Professional Ethics and Confidentiality Flashcards

Which of the following best describes a 'dual relationship' that is generally considered ethically permissible in addiction counseling?

Answer: Serving as both individual and group counselor for the same client within a program

Serving as both individual and group counselor within the same program may be unavoidable and can be managed ethically with proper boundaries.

A counselor working in a faith-based treatment program has strong religious beliefs that conflict with a client's lifestyle choices. Ethically, the counselor should:

Answer: Provide competent, non-judgmental counseling while managing personal biases

Counselors must set aside personal biases and provide ethical, client-centered care regardless of personal or religious beliefs.

Under HIPAA, which of the following entities is primarily regulated?

Answer: Covered entities such as health plans and healthcare clearinghouses

HIPAA applies to covered entities—health plans, healthcare clearinghouses, and healthcare providers who transmit health information electronically.

A counselor learns during a session that a client is currently driving while intoxicated daily but has not threatened to harm anyone specifically. The counselor's ethical obligation is BEST described as:

Answer: Addressing the behavior therapeutically and assessing for duty-to-warn requirements by jurisdiction

Without a specific identifiable victim, duty-to-warn may not be triggered, but the counselor must address the behavior clinically and follow state-specific legal requirements.

Informed consent in addiction counseling must include which of the following elements?

Answer: Explanation of confidentiality limits, treatment goals, and client rights

Informed consent requires disclosing confidentiality limits, treatment procedures, risks and benefits, client rights, and alternatives.

A former client contacts the counselor three years after treatment to request a social relationship. According to most ethical codes in addiction counseling, the counselor should:

Answer: Exercise extreme caution and consider the potential for exploitation, often avoiding the relationship

Most ethical codes require ongoing caution with former clients regardless of time elapsed, as the power differential from the therapeutic relationship may persist.

What is the primary purpose of mandatory supervision requirements for CAACDs?

Answer: To ensure accountability, professional growth, and client protection

Clinical supervision serves to protect clients, enhance counselor competence, and maintain ethical and professional standards.