Ethics and Legal Issues in Counseling Flashcards

The ACA Code of Ethics was most recently revised in:

Answer: 2014

The ACA Code of Ethics was most recently revised in 2014, addressing issues such as technology, social media, distance counseling, and end-of-life care.

The legal duty to warn (Tarasoff ruling) requires counselors to take action when:

Answer: A client makes a specific, credible threat against an identifiable third party

The Tarasoff v. Regents of the University of California ruling established that therapists have a duty to protect identifiable third parties when clients make specific, credible threats against them.

Informed consent in counseling must include which of the following elements?

Answer: The nature of services, fees, risks, benefits, and limits of confidentiality

Ethical informed consent includes explaining the nature and purpose of services, fees, potential risks and benefits, and the limits of confidentiality before counseling begins.

Which of the following is NOT a recognized exception to client confidentiality?

Answer: Client's insurance company requests records for billing

An insurance company requesting records for billing purposes does not automatically override confidentiality; client authorization is typically required before releasing records to third-party payers.

A dual relationship in counseling refers to:

Answer: A counselor having multiple professional and personal roles with the same client

A dual (or multiple) relationship occurs when a counselor holds two or more roles simultaneously with a client — such as therapist and friend, employer, or instructor — creating a risk of harm or exploitation.

Mandatory reporting laws require counselors to report suspected:

Answer: Child abuse and neglect

All U.S. states have mandatory reporting laws requiring mental health professionals to report suspected child abuse or neglect to designated child protective services agencies.