns, counselors first attempt to selors provide appropriate referral
tives and that they are not speaking on
resolve the concern within the team. resources when requested or needed.
behalf of all counselors or the profession.
If they cannot reach resolution among
D.2.b. Informed Consent in
team members, counselors pursue
Section D Formal Consultation
other avenues to address their concerns
consistent with client well-being. When providing formal consultation
services, counselors have an obligation to
Relationships With D.1.e. Confidentiality review, in writing and verbally, the rights
When counselors are required by law, and responsibilities of both counselors
Other Professionals institutional policy, or extraordinary and consultees. Counselors use clear
circumstances to serve in more than one and understandable language to inform
role in judicial or administrative pro- all parties involved about the purpose
Introduction ceedings, they clarify role expectations of the services to be provided, relevant
Professional counselors recognize and the parameters of confidentiality costs, potential risks and benefits, and
that the quality of their interactions with their colleagues. the limits of confidentiality.
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