ETHICAL VIGNETTE
Abstract
The ACA Code of Ethics provides a thorough breakdown of what is expected of counselors, and
assistants working in a counseling practice. When these ethics are not understood, followed, or
adhered to, the basis for ethical principles are broken and the success of the practice can come in
to question. Having an understanding and applicable knowledge on the professional values, code
of ethics, and how to ensure these are upheld within a counseling practice are imperative to
ensure no ethical violations occur, and that the well-being of clients are maintained.
Keywords: ethical standards, Code of Ethics, ethical violation
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ETHICAL VIGNETTE
Ethical Vignette Paper
The American Counselors Association Code of Ethics (2014) provides in detail the
capacity in which counselors and non-counselors working in a clinical environment should
practice and operate. The scenario discussed below shows how a simple mistake could hinder a
client’s potential safety and well-being, despite the potential well-meaning behind the action.
Identify the Problem
During the viewed scenario, a man visits a counseling office and speaks with the
receptionist. During the interaction, the husband provides his name, asks if he is at a specific
counseling office, and proceeds to ask if a message can be passed to his wife regarding his
children. The receptionist agrees and states she will pass the message along.
A few moments later, a woman approaches the receptionist, and the receptionist states
that her husband had just been in the office and she relayed the message. The woman became
flustered and shocked that her husband had been in the office. She stated that she had been
worried he would find out she was in counseling, as they were currently going through a divorce,
and he had threatened to use her mental health as a reason to fight for custody during the divorce.
Despite the receptionist attempting to be helpful in relaying what she assumed to be a simple
message, she unintentionally violated the ACA code of ethics, causing this problem to be an
ethical problem.
Apply the ACA Code of Ethics
One of the main sections of the American Counselors Association (ACA) Code of Ethics
(2014) is confidentiality. This can be found in Section B Confidentiality and Privacy. Within this
portion of the Code of Ethics, there is a specific section that relates to this problem, Section B.3.
Information Shared with Others, B.3.A Subordinates. Clerical assistances are specifically listed
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ETHICAL VIGNETTE
as someone who is also held to the standard in which counselors attempt to ensure that the
privacy and confidentiality is upheld in regard to their clients (ACA, 2014).
The receptionist also did not uphold the section regarding respect for confidentiality,
which can be found in section B.1.c. (ACA, 2014). The receptionist did not verify that the man in
the video was who he said he was, nor did she verify if there was any written agreement to
disclose information regarding the client to her husband.
Applicable State Codes/Laws and Federal Mental Health Laws
According to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Title 172,
Chapter 94 (2021), any person who is a credentialed mental health counselor, or who works in a
certified capacity must not disclose any information obtained or pertaining to a client without
written consent from that person. This law was not upheld by the receptionist, as the failure to
review the client’s records and verify that the husband had the clearance to obtain information
about the client was a clear violation of the Nebraska state code. T
Determine the Nature and Dimensions of the Dilemma
The ACA principle that was violated during this scenario was fidelity. As defined by the
ACA Code of ethics (2014), fidelity is the practice of ensuring commitments, promises,
responsibilities and professional relations are upheld. This was violated when the receptionist
failed to maintain confidentiality and uphold her professional responsibility that is required of all
employees within a counseling office.
When considering the common ethical violations that occur within the mental health
counseling field, the failure to uphold confidentiality attests for 2.4% of all ethical violations that
were acted on by state licensing boards across the United States (Wilkinson et al., 2019).
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ETHICAL VIGNETTE
Generate Potential Course of Action
If this problem arose with a client that I was working with, I would first have a meeting
with the receptionist, as well as with her supervisor. This conversation would ensure that there is
an understanding of the ACA Code of Ethics, as well as the potential repercussions of her
seemingly innocent decision, for both the practice and for the client.
I would also ensure that there is a clinic wide training and policy put in place, if not
already, regarding how we speak to people who are visiting our office who are not there for an
appointment, or to inquire about becoming a potential client. This policy would list out what type
of information can be provided, to whom it can be provided, and when it can be provided. I
would also ensure the informed consent document is provided to the receptionist and all others
working in the clinic in a non-clinical capacity, to ensure they understand what the client has
agreed to, and what we are supposed to be upholding in regards to the client’s trust.
Conclusion
Abiding by the ACA Code of Ethics is something that is expected of everyone working in
the counseling field, both in a clinical and non-clinical capacity. Understanding what is expected
and the knowledge of how to interact with clients and non-clients is imperative to successful and
ethical practice. Without this knowledge, the risk of committing an ethical violation increases, as
is the risk of putting a client in harm’s way, two things that counselors and those working in a
counseling practice work their hardest to prevent.
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ETHICAL VIGNETTE
References
American Counseling Association. (2014).;Code of Ethics. American Counseling Association |
A professional home for counselors.;https://www.counseling.org/resources/aca-code-of-
ethics.pdf
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Resources. (2021, July 12).;Title 172 Chapter 94.
Nebraska.gov.;https://www.nebraska.gov/rules-and-regs/regsearch/Rules/
Health_and_Human_Services_System/Title-172/Chapter-094.pdf
Wilkinson,;T., Smith,;D., & Wimberly,;R. (2019). Trends in ethical complaints leading to
professional counseling licensing boards disciplinary actions.;Journal of Counseling &
Development,;97(1), 98-104.;https://doi.org/10.1002/jcad.12239
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