Following the counseling codes of ethics

“Adhere to the Counseling codes of ethics” (NBCC, 2027 task 6.5)

Counselors are bound by professional codes of ethics, chiefly the ACA Code of Ethics (2014) and, for certified counselors, the NBCC Code of Ethics. State licensing boards often adopt or incorporate a code in their rules. The exam tests knowledge of major standards and the process for resolving ethical concerns.

Key points

The ACA Code is organized in sections: A (the counseling relationship), B (confidentiality and privacy), C (professional responsibility), D (relationships with other professionals), E (evaluation, assessment and interpretation), F (supervision, training and teaching), G (research and publication), H (distance counseling, technology and social media) and I (resolving ethical issues).
Key standards include informed consent, confidentiality and its exceptions, avoiding harmful multiple relationships, practicing within competence, non-discrimination and appropriate termination.
When counselors believe another counselor is acting unethically, the ACA Code (I.2.a) suggests informal resolution with that counselor first when appropriate, and (I.2.b) reporting to the appropriate body when substantial harm is likely or informal resolution is not appropriate or fails.
Counselors cooperate with ethics investigations and do not file or encourage unwarranted complaints.
Use an ethical decision-making model and consultation when standards are unclear or in conflict, and document the reasoning.
State board rules carry legal force; violating them can lead to license discipline.
Ethical practice is ongoing: codes are revised over time, and counselors keep up with changes.

In practice

A counselor learns that a colleague has been texting a client late at night about personal matters. She raises her concern with the colleague directly. When the behavior continues, she consults her supervisor and reports it to the licensing board.

A counselor unsure whether to accept a client's invitation to a wedding works through an ethical decision-making model, consults a colleague, considers cultural meaning and potential harm, and documents her decision to attend the ceremony briefly but not the reception.

Check yourself

Which section of the ACA Code addresses distance counseling, technology and social media?

Section H.

What is often the first step when a counselor believes a colleague is acting unethically?

Attempting informal resolution with the colleague when appropriate and no confidentiality rights are violated.

Why do state board ethics rules matter beyond professional association codes?

They carry legal force, and violations can lead to license discipline.

NBCC's knowledge and skills for Domain 6

Knowledge of: State laws (state licensure law, supervision requirements, abuse reporting, license renewal, CAQH); Federal laws (e.g., HIPAA, FERPA, immigration policy, HI-TECH, ADA, NPI); Codes of ethics; Third-party reimbursement, insurance and billing (e.g., CPT codes); Counseling Compact; Emerging technologies in Counseling; Crisis policies and procedures; Recording keeping and reporting requirements and procedures; Appropriate logistics for telemental health services; Scope of practice (e.g., letters of support, working with special populations); Alternative medical-assisted/pharmacological interventions; Accessing state licensure board; Executing voluntary and involuntary commitments.

Skill in: Maintaining confidentiality; Discerning reputable training providers and programs; Troubleshooting technological difficulties during telemental health session (e.g., session disconnects, video not working); Billing and third-party reimbursement.

A study guide written by ExamDragon from NBCC's published task; not NBCC material and not part of the exam.