...Ethical Issues in Multicultural Counseling Abstract In the past, counselors have lacked the knowledge and skills to interpret ethical guidelines in multicultural counseling. The ethical guidelines dictate how a counselor should have the necessary tools when conducting a counseling session. There is a shortfall of training and education when dealing with race, ethnicity, and cultural backgrounds in today’s society. Ethics is a hot topic for counselors, partially because there are so many different situations that can be affected by ethical behavior. These situations can range from betraying the clients trust to injustice. There tends to be a lot of ambiguity for how to handle a situation ethically since there are a lot of variables involved in ethical issues. This involves disagreements in having one response that would be the most ethical response to that situation. There are many areas of ethical issues: privacy and confidentiality, informed consent, time and role boundaries, unplanned endings, finances, competence, and therapist initiated termination. Code of Ethics The code of ethics in social work, psychology, and counseling will continue to go through changes over time. Mental health professionals are expected to practice with the standards, and ethical code established by their professions. According to Pack-Brown, Thomas, and Seymour (2008) the American Counseling Association has established ethical responsibility for counselors to have enhancing human...
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...psychology is adhering to the Ethics Code irrespective of legal covets. The Ethics Code was cultivated and put into place by the American Psychological Association (APA) for the safety of both psychologist and patient. If the psychologist is a member of the APA (which is a voluntary endeavor), he or she must adhere to the Ethics Code (Plante, 2011). There are clear cases where this loyalty to the code undermines legal authority. However, the APA encourages its members to explain the obedience of the code, and to decide whether he or she should break their vow and go against it. Plante (2011) avows, “Generally, ethical standards represent a much higher standard of behavior than the law,” (p. 374). Another major legal issue is confidentiality, which not only ties into the abovementioned Ethics Code, but provides an example of a circumstance that could be lawful but unethical. Confidentiality is one of the foremost aspects of going to a psychologist; a psychologist is believed to break confidentiality only in the most extreme circumstances including immediate harm to the patient or another individual or by patient consent (Plante, 2011). However, a court may subpoena a psychologist in a court case, technically making the break in confidentiality legal but unethical. In this case, it is up to the discretion of the psychologist to break his or her code and stay within the good graces of the law (Plante, 2011). 2. What are at least two ethical issues associated...
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...Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers Approved by the 1996 NASW Delegate Assembly and revised by the 2008 NASW Delegate Assembly The 2008 NASW Delegate Assembly approved the following revisions to the NASW Code of Ethics: 1.05 Cultural Competence and Social Diversity (c) Social workers should obtain education about and seek to understand the nature of social diversity and oppression with respect to race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, political belief, religion, immigration status, and mental or physical disability. 2.01 Respect (a) Social workers should treat colleagues with respect and should represent accurately and fairly the qualifications, views, and obligations of colleagues. (b) Social workers should avoid unwarranted negative criticism of colleagues in communications with clients or with other professionals. Unwarranted negative criticism may include demeaning comments that refer to colleagues’ level of competence or to individuals’ attributes such as race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, political belief, religion, immigration status, and mental or physical disability. 4.02 Discrimination Social workers should not practice, condone, facilitate, or collaborate with any form of discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender...
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...psychological Association writing the first formal code of ethics in 1942, detailing professional use of assessments. Addressed were qualifications for the test users, responsibilities, principles, guidelines, application and use of assessments for psychologists. Additionally the American counseling Association code of ethics provides expectations for conduct with the primary emphasis being on the role of the professional counselor. Again MFT provides the some code of ethics in which to provide expectations of the licensed Marriage and Family therapist. Examples of provisions within those guidelines for the use of assessments, but more specifically the responsibility of the professional counselor, plus implications for not following ethical decision making model of principles. While considering the foundation set forth by those professionals with wisdom, experience and knowledge whom submitted a draft for approval, the American psychological association created an empirically developed code that was based on ethical dilemmas. Although the American Psychological Association had been in existence since 1892 with no formal code of ethics for over 59 years, there was a scientific /professional ethics, and code of conduct observed in 1950. A survey was used to gather actual descriptions of professional activities providing that guideline which set precedence for years to come in the APA profession. This was done with the hopes that these ethical standards would continue to grow for many...
