CASAC Ethical and Professional Responsibilities 2

Question 1

A CASAC counselor is invited to a social event and discovers that one of their current clients is also attending. What is the most appropriate course of action?

Accepted Answer

Avoid acknowledging the client unless the client initiates contact, to protect their confidentiality

Answer

Approach the client and introduce them to other guests as someone in treatment

Answer

Leave the event immediately to avoid any potential boundary issues

Answer

Use the opportunity to discuss the client's treatment progress in an informal setting

Question 2

What is the ethical rationale for substance abuse counselors being required to seek regular clinical supervision?

Accepted Answer

Supervision protects client welfare by ensuring quality of care, supports counselor professional development, prevents burnout, and provides accountability for clinical decisions

Answer

Supervision is required solely for billing purposes

Answer

Supervision is only required for new counselors in their first year

Answer

There is no ethical rationale; it is simply an administrative requirement

Question 3

A substance abuse counselor who is also a recovering person shares their personal recovery story with a client to build rapport. Under what circumstances might this constitute an ethical concern?

Accepted Answer

Self-disclosure becomes problematic when it shifts the focus from the client's needs to the counselor's experience, creates a dual relationship dynamic, or is used to meet the counselor's own emotional needs

Answer

Self-disclosure is always appropriate when the counselor is in recovery

Answer

Self-disclosure is never appropriate under any circumstances

Answer

Only written self-disclosure is problematic; verbal sharing is always acceptable

Question 4

A client in substance abuse treatment offers to provide free landscaping services to their CASAC counselor's home. How should the counselor handle this situation?

Accepted Answer

Decline the offer politely, explaining that accepting services from a client creates a dual relationship that could compromise the therapeutic process

Answer

Accept the offer as a kind gesture that will strengthen the therapeutic relationship

Answer

Accept but pay the client a reduced rate

Answer

Accept the services but don't discuss it with anyone

Question 5

What is the counselor's responsibility when they recognize that their personal values or biases may negatively affect their ability to provide competent care to a particular client?

Accepted Answer

Engage in self-reflection, seek supervision to address the issue, and transfer the client if the bias cannot be adequately managed

Answer

Continue treatment since all clients deserve equal care regardless of the counselor's feelings

Answer

Discharge the client without explanation

Answer

Share the biases openly with the client so they can decide whether to continue

Question 6

In the context of substance abuse counseling, what does the concept of 'duty to warn' require?

Accepted Answer

Taking reasonable steps to protect identifiable third parties when a client makes a credible, specific threat of serious harm

Answer

Warning all clients that substance use is dangerous

Answer

Warning the client's family about the client's substance use

Answer

Posting warning signs about drug dangers in the treatment facility