Ethics, Legal Issues & Professional Boundaries Flashcards

A crisis counselor is asked by a research team to submit de-identified case notes. Before complying, the counselor must ensure:

Answer: Appropriate IRB approval and client consent processes are followed

Sharing client information for research requires Institutional Review Board approval and appropriate client consent to protect participants.

A client in crisis tells their counselor, 'I'm going to hurt my ex-partner tonight.' The counselor cannot identify the ex-partner. Under duty-to-protect standards, the counselor should:

Answer: Notify law enforcement and document the threat and actions taken

Even when a specific victim cannot be identified, counselors should notify law enforcement and document all actions taken to fulfill their protective duty.

An 18-year-old client in crisis is brought by their parents, who demand to know everything discussed in the session. The counselor should:

Answer: Maintain the adult client's confidentiality unless the client consents to disclosure

Adults aged 18 and over hold confidentiality rights regardless of parental involvement or financial support.

The ethical principle of justice in crisis counseling refers to:

Answer: Providing fair, equitable, and nondiscriminatory services to all clients

Justice requires that crisis counselors provide equitable services without bias based on race, gender, socioeconomic status, or other characteristics.

A counselor posts a general reflection on social media saying, 'Hard day—sometimes this work feels hopeless.' A client recognizes the context. This situation illustrates risks related to:

Answer: Social media and professional boundaries

Personal social media use can inadvertently breach professional boundaries and confidentiality, even without naming clients.

A crisis counselor who is ethically terminating services with a client must ensure which of the following?

Answer: Referrals are provided and the client is not abandoned mid-crisis

Ethical termination requires providing referrals and ensuring continuity of care so the client is not left without support, particularly during ongoing crisis.

A crisis counselor working with a suicidal client disagrees with the treatment plan developed by the supervising psychiatrist. The counselor's best course of action is to:

Answer: Discuss disagreements with the psychiatrist through professional communication

Ethical practice requires counselors to raise clinical disagreements through direct professional dialogue with the treating team, not unilateral action.