Ethical or Not?
A counselor discusses a client's situation loudly in a public elevator. Ethical or unethical?
Unethical. Client information should be protected and discussed only in appropriate, private settings.
A client’s mother calls and asks, “Is my son a client there?” Can you tell her?
No. Without proper authorization, you cannot confirm or deny that someone receives services.
A client sends their counselor a friend request on social media. Should the counselor accept it?
No. Maintain professional boundaries and keep personal and professional relationships separate.
Does a client have the right to be treated with dignity and respect?
Yes. All clients deserve respectful and professional treatment.
A client asks you, “What would you do if you were me?” What do you do?
Help the client explore their options rather than making the decision for them.
A counselor realizes they don't have enough training to treat a particular issue and asks a supervisor for help. Ethical or unethical?
Ethical. Recognizing the limits of your competence and seeking appropriate supervision protects the client.
Can a counselor discuss a client’s case with their clinical supervisor?
Yes. Appropriate clinical supervision is part of professional treatment practice, while confidentiality must still be protected.
A client asks the counselor for their personal cell number so they can text anytime. Should they give it?
No. Communication should follow professional and agency-approved channels.
Can a counselor force a client to follow the counselor’s personal beliefs or values?
No. Counselors must respect client autonomy and avoid imposing personal values.
A client says something that strongly conflicts with your personal values. What do you do?
Best Practice: Recognize your reaction and keep your personal values from influencing the client’s care.
A counselor refuses to work with a client because the counselor personally disagrees with the client's lifestyle or beliefs. Ethical or unethical?
Unethical. Counselors cannot impose their personal values or discriminate against clients. Services should be provided respectfully and professionally.
A client signs a release for their probation officer. Can you send the entire treatment record?
No. Only disclose information authorized and necessary for the stated purpose.
A client invites their counselor to their birthday party during treatment. Should the counselor attend?
No. Socializing with a current client creates a dual relationship and blurs professional boundaries.
Does a client have the right to understand their treatment and participate in treatment decisions?
Yes. Clients should receive information needed to make informed decisions about their care.
You realize you made a mistake that could affect a client’s care. What do you do?
Best Practice: Address it promptly, consult your supervisor, and take appropriate steps to protect the client.
A client owns a landscaping company and offers to do $1,500 worth of work at their counselor's home for free. Ethical or unethical?
Unethical. Accepting substantial free personal services from a client creates an inappropriate dual relationship and violates professional boundaries.
A police officer asks for a client’s SUD treatment records. Do you give them the records?
No, not simply because they are law enforcement. Proper legal authorization is required.
A client gives their counselor an expensive watch as a thank-you gift. Should the counselor accept it?
No. Expensive gifts can create obligation and compromise the professional relationship.
A client believes they were treated unfairly by their counselor. Do they have the right to file a complaint?
Yes. Clients have the right to raise concerns or file a grievance without retaliation.
A client tells you they feel their previous counselor judged them. What do you do?
Best Practice: Listen without becoming defensive, validate their concern, and help ensure they receive respectful, client-centered care.
A counselor discovers that a new client is the parent of their child's close friend and they regularly interact at school and social events. The counselor continues treating the client without telling their supervisor. Ethical or unethical?
The counselor should immediately consult with their supervisor and arrange appropriate transfer of care so the client continues receiving services while avoiding the dual relationship.
You receive a subpoena for a client’s SUD treatment records. Do you immediately release them?
A subpoena alone does not automatically authorize disclosure of records protected by 42 CFR Part 2.
A counselor feels romantically attracted to a client but has never acted on it. What should they do?
Seek supervision immediately. The counselor must maintain professional boundaries and ensure their feelings do not affect the client's care.
A competent adult client refuses a treatment the counselor believes would help them. Can the counselor force them to accept it?
No. Clients have the right to make informed decisions about their treatment, including refusing services.
You notice you’re giving one client extra time, bending rules, and thinking about them outside of work. What do you do?
Best Practice: Recognize the boundary concern, seek supervision, and reestablish professional boundaries.