Ethical issues in the mental health professions will arise in a counselor’s profession. Therefore, in order to keep clients and or patients safe, as a mental health profession it is important to understand the primary purpose of a code of ethics. These guidelines are incorporated to safeguard the welfare of clients by providing what is in their best interest. Nonetheless, these codes and guidelines are also designed to safeguard the public and to guide professionals in their work so that they can provide the best service possible (Corey, Corey, & Callanan, 1998, p. 539)
Crucial ACA Code of Ethics In relation to ethical practice, and the terms of those guidelines, the importance of the code as well as issues and challenges that comes with that element of
…show more content…
As a result, wrong diagnosis especially if the assessment taken/given has been falsely understood which can only lead to treatment programs that will likely fail as the assessment and the diagnosis were both problematic. For example: in the treatment involving counseling of minors (children or adolescents), may become complicated and risk for potential risk for improper assessment, diagnosis and or treatment. Given the age and cognitive development of the client, would bring some confusion of what is being communicated, what needs to happen during the process of therapy, what has to be done, what he or she (client or patient), has to do and what can be expected of both sides, from counselor and client. Some of these ethical and/or legal issues specifically pertaining to minors include: (1) confidentiality, (2) informed consent, (3) Parental consent, and (4) privileged
The oldest and the largest union in the United States, the American Correctional Associated (ACA) was first founded in 1870 under the name of the National Prison Association (The history of the American, n.d.) In 1970, the American Correctional Association comprised a set of standards that were later revised in 2002 for the members to promote professional and ethical conduct and called them the ACA Code of Ethics (American Correctional, n.d.). Although it is believed by some that corrections has still not achieved professional status, the ACA has made leaps in achieving this title by mandating training standards and a code of ethics for its members to follow (Schmalleger & Smykla, 2017). If members within the profession decide not to follow
In reading both codes you can see how different but yet alike they are, although one is from the Christian aspect and the other from a world view. According to Ralph Bass, Christian counseling has been a part of the work of ministry since the origin of the church. When people were sick they looked to the church for help, they were thought of as touched by the Gods and were given potions for their madness to cure them or driven from the community depending on the type of illness. Sigmund Freud was one of the most famous people to come out of the age where psychiatry was thought to have nothing to do with Christianity and that Christianity
After reading the discussion board forum I researched North Carolina’s Board of Licensed Professional Counselors website. I then searched for some North Carolina’s counseling websites to find local informed consents. The counselor that I found the most interesting is Robin G. Forgione, M.Ed., LPCS, NCC. I noticed she met most of the ACA code of ethics requirements and North Carolina’s entire requirements.
The ACA Code of Ethics states, “when counselors are faced with ethical dilemmas that are difficult to resolve, they are expected to engage in a carefully considered ethical decision-making process,” (ACA, 2014, p. 3). Throughout these three case studies, I will use the seven-step ethical decision-making model to address the important professional issues, relevant ethical codes, and legal standards (Forester-Miller & Davis, 1996). By applying the steps to each case I will share how I came to my resolutions.
There are multiple precautions and/or practices that private practitioners can adopt that will minimize their liability, while also promoting the best possible practice and therapy for their clients. Following the Code of Ethics, while maintaining current educational and supervision practices also help.
Ethical issues are faced everyday in the modern society, a person with morals and ethics is confronted by these issues in daily basis and has to make ethical choices to solve these issues. But some times these ethical choices are so hard to make that they become in ethical dilemmas. In today’s world ethical dilemmas are on the rise due to there are so many different races, religion, ethnicity and social classes. Some ethical dilemmas have more significant than others because they are more vulnerable and sensitive. In our modern society diversity plays a key role in our work place, schools, hospitals and other public places. Different race and different religion of people come from different background all in one place, which makes it more significant to cause an ethical dilemma. Different
There is much to learn from all ancestral cultures including the new coin phrase sexual minorities . Mental heath professional is consistently evolving and practitioners must adapt to the changes within practice and ACA ethical guidelines. This paper explores a counselor 's level of competence, etiology findings for homosexuality, controversies with treatment practice by professional and paraprofessional therapy, and new frontier approach with client-centered approach. Since the multicultural movement has become a pillar for ACA code of ethics, it is with great importance to embrace new cultural styles. Although, the counseling field has a great paucity in empirical research; ACA task force remains optimistic in filling this gap. The objective is to help clients find congruence in their identity, belief, and values within their sexual orientation. Counselor must arm themselves with proficient training in multicultural competence, client-centered approach toward client identity edification, and having the integrity to guard clients from harmful clinical practice.
Bartering is an issue that is associated with boundaries and non-sexual dual relationships. Ethical Standards of the counseling profession has not prohibited baring with a client for goods or services, however it is not recommended as a routine practice. The motivation behind most bartering arrangements is the desire to provide service to clients with limited financial resources. Exchange for service is one type of bartering arrangement, another type is the exchange of goods for counseling services. For example, a client who is a mechanic might wish to pay for counseling services by fixing the counselor’s car. Issues that occur within bartering is the issue of quality of services and also the issue of how many hours of counseling is equivalent
The ethical codes are strictly regulated to ensure that members providing and the individuals receiving the psychological services are protected against any violations that may cause physical or emotional harm (Code of Ethics, 2007). However, in cases where breach of conducts is found, the psychologist is obliged to report; also the colleagues of the psychologist is authorised to report without fear of breaking the code of ethics (Code of Ethics). To foster an ethical environment in a professional psychological service, all psychologists must uphold the same ethical standards because they have been entrusted to care for some of the most vulnerable individuals (Furman, Downey & Jackson, 2004). For suggestions, Dr Ida should have taken actions immediately when an ethical problem is identified. By beginning to identify the ethical issue, she can consult her peers and supervisors, in order to determine the ethical trap possibilities and critically examining the possible consequences, so that an appropriate ethical resolution can be carried out (Steinman, Richardson & McEnroe, 1998; Miner, 2006).
Section I focuses on resolving ethical issues with other counselors. This section promotes seeking consultation when necessary and to solve ethical problems with all parties involved in the matter. In conclusion, sections D, F and I provide a framework for counselors to refer to when they are facing ethical
All forensic scientists are obligated to tell the truth and are not misleading the jury, but there is no single ethical code that applies to all disciplines, but there are two organizations that develop ethical codes for forensic testimony and presentation in the U.S, The American Board of Criminalistics(ABC) and The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS). The ABC code requires each certified member to ¨ensure that the opinions rendered with regard to their analyses are done so only to the extent to be justified by evidence¨ and insure that the testimony is presented clearly (24). The AFFS code states that members can not ¨materially misinterpret data or scientific principles¨ upon which their professional opinion or conclusion is made (24). It states that forensic scientists are not adversaries and should make every effort to uphold the oath of truth. In 2009 there was a study by Brandon L. Garrett and Peter J. Neufeld that explored the ¨the relationship between forensic testimony and convictions ultimately leading to exonerations based upon
HIPPA has created guidelines and regulations for insurers and consumers to educate themselves based on what is acceptable and unacceptable. Based on research (Landro, 2002) stated that, the healthcare industry staying from using email and Web marketing because of concerns based on HIPPA limitations and cautions from insurers to not communicate with consumers through electronic communications. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 was put in place to reduce cost of administrative operational, fraud, to prevent unauthorized access, and to disclose information. The primary objective of the Privacy Rule is to shield patient’s health. According to (Berkowitz, 2011) he stated that, under the rules of HIPPA a healthcare provide
The ACA Code of Ethics devised Standard A.1.d for counselors to accept and recognize the importance of family members in the treatment plan. HIPPA provisions force counselors to create a written agreement document explaining the need to communicate with family member when needed. It is up to the client to sign the agreement (Remley & Herlihy, 2014). As a future counselor, I can see this issue emerging on numerous occasions. In my opinion, it is extremely important to have a strong support system. Having family aware of the important issues that are occurring can benefit the client in the long run. If I encounter a client who does not feel comfortable signing the form, I would try to explain how important it is to have the support
Parents are often the first advocates for twice-exceptional learners as they are the first to notice the strengths and struggles their children are experiencing. School counselors and teachers do well to listen to parents when they show concerns in this area (Assouline, Foley, & Huber, 2006). School counselors can work with parents to help them advocate for the multifaceted learning plans that their child needs (2006).
At this point as a student, I believe I have a firm grasp on the foundations of the ACA Code of Ethics. The ACA Code of Ethics is organized for several valuable reasons. The ACA Code of Ethics serves the community, the members of the ACA, and helping professionals (CASEBOOK). The ACA Code of Ethics was created to protect and promote the wellness of the community, educate members of the helping profession and community, improve the practice of helping professionals, and protect the clients and the practitioners (LEGAL). The approach the ACA Code of Ethics uses is holding health professionals accountable for their clients. This allows clients to be protected and to be counseled in a safe and non-judgmental environment. There are five core values the ACA holds for all helping professionals. The first is enhancing growth and development for clients. The second core value is brining awareness to diversity and multicultural views. Third value is to promote social justice. Fourth value is building integrity and trust with the client. The last core value is practicing in an ethical manner (CASEBOOK). I understand the reason behind the ACA Code of Ethics, however I hope this class will teach me more about the individual codes.