Ethical & Professional Standards
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The 2014 update to the ACA Code of Ethics includes new or expanded guidelines on the use social media with clients; distance counseling; confidentiality; extending boundaries; multiculturalism and diversity; the use of technology; record keeping; diagnosis; end-of life care; the selection of interventions; and preventing the imposition of counselor personal values.
Ethics Consultation Services
The American Counseling Association is pleased to help ACA members with inquiries on ethical practice, career counseling and advice regarding the profession.
NOTE: This service is not designed to function as a real-time hotline. Inquiries are prioritized, and we typically respond to requests within three business days of receipt.
Although ethics and risk management are related, ACA does not offer risk management services such as advice to minimize risk in the event of lawsuits and/or criminal charges. ACA believes that whenever questions arise, counselors should consult with a lawyer licensed in the jurisdiction in which they practice.
Ethics Complaints
The ACA Ethics Committee is responsible for processing complaints of alleged violations of the ACA Code of Ethics. To file a complaint against a counselor who is an active ACA member, please review the Policies and Procedures for Processing Complaints of Ethical Violations. After reviewing the Policies and Procedures for Processing Complaints of Ethical Violations, begin the complaint process by sending an email to ethics@counseling.org.
Related Publications
Crisis Intervention Ethics Casebook
Tags: Assessment, Diagnosis & Treatment, Ethics, Legal, Healthcare Regulation & Compliance, Treatment & Intervention
ACA Ethical Standards Casebook, 7th Edition
Tags: Ethics, Legal, Healthcare Regulation & Compliance, Professional Counseling
Ethics Desk Reference for Counselors, 2nd Edition
Tags: Ethics, Legal, Healthcare Regulation & Compliance, Professional Counseling
Related Counseling Today Articles
How to manage sexualized transference
Stigma, fear and a lack of training cause many counselors to feel unprepared and vulnerable when faced with sexualized transference.
Confidentiality comes first: Navigating parent involvement with minor clients
Counselors must strike a balance between maintaining young clients’ confidentiality and accommodating parents who want to be kept in the loop about their child’s progress in therapy.
The unacknowledged stigma of mental illness
Stigma surrounding mental illness may linger as the elephant in the room and negatively affect client outcomes if counselors don’t recognize and address it in session.
Pro bono counseling: How to make it work
Counseling clients for a reduced fee or for free – pro bono – in a private practice setting comes with some ethical caveats.
Counseling termination and new beginnings
The end of the counseling relationship can be emotional for clients and counselors alike, but when done well, the process can serve as a tool to empower clients and prepare them for continued personal growth.
American Counseling Association PO Box 31110. Alexandria, VA 22310-9110 800-347-6647 | (fax) 800-473-2329
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