Ethical & Professional Standards
/tile-9-aca-code-of-ethics.jpg?sfvrsn=2c76984d_4 "Tile 9 ÀÖ²©´«Ã½Code of Ethics")
The 2014 update to the ÀÖ²©´«Ã½Code 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.
Download the Code 2014 ÀÖ²©´«Ã½Código de Ética
To view previous editions of the Codes of Ethics, visit our Ethics Archive.
Ethics Consultation Services
The ÀÖ²©´«Ã½ is pleased to help ÀÖ²©´«Ã½members 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, ÀÖ²©´«Ã½does not offer risk management services such as advice to minimize risk in the event of lawsuits and/or criminal charges. ÀÖ²©´«Ã½believes that whenever questions arise, counselors should consult with a lawyer licensed in the jurisdiction in which they practice.
Ethics Complaints
The ÀÖ²©´«Ã½Ethics Committee is responsible for processing complaints of alleged violations of the ÀÖ²©´«Ã½Code of Ethics. To file a complaint against a counselor who is an active ÀÖ²©´«Ã½member, 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
ÀÖ²©´«Ã½Ethical 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
Ethical Implications of Open/Concealed Carry in a Clinical Space
Counselors discuss the safety and ethics of having a firearm in session.
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.
The loss of our ‘humanness’
By remaining clinically objective, do counselors inadvertently sacrifice the client’s humanity?
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.
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