Confidentiality
This document outlines limits of confidentiality and is reviewed at the start of counseling.
What is informed consent?
Romantic or sexual relationships with current clients are prohibited under this standard.
What is maintaining professional boundaries / prohibition of sexual relationships? (A.5.a)
This federal law protects client health information privacy.
What is HIPAA?
Counselors must monitor themselves for impairment and take action when this occurs.
What is professional impairment? (C.2.g)
This principle involves respecting clients’ cultural values.
What is cultural competence?
This exception allows disclosure when clients pose a serious and foreseeable risk to others.
What is duty to protect / duty to warn? (B.2.a)
Accepting small gifts may be ethical if evaluated through this lens.
What is cultural context and clinical judgment?
When ethical standards conflict with laws, counselors must take this initial step.
What is seek supervision and consultation (and possibly your malpractice insurance carrier? (I.2.c)
Practicing only within one’s training refers to this concept.
What is competence?
A counselor realizes they lack competence working with a specific cultural group; ethically, they should take this action.
What is seek supervision, training, or refer if necessary (ACA Code C.2.a)?
This exception may apply when a client discloses ongoing abuse of a minor.
What is mandated reporting?
This type of boundary crossing involves sharing personal experiences to benefit the client.
What is appropriate self-disclosure?
Counselors must document services in a way that ensures this ACA standard is met.
What is accurate and timely record keeping? (A.1.b, B.6)
This emotional reaction to a client can impair judgment.
What is countertransference?
When a counselor’s values conflict with a client’s cultural beliefs, the counselor should prioritize this ethical principle.
What is respecting client autonomy (ACA Code A.4.b)?
When using electronic records, counselors must ensure this to protect client data.
What is secure storage and transmission of records? (B.3.e)
Counselors must avoid imposing these onto clients.
What are personal values? (A.4.b)
Ethical codes are created by organizations like this one in the counseling field.
What is the American Counseling Association?
A client requests a culturally specific healing practice unfamiliar to the counselor; ethically, the counselor should do this.
What is explore the practice respectfully, seek consultation, and integrate appropriately if competent (ACA Code A.2.c, C.2.a)?
This concept refers to awareness of power, privilege, and oppression
What is cultural humility?
When a counselor receives a subpoena, they should first take this step before releasing records.
What is seek client consent or consult legal/ethical guidance?
A counselor entering a business relationship with a client would likely violate this principle.
What is avoiding conflicts of interest?
This ACA standard requires counselors to accurately represent their qualifications.
What is avoiding misrepresentation? (C.4.a)
This supervision practice ensures client welfare remains the top priority.
What is ongoing evaluation and feedback of supervisees? (F.5)
Ignoring systemic oppression affecting a client’s mental health may violate this ethical (and moral) principle.
What is justice (ACA Code A.1.a)?