Boundaries
A client asks to add you on social media. What should you do?
Do not accept. Maintain professional boundaries and redirect appropriately.
What does confidentiality mean in a treatment setting?
Keeping client information private and only sharing it when necessary for care or required by law.
A client tells you they relapsed but asks you not to tell anyone. What do you do?
You cannot keep that secret—share with the treatment team to support client care.
Who is responsible for following ethical guidelines in a facility?
Everyone—therapists, counselors, techs, peers, and facilitators.
In simple terms, what are ethics?
Guidelines that help us determine right and wrong behavior in professional settings.
A client gives you a small gift (like snacks or a thank-you card with money). What should you do?
Acceptance of gifts and hospitality: staff must not accept gifts or hospitality from members or their families. This could be interpreted as being given in return for preferential treatment. Gifts of nominal value maybe accepted if it would harmful to the therapist relationship to refuse (drawings or cards). If you are uncertain or not to accept an item, they should consult with their supervisor.
Name one situation where you are REQUIRED to break confidentiality.
If a client is a danger to themselves or others, or in cases of abuse/neglect.
A client starts sharing very personal details about your life that you mentioned before. What boundary issue is happening?
Over-sharing/self-disclosure leading to blurred boundaries.
How might a peer support specialist’s boundaries differ from a therapist’s?
Peers may use lived experience more, but still must maintain professional boundaries and avoid dual relationships.
What is the difference between ethics and morals?
Morals are personal beliefs; ethics are professional standards you must follow at work.
You run into a client at a grocery store and they approach you to talk about treatment. What should you do?
Maintain privacy—do not engage in treatment-related conversation in public. Redirect and protect confidentiality.
A client shares information in group that concerns you. Can you share it with the treatment team?
Yes—information can be shared within the treatment team for purposes of client care.
You notice a coworker becoming overly friendly with a client (joking, spending extra time, bending rules). What should you do?
Address it appropriately—follow chain of command and report concerns to a supervisor.
Why is it important for techs and support staff—not just therapists—to understand ethics?
They interact closely with clients and are responsible for safety, boundaries, and reporting concerns.
What ethical principle means “do no harm”?
Nonmaleficence
A former client contacts you after discharge wanting to stay in touch as friends. What should you do?
Do not engage in a personal relationship—maintain professional boundaries even after discharge per ethical guidelines and policy.
A client’s family member calls asking for updates, saying they’re “worried.” Can you share information?
No—unless the client has given proper consent/release of information (ROI).
A client flirts with staff and the staff laughs it off and continues engaging. What is the ethical concern?
Boundary crossing and risk of inappropriate relationship/double relationship. Follow chain of command report to supervisor.
A staff witnesses something unethical but says, “That’s not my job to deal with.” Why is this a problem?
All staff are responsible for reporting ethical concerns—ignoring it puts clients and the facility at risk.
Which ethical principle focuses on fairness and treating all clients equally?
Justice
A staff member shares their personal phone number with a client “just in case they need support.” What is the ethical issue?
This creates a dual relationship and violates professional boundaries, risking dependency and inappropriate contact.---unless its a part of your job description (example: peer).
You overhear staff discussing a client in a public area (hallway/elevator). What is the ethical concern and what should you do?
This is a breach of confidentiality—address it and/or report it according to policy.
A client admits to using substances during treatment but begs you not to document it. What is your responsibility?
You must document accurately and report to the team—documentation is an ethical and legal responsibility
A staff begins acting as a doctor (giving medication). What is the ethical issue?
Practicing outside of scope of role—violates professional boundaries and scope of practice.
A situation where personal values conflict with professional responsibilities is called what?
An ethical dilemma