Chemical Dependency Counselor License Exam Professional and Ethical Responsibilities 5

Question 1

Which scenario best illustrates a conflict of interest for a chemical dependency counselor?

Accepted Answer

Receiving a referral fee from a treatment facility where the counselor sends clients

Answer

Referring a client to a psychiatrist for medication evaluation

Answer

Using evidence-based assessments to determine a client's level of care

Answer

Co-facilitating a group with a licensed social worker

Question 2

A client in recovery asks their counselor to write a letter of recommendation for a job application. The MOST ethical response is to:

Accepted Answer

Decline unless the letter can be written without disclosing treatment status

Answer

Write the letter because it supports the client's recovery goals

Answer

Decline because writing any letters for clients is prohibited

Answer

Agree to write it only if the client signs a general release of information

Question 3

When a counselor disagrees with an agency policy they believe is unethical, the FIRST step should be to:

Accepted Answer

Address the concern internally through appropriate agency channels

Answer

Refuse to follow the policy immediately

Answer

Report the agency to the licensing board

Answer

Comply with the policy silently to avoid conflict

Question 4

According to professional ethics, documentation of counseling sessions should be completed:

Accepted Answer

In a timely manner after each session to ensure accuracy

Answer

Only when the client makes progress toward a treatment goal

Answer

At the end of the week to minimize disruptions to the counselor's schedule

Answer

Only for court-ordered or mandated clients

Question 5

A client who has completed treatment contacts their former counselor and asks to begin a romantic relationship. Ethically, the counselor should:

Accepted Answer

Refuse, because most ethical codes prohibit sexual relationships with former clients

Answer

Agree, since the professional relationship has ended

Answer

Wait two years, which is the standard waiting period in all states

Answer

Consult the client's current counselor before making a decision

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the counselor's ethical duty when treating a client with a co-occurring mental health disorder beyond the counselor's training?

Accepted Answer

Consult with a supervisor and pursue appropriate referral or collaboration

Answer

Treat both disorders using general counseling skills

Answer

Refer the client to another provider who specializes in co-occurring disorders

Answer

Decline to treat the client's substance use until the mental health issue is resolved

Question 7

A counselor's client reveals they plan to drive home intoxicated after the session ends. The counselor's MOST appropriate immediate action is to:

Accepted Answer

Attempt to intervene by exploring alternatives such as calling a ride and alerting the client to the danger

Answer

Call the police to report the client's plan before they leave the building

Answer

Do nothing because the client has not yet committed a crime

Answer

Notify the client's emergency contact without the client's consent