Codes of Ethics:
Fundamental Principles of Professional Ethics
Autonomy
✢ Fostering the right to control the direction of one's life
Justice
✢ Treating individuals equitably & fostering fairness & equality
Beneficence
✢ Working for the good of the individual & society
Nonmaleficence
✢ Avoiding actions that cause harm
Fidelity
✢ Honoring commitments & fulfilling responsibilities
Veracity
✢ Being truthful
ACA Ethical Decision Making Model
1. Identify the problem.
2. Apply the ACA Code of Ethics.
3. Determine the nature and dimensions of the dilemma.
4. Generate potential courses of action.
5. Consider the potential consequences of all options and determine a course of action.
6. Evaluate the selected course of action.
7. Implement the course of action.
✢ Consider the worldview of the client & other's affected throughout each step of the process
Confidentiality
✢ Protected by state laws & HIPPA
✢ HIPAA Privacy Rule and Sharing Information Related to Mental Health
✢ Often includes contents of therapy & fact that client is in therapy
✢ Confidentiality regarding minors varies by state
✢ May need to ask permission to share relevant information with insurance
✢ According to HIPPA, counselors should not reveal any more information than is necessary to ensure coverage
✢ Typically limited to the diagnosis being treated & any medications required
Ways to Protect:
Exemptions:
Do not acknowledge clients in public
Do not leave revealing information in voicemail, text, or email
Do not discuss contents of therapy with 3rd party without explicit permission from client
Do not acknowledge to outside parties that client has an appointment
Ways to protect confidentiality:
Do not acknowledge clients in public
Do not leave revealing information in voicemail, text, or email
Do not discuss contents of therapy with 3rd party without explicit permission from client
Do not acknowledge to outside parties that client has an appointment
Exceptions:
If a client is a threat to themself or others
Themselves: Must notify someone who can keep client safe
Should not automatically break confidentiality
Client needs to state an intent to act & have a plan before hospitalization is considered
Others: Must notify person in danger
If a child or vulnerable adult is being abused or neglected
Court ordered
https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/patient-therapist-boundary-issues
Informed Consent
Consulting
Could include supervisors, other counselors, lawyers, etc.
Do not use client name, identifying or incriminating information
Better to consult in conversation rather than in writing
Inform client when you need to seek outside counsel