LADC - Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor Professional and Ethical Responsibilities Questions and Answers

Question 1

An LADC is facilitating a group therapy session when a client discloses they have been having thoughts of harming their ex-spouse.
According to ethical guidelines and legal precedents, which of the following is the most appropriate immediate action for the LADC to take?

Accepted Answer

Conduct a thorough risk assessment to determine the immediacy and severity of the threat.

Answer

Maintain confidentiality as the disclosure was made in a group setting.

Answer

Immediately notify the authorities and the potential victim of the threat.

Answer

Discuss the matter with the client's family to seek their intervention.

Question 2

A client who has been attending an outpatient program for six months offers their LADC a gift certificate to a local restaurant as a token of appreciation. Which of the following principles should primarily guide the LADC's response?

Accepted Answer

The potential for the gift to create a dual relationship and blur professional boundaries.

Answer

Accepting the gift to avoid offending the client and damaging the therapeutic rapport.

Answer

The monetary value of the gift, as small tokens are generally acceptable.

Answer

The counselor's personal policy on accepting gifts from any client.

Question 3

Under the federal regulations of 42 CFR Part 2, when is a substance use disorder program permitted to disclose a client's records without their written consent?

Accepted Answer

To medical personnel in a genuine medical emergency.

Answer

Upon request from the client's employer for a fitness-for-duty evaluation.

Answer

In response to a subpoena from a lawyer in a civil lawsuit.

Answer

When a law enforcement officer presents a badge and requests information for an investigation.

Question 4

An LADC with a master's degree in counseling is working with a client who has a co-occurring diagnosis of severe bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder. The client's manic episodes have been escalating. The LADC's primary ethical responsibility regarding the co-occurring disorder is to:

Accepted Answer

Recognize the limits of their expertise and collaborate with or refer to a mental health professional specializing in bipolar disorder.

Answer

Increase the frequency of substance use counseling sessions to manage the alcohol use.

Answer

Provide psychotherapy for the bipolar disorder as they have a master's degree in counseling.

Answer

Focus solely on the substance use disorder, as that is their area of licensure.

Question 5

Which of the following is a critical component of the informed consent process in addiction counseling?

Accepted Answer

Verbally discussing and providing written information about the limits of confidentiality.

Answer

Guaranteeing the client will achieve sobriety if they follow the treatment plan.

Answer

Having the client sign a waiver of their right to confidentiality.

Answer

A one-time discussion and signed form at the beginning of the first session.

Question 6

An LADC lives in a small, rural community and discovers that a new client is a cashier at the only local grocery store. This situation presents an unavoidable dual relationship. What is the most ethical course of action for the LADC?

Accepted Answer

Agree to see the client but shop at a grocery store in another town to avoid interactions.

Answer

Refuse to provide services to the client to avoid any potential conflict.

Answer

Acknowledge and discuss the potential for out-of-office encounters with the client, establish clear boundaries, and document the conversation.

Answer

Pretend not to recognize the client if they see each other at the grocery store to maintain confidentiality.