Professor and class,
If the way to receive compensation for a client’s medical care is needed, it is dishonest to exaggerate
their symptoms or even the diagnosis. A psychologist must be transparent regarding who the client is
and what their employment situation is. It is the ethical responsibility of the counselor to discontinue
care when they are no longer benefiting from the sessions, stating the current treatment is no longer
necessary, and recommend alternative service providers to the client to refrain from feelings of
disappointment while fixing any issues or concerns with the practice. The ACA Code of Ethics 7. c states
when substantial evidence indicates harm, even if services are needed, counselors cannot use
techniques/modalities/procedures. If the counselor deems services will cause injury or harm to the
client or others, the counselor may refrain from reporting a diagnosis. Counselors must carefully weigh
both the positive and negative effects of a diagnosis, as the primary duty of the counselor is to uphold
the integrity and support the health of clients, as states by the ACA Code of Ethics A.1.a.
Reference
American Counseling Association (2014) ACA Code of Ethics. Alexandria, VA: Author.
