An overview of the LPC and ACA codes. The laws and ethics codes are broad and general, and some ethical dilemmas are not provided specific answers. As counselors, we must familiarize ourselves with the basic standards, and be able to read between the lines. The LPC and ACA codes tell counselors of their professional responsibilities and obligation to protect the dignity and well-being of clients. It also warns counselors of their own self-care. The specific difference between the codes is that the LPC deals more with the licensing and regulation of professional counselors, while the ACA help counselors navigate the challenging and sensitive aspects of their roles. Here are the highlights of the similarities and differences between the LPC and …show more content…
Both law and ethical code states counselors should not be “friends” with current or former clients or their relatives. However, if a counselor desires to “friend” clients or their relatives, they must adhere to the waiting period. For instance, the LPC states counselors must wait 2 years after the termination of counseling to engage in a non-therapeutic relationship with a client; and 5 years after the termination of counseling for sexual contact with a client. The ACA standard states counselors must wait 5 years after the last professional contact to engage in sexual and/or romantic relationship with former clients, their romantic partners, or their family members. This applies to both in-person and electronic interactions or relationships. The ACA standard also focuses on ethical issues in technology, online counseling, and social media. Another focus is on the imposition of counselor values on whether referrals should be made because of the counselor’s religious or other values. The ACA standards clarify that referrals are made only based on skill-based competency, not personal values. The ACA was more specific in stating the values of the counseling profession in the introduction; the enhancement of human development, diversity, and multiculturalism, social justice, the integrity of the counselor-client relationship and
The NCDA Code of Ethics standard E.1.a explains the counselor’s responsibility in explaining the assessments purpose as well as the validity and reliability of the measure (NCDA, 2015). Before I administer the assessment, there are two aspects I need to make sure are functional, which are the environment and the technology. The ACA Code of Ethics, standard E.7.b explains how the counselor must provide an appropriate environment for clients when administering assessments (ACA, 2014). I will provide John with a therapeutic environment where he will feel comfortable in completing the assessment. The ACA Code of Ethics standard E.7.c discusses the counselor’s responsibility in making sure the technology is running and functioning properly in order to take the assessment.
The NAADC Code of Ethics are stipulations that dictate the attitudes and behaviors of people. The NAADC Code of Ethics provides guidance for individuals in the addictions behavioral health field to perform as honest and virtuous professionals. The codes suggest identifying your own strengths and weaknesses, skills, and areas that need improvement. The NAADC codes were established to direct the members. The regulations are the criteria of behavior for addiction experts.
It can slightly modify a counselor decision when a counselor has to identify the problem, apply the ACA code of ethics, determine the nature and dimension of the dilemma and generate a potential course of action. However, if need a counselor may be advised to seek supervision in for certain instances. It can slightly modify a counselor decision when a counselor has to identify the problem, apply the ACA code of ethics, determine the nature and dimension of the dilemma and generate a potential course of action. However, if need a counselor may be advised to seek supervision in for certain instances. It can slightly modify a counselor decision when a counselor has to identify the problem, apply the ACA code of ethics, determine the nature and
There have been modifications to the ACA ethics to include the increasing concerns regarding social media and technology. I currently work with adolescents these modifications are essential to client interactions, often clients want to find clinicians on social media or even contact other clients via social media, which may cause issues for a clinician if they are shown individuals social media without their consent. The ethical codes that would cover these situations include H.6.a. Virtual Professional Presence In cases where counselors wish to maintain a professional and personal presence for social media use separate professional and personal web pages and profiles are created to clearly distinguish between the two kinds of virtual presence.
The National Organization for Human Services (NOHS) Ethical Standards is intended to serve as a guide to the everyday professional conduct of the helper. The standards are extremely broad and subject to interpretation, by the helper. Therefore, the standards are not static; they are revised as new concerns occur during the client-helper relationship.
Profession Code of Ethics Comparison As a social work student, we are provided with the foundational education necessary to succeed in our profession. The National Association of Social Work (NASW) Code of Ethics is the most significant publication because it “is intended to serve as a guide to the everyday professional conduct of social workers” (NASW Code of Ethics, 2017). For this assignment, we are charged with exploring other professional codes of ethics to gain a better understanding of how they may be similar or differ from one another. Therefore, I choose to explore the American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics with the intention of conducting a comparison analysis of both documents.
In the Psychologists Code of Ethics 3.05, it states “A psychologist refrains from entering into a multiple relationship if the multiple relationship could reasonably be expected to impair the
This decision was made because I feel that it is currently in the best interest of the client given both her current condition and progress. After deep reflection, I also believe that additional conversations with the counselee must take place. First, in depth conversations should occur regarding potential termination if the situation degrades (counselor feels she can no longer be objective). This will allow time for both the counselor and counselee to acclimate to the decision and potential change if necessary. Secondly, discussions about client disclosure to others should take place This is to be focused on the potential benefits for the client and not to fix any issue related to the counselor.
Counselors must be aware of their ethical and legal obligations when providing counseling services, such as those related to crisis prevention and intervention. This knowledge can guide the counselor in making appropriate decisions to best assist the client. The American Counseling Association Code of Ethics (2014) provides counselors with the core principles of autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice and fidelity to guide them in decisions making. Furthermore, the following ACA (2014) ethical codes are applicable to crisis counseling: A.1.a. Primary responsibility.
As I learn more about counseling theories, I realize that it is important for a counselor to not act as an expert on a client’s life, rather, this role is solely
For that reason, the counselor should refer to the code of ethics for additional support. The counselor should have ethical and legal considerations when using research in counseling it is for the protection of the client. It is important to know what the population the counselor will be working to see if the research will be effective if there will be any barriers for the client. The responsibility of the counselor is to collect the proper pre and post-test of the client to show a difference when they first started therapy when they finished. It is also important to
The benefits of the client are first in place before those counsellors even if such fidelity is uncomfortable for them. Furthermore, they should also make every effort to make sure that clients’ expectations have reasonable prospects of being met. They have to contemplate confidentiality as an duty arising from the client’s trust. Principle of fidelity
The mental health counselor received a new client that is seeking counseling; however, that client was actually one of the counselor’s close friend who knew the counselor for many years. The counselor seemed surprised that her closest friend was seeking help, and the counselor was the only professional mental health counseling practicing in the small community that matched the description of the services needed by the client (her closest friend). The counselor is feeling unsure that she can provide a good clinical insight/judgement for her client and whether or not she should continue seeing her friend as a client. The counselor sees herself in a predicament of what decision will be the most effective that could benefit the client’s wellbeing as well as the counselor’s ethical
Adherence to professional ethics is a foundational aspect of counseling practice. As students, we are trained to be ethically competent, providing the most principled treatment for our clients. Yet, ethical issues are not just encountered by novice counselors, experienced practitioners face ethical dilemmas throughout their career, as well. The American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics (2014) sets ethical obligations and provides guidance for how to manage ethical dilemmas. The code considers professional values that counselors should be aware of, but also ethical principles that guide practice (ACA, 2014).
It is important for them to put their thoughts aside and place themselves in their client’s feelings and remain empathic. Any individual who are struggling to cope, are all authorized to contact counselling services. As counsellors they have to uphold equal opportunities as they are there to help clients think differently. The importance of confidentiality within counselling is extremely valuable as every individual has the right to say how their information can be accessed. Before starting a counselling session, counsellors agree not to disclose any information with anyone.