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Ethical Minute Paper 1
Orientation to Counseling Professional Identity (Liberty
University)
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Running head: ETHICAL MINUTE PAPER 11
Ethical Minute Paper 1 - Confidentiality
Michael B. Blue
Liberty University
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Ethical Minute Paper 1 - Confidentiality
Counseling is a relationship between a counselor and a client, and as with any other
relationship that relationship is built on trust. That is why confidentiality is such an important
topic to cover. When dealing with a client’s mental or relational health, they are very vulnerable,
and the counselor must maintain the client’s privacy (ACA. 2014)
Identified Problem
The problem in the video “helpful receptionist” was the breach of privacy on the
receptionist part. The well-meaning receptionist made some big assumptions about the client’s
husband and his knowledge of her seeing a counselor. The client explained why it was important
that her husband did not have proof that she was seeking professional help from a counselor, and
the receptionist had unwittingly betrayed the client’s privacy.
Applicable ACA Codes
According to the ACA Code of Ethics (2014), section B.1.c., the only time a counselor
should ethically release client information is when it is legally or ethically justified, and with
prior consent. However, this does not mean that the counselor is the only person in the office that
will have access to client information. According to section H.2.b., the counselor must inform
the client of authorized access by employees (ACA, 2014). The receptionist would have a legal
right as an employee to know some client information, but this places her under the code of
ethics section B.3.a that any subordinate to the counselor is required to maintain client
confidentiality.
Applicable State Codes
The Ohio Administrative Code chapter 4757 Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage
and Family Therapist Board (2011) has very concise instructions for confidentiality. According
to 33 Ohio Rev. Code (2011) Section 4757-5-02 provides the standard for professional conduct
and
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confidentiality. A counselor or licensee is required by Ohio law to maintain confidentiality unless
doing so would cause them to break another law or by consent only (33 Ohio Rev. Code, 2011).
Counseling services, which is interpreted to encompass counseling practices and employees, are
also held to this standard (33 Ohio Rev. Code, 2011).
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References
33 Ohio Rev. Code. § 4757.11 (2011), available at
http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/4757.11 American Counseling Association. (2014). 2014
ACA code of
ethics. https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/2014-
code-of-ethics-finaladdress.pdf
