Professional Practice and Ethics Flashcards
6 cards from real LMHC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Professional Practice and Ethics flashcards as text
Under the Tarasoff ruling, mental health professionals have a duty to protect when:
Answer: A client makes a credible threat of serious physical harm to an identifiable third party
Tarasoff established the duty to protect when there is a credible, serious threat to an identifiable third party — not merely past history or vague anger.
Which of the following BEST describes the ethical concept of 'fidelity' in counseling?
Answer: Honoring commitments made to clients and maintaining trustworthiness
Fidelity involves keeping promises, being honest, and fulfilling commitments to clients and other stakeholders — it is the foundation of the therapeutic relationship.
A counselor is treating a client with borderline personality disorder who threatens to self-harm every time the counselor raises the possibility of reducing session frequency. What is the MOST appropriate ethical and clinical response?
Answer