Reassurance With A Therapist Ethics Consultation
Take advantage of an unparalleled therapist ethics consultation with a former composite board complaints investigator.
Let's Work Together To Protect Your Privilege to Practice Counseling.
All Licenses
Regardless of whether you’re a social worker, marriage and family therapist or professional counselor, we’ll work together to resolve the ethical dilemma in a manner that is right for you.
Private and Confidential
It is critical that a practicing psychotherapist has an ally as they navigate the confusing and often overwhelming worry of an ethical dilemma. Rest assured: I work for you.
Full Support
Determining and sorting through which issues are ethical and which are legal to ensure you receive all of the technical expertise you need.
Working Together To Solve Problems
- Whether to file an ethics complaint against a peer.
- Preventing a sticky situation from becoming worse.
- Overwhelmed by the clinical complexity of a client.
- Ethical dilemma and telemental health practice.
- Ethics of your interstate and international practice.
- Dealing with a problem with a supervisor or supervisee.
- Resolving what might be a boundary issue.
Testimonials
Counselor Ethics FAQ
Is it unethical to barter with clients?
It is generally unethical for counselors to barter with clients since bartering creates a dual relationship. Examine these relationships to determine if they rise to a level of harm to your client.
When can I have an intimate relationship with a former client?
First, it is important to know the laws of your state. These laws may be stated in your practice law or elsewhere such as crimes and sexual offenses. Therapist codes of ethics such as ACA state the period as 5 years, but it is important to note ACA refers you to your state law as the final answer.
How do I know if I should file a board complaint against a peer?
Filing a board complaint against a peer is a serious matter and several factors should be considered. Is the complaint information 1st hand or did you learn it from a colleague or work staff? Has the peer behavior resulted in harm to their client?
How do I know if I have crossed or violated a client boundary?
You are responsible for boundary problems. It is best to think of it as boundary management versus boundary crossings as you are responsible for all aspects of the boundary. You may be asked to account to your counseling board for poor management of client boundaries.
Is it an ethics violation to have not retained records for the specified time period.
Destroying records could result in a board complaint or investigation. Some state counseling boards take disciplinary action for poor handling of records. Consult your state law regarding the records retention requirements for counselors or health professionals.
What will happen if I breach confidentiality?
If you breach confidentiality with a client it could result in action taken by your counseling board, your state could investigate the breach as a misdemeanor, The DHHS Office of Civil Rights (HIPAA) could investigate and levy a fine with corrective action. Much of this depends upon the severity of the breach and your intentions.
What are the ethics consequences of not providing decolonized and anti-oppression psychotherapy?
We can speak generally of colonization as treatment within a framework that is insensitive to unique cultural experiences. This includes treatment considerations ranging from race to gender expression and ADA accessibility. The specific violation is usually that the therapist delivered incompetent care or engaged in unprofessional conduct. But a major obstacle to addressing colonization systemically is that some counselors beliefs and morals are deeply founded in colonization attitudes.
I feel it would harm my client to provide their treatment records to a third party. Is this unethical?
It can be both illegal and unethical to withhold your clients counseling notes. Under current HIPAA law, you must provide the records within 60 days.
Is it unethical to interact with my counseling clients on social media?
There are often ethics repercussions interacting with your clients on social media. One of these are clients feeling harmed or betrayed by opinions they learn from your posts. Whenever a client feels harmed, you are risking a counseling board complaint.
When do I need to be concerned that my telemental health is unethical?
Whereas TMH is generally safe, there are scenarios where telemental health is unethical. Perhaps the most important decision for you to make is whether the client can safely receive counseling treatment via telemental health.
