What would you do if you were providing a psychological test to a counseling client and an issue
arose in which your ethics conflicted with the established state and federal laws and codes of ethics?
Provide an example to support your response.
In the face of a contradiction between my ethics and the American Counseling Association's (ACA)
defined ethical standards, statutes, or codes, prioritizing the latter becomes critical for ethical
practice. For example, if a psychological examination produced information indicating potential harm
to others, which contradicted my value of privacy, I would follow Section B.2.a of the ACA Code of
Ethics. This provision requires the revelation of information that may avoid harm. Regardless of my
discomfort or preference for privacy, I would uphold the ethical commitment to prioritize the client's
and others' safety. If a significant conflict arises, consulting with colleagues or a supervisor, as per
the ACA Code of Ethics, Section A.5.a. becomes a critical step in navigating the challenge. This
strategy provides a consistent commitment to the client's well-being while adhering to the ACA's
professional standards, promoting a responsible and ethical counseling practice. This continual
commitment to ethical thought and consultation not only benefits the client's immediate well-being
but also adds to the progress and integrity of the counseling profession as a whole.
Reference
American Counseling Association. (2014). 2014
ACA code of ethics.
https://www.counseling.org/resources/aca-code-of-ethics.pdf