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...Some of the challenges about ethics and law related to my future counseling practice include imposing my own values, beliefs and ideals on clients, maintaining the competence and skills needed to effectively abide by said ethics and laws and deciphering how to take action when laws and ethics collide. Ethics are the philosophical underpinnings of human conduct, and it is important for counselors to uphold all aspects of ethics in order to provide the highest level of care and avoid charges of unethical conduct (Bradley & Hendricks, 2008). Two forms of ethics that exist are principle ethics and virtue ethics. Principle ethics embody moral principles that are widely agreed upon beliefs that make up helping professions. The six main moral principles include autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice, fidelity and veracity. The second form of ethics is virtue ethics. Virtue ethics revolve around personal characteristics and virtues and entail integrity, discernment, acceptance of emotion, self-awareness and interdependence with the community (Remley & Herlihy, 2014). According to Jennings, et al. (2005), one key to avoiding ethical dilemmas is by avoiding personal biases and views in client sessions. According the ACA Code of Ethics (2005), any personal views that are not aligned with counseling goals must be avoided, and counselors need to remain aware of these views and respect all forms of diversity when it relates to clients, trainees and research participants. Because...
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...Ethical Standards and Codes Jamaica R. Webster Survey of Professional Psychology/PSYCH 545 March 21, 2010 Dr. Mary Helen McGreevy, Psy.D Abstract This paper will prepare an explanation of ethical standards and codes. Ethics is a word that can be described or defined with a variety of meanings. This paper will analyze the impact of societal norms on the development of ethical standards and codes. This paper will also evaluate the impact of the American Psychological Association’s (APA) ethical standards and codes on professional practice in the field of psychology. This paper will also explain the importance of professional ethical standards and codes in the field of psychology. Ethical Standards and Codes Ethical standards and codes were set up by the APA. This code of ethics is a policy for all psychologists or other medical health professionals to follow the rules or law. In the field of psychology or other medical professional field, our paper will define ethical standards and codes, analyze the impact of societal norms on the development of ethical standards and codes, evaluate the impact of the APA ethical standards and codes on professional practice in psychology, and explain the importance of professional ethical standards and codes in psychology. Definition of Ethical Standards and Codes Ethical Standard are principles, which when followed, promote values such as trust, good behavior, fairness, and/or kindness. There is not one consistent set of standards...
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...Current Events Impact on School Counseling Profession Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting occurred December 14, 2012 in Newton, Connecticut. This was one of the deadliest mass shooting at a grade school in the history of the United States. A 20 year old male, Adam Lanza fatally shot 20 children and 6 adult staffers. Lanza also shot his mother. Lanza committed suicide by shooting himself in the head. Lanza had significant mental health issues which psychologist say did affect his ability to live a normal life. (www.CNN.com). Today there are has been more than 100 school shootings since the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary. (www.schoolsecurity). Traumatic stress and psychological distress play a major role in counseling children. School counseling has become even more valuable in the U.S. due to traumatic events such as school shootings. School shootings have had a major impact on students, families and communities. There is a more security and law enforcement present at schools across the US and metal detectors in schools also. School children are being taught how to prepare if there is a shooter or shooters in schools. Due to the increased acts of violence in schools and the need for intensive intervention in student issues, school personnel, school boards, and communities are recognizing the need to provide effective prevention and intervention programs to address social, emotional, and academic needs of students. (Davis, T., 2015, Exploring School Counseling). In the next...
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...RMartin830@yahoo.com ACA Code of Ethics 1. Confidentiality Confidentiality is a demonstration of respect bestowed on the client by the counselor wherein information between the two will not be divulged by the counselor. 2. Exceptions to Confidentiality danger to the public supercedes the protective privilege of a therapeutic relationship. a. Duty to Warn b. Clear and Imminent Danger changed to “ 3. Record Keeping 4. The ACA Code of Ethics serves five main purposes: 5. 1. The Code enables the association to clarify to current and 6. future members, and to those served by members, the 7. nature of the ethical responsibilities held in common by 8. its members. 9. 2. The Code helps support the mission of the association. 10. 3. The Code establishes principles that define ethical behavior 11. and best practices of association members. 12. 4. The Code serves as an ethical guide designed to assist 13. members in constructing a professional course of action 14. that best serves those utilizing counseling services and 15. best promotes the values of the counseling profession. 16. 5. The Code serves as the basis for processing of ethical 17. complaints and inquiries initiated against members 18. of the association. 19. The ACA Code of Ethics contains eight main sections that 20. address the following areas: 21. Section A: The Counseling Relationship 22. Section B: Confidentiality...
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...unethical. Confidentially is an issue that involves the codes of both ethics and legality. Maintaining confidentiality is a significant issue in clinical psychology, and one by which the psychologist is bound by law as well as the ethical codes. These laws require the psychologist to refrain from referring to a patient's treatment or results of assessment outside of the appropriate context (Hogan, 2007). Furthermore, regarding confidentiality in record keeping, psychologists must maintain records efficiently, securely, and effectively so results are not prone to dissemination by other inappropriate parties. The psychologist does; however, have the responsibility to waive confidentiality when he or she suspects harm to self (Hogan, 2007). Another legal issue is obtaining written informed consent before counseling, consulting, or providing any type of treatment. If the patient is incapable of giving such consent, a parent, legal guardian, or other individual functioning in an official capacity must do so. Patients can revoke informed consent at any time during treatment, in most cases. Furthermore, issues involved in obtaining such consent must be provided to the client is understandable terms. Participating in a sexual relationship with a client is one example of behavior, not considered illegal (in most states) although definitely unethical. According to Plante (2011), dual relationships are common ethical violations. Even if it were legal, it is neither fair to a client/patient...
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...special circumstances of clients such as in mental health facilities often have questions concerning patient autonomy, freedom of choice and consent to treatment even more complex than they are in other contexts. Counselors must identify ethical issues they are likely to encounter and maintain policies that address them effectively. The high cost of care and prejudices against persons with mental illness also creates ethical problems. Two Foundational Definitions of Ethics Related to Counseling Justice and Beneficence are two foundational issues in counseling ethics and legal issues. Although these two are mandatory components of ethical functioning at any level, they must be self-evident for counselors and certainly essential and fundamental in practice (Herlihy & Corey, 2006). Herlihy & Corey (2006) define justice as “our commitment to fairness” (p. 9) that includes several issues involved within counseling practice such as the counselor personal ethics, fees structures and the implementation of appropriate fairness in the counseling relationship. Justice in fair practice must take into account the client’s current and past cultural environment especially when it is different from the counselor. Fairness includes respecting client’s cultural values and refraining from the imposition of one’s personal beliefs. Beneficence is “promoting good or mental health and...
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...2014 ACA Code of Ethics As approved by the ACA Governing Council AMERICAN COUNSELING ASSOCIATION counseling.org Mission The mission of the American Counseling Association is to enhance the quality of life in society by promoting the development of professional counselors, advancing the counseling profession, and using the profession and practice of counseling to promote respect for human dignity and diversity. © 2014 by the American Counseling Association. All rights reserved. Note: This document may be reproduced in its entirety without permission for non-commercial purposes only. Contents ACA Code of Ethics Preamble • 3 ACA Code of Ethics Purpose • 3 Section A The Counseling Relationship • 4 Section B Section Confidentiality and Privacy • 6 C Professional Responsibility • 8 Section D Relationships With Other Professionals • 10 Section E Evaluation, Assessment, and Interpretation • 11 Section F Supervision, Training, and Teaching • 12 Section G Research and Publication • 15 Section H Distance Counseling, Technology, and Social Media • 17 Section I Resolving Ethical Issues • 18 Glossary of Terms • 20 Index • 21 • 2 • ACA Code of Ethics Preamble The American Counseling Association (ACA) is an educational, scientific, and professional organization whose members work in a variety of settings and serve in multiple capacities. Counseling is a professional relationship that empowers...
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...Aotearoa/The Nursing Council of New Zealand (‘the Council’) under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (‘the Act’) is the responsible authority that governs the practice of nurses. The principle purpose of the Act is to protect the health and safety of members of the public by providing mechanisms to ensure health practitioners are competent and fit to practise their professions. The Council sets and monitors standards in the interests of the public and the profession. The Council’s primary concern is public safety. This Code outlines the standards of ethical conduct set by the Council under section 118(i) of the Act. This Code complements the legal obligations that nurses have under the Act, the Health and Disability Commissioner (Code of Health and Disability Services Nursing Council of New Zealand, PO Box 9644, Wellington 6011 www.nursingcouncil.org.nz Published June 2012 The Code of Conduct for nurses has been revised and rewritten. This document replaces the previous Code of Conduct for nurses published by the Nursing Council of New Zealand between 1995 and 2011. © Consumers’ Rights) Regulations 1996 and the Health Information Privacy Code 1994. The Act and Code of Rights can be found at http://www.legislation.govt.nz The Code of Conduct for nurses is a set of standards defined by the Council describing the behaviour or conduct that nurses are expected to uphold. The Code of Conduct provides guidance on appropriate behaviour for all nurses and can be used...
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...Power and Discrimination Assignment Introduction Stereotypical imagery and prejudice are biases, which function together in creating as well as maintaining social inequality. Prejudice can be described as personal feelings and attitudes that individuals have regarding other group members. On the other hand, stereotypes can be defined as beliefs regarding a group including a description of an individual, their abilities as well as their behaviour. Therefore, stereotypes cognitively represent how people are similar to other and their differences towards other groups. ‘Individuals can be aware of stereotypes and have cognitive representations of their beliefs without endorsing such stereotypes, without prejudice feelings as well as without having a belief that stereotypes can affect their behaviour and judgement’ (Charnley et al 2009: 195). Stereotyping as well as prejudice are considered as an adaptive processes product, which simplifies complex world towards enabling individuals to apply cognitive resources towards various tasks. Nevertheless, despite the function served by cognitively adaptive processes by use of mental shortcuts to make decisions regarding other people can result in serious negative outcomes (Smith 2008). The horrifying mistreatment of people in history including that of African American, homosexuals, people with disabilities, has been the main impulsion for prejudice as well as stereotypes study. Therefore, the original experiments and ideas are concerned...
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... Each of the sanctioning bodies for Clinical Mental Health Counseling professionals clearly espouse their own guidelines, procedures, and professional standards. These ethical codes clearly delineate the standards by which Clinical Mental Health professionals must administer assessment tasks and tools. Mental Health Counselors must utilize the most appropriate assessment test and measures available. Statistical validity, reliability, and generalizability must be ensured when ever possible. Assessment tests are performed from strength based perspective that incorporates all of each client’s unique personal attributes and characteristics. We must conduct thorough interviews before deciding which test we administer. Counselors have the ultimate responsibility in choosing which assessment test they are using and why. Professional protocol is be adhered to the highest extent possible at all times. When writing reports and sharing them with clients and interdisciplinary colleagues, professional jargon should be kept at a minimum. The written documentation pertaining to the assessment process must be understandable to all, especially the client. Evidence Based Practice must be supported by written explanation as to why one test was used over another. Counselors have a professional and ethical responsibility to be trained on the measures they are administering, as well as the most contemporary practices. Consent and agreement must be obtained unless the client...
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...CODE OF ETHICS FOR NURSES WHEREAS, the Board of Nursing (BON) has the power to promulgate a Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses in coordination and consultation with the accredited professional organization (Sec. 9, (g), Art III of (Republic Act) No. 9173, known as the “Philippine Nursing Act of 2002); WHEREAS, in the formulation of the Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses, the Code of Good Governance for the Professions in the Philippines was utilized as the principal basis thereof: All the principles under the said Code were adopted and integrated into the Code of Ethics as they apply to the nursing profession; WHEREAS, the promulgation of the said Code as a set of guidelines, regulations or measures shall be subject to approval by the Commission (Sec. 9, Art. II of R.A. No. 9173); and WHEREAS, the Board, after consultation on October 23, 2003 at Iloilo City with the accredited professional organization of registered nurses, the Philippine Nurses Association, Inc. (PNA), and other affiliate organizations of Registered Nurses, decided to adopt a new Code of Ethics under the afore-mentioned new law; NOW, THERFORE, the Board hereby resolved, as it now resolves, to promulgate the hereunder Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses: ARTICLE I PREAMBLE SECTION 1. Health is a fundamental right of every individual. The Filipino registered nurse, believing in the worth and dignity of each human being, recognizes the primary responsibility to preserve health at all cost. This responsibility...
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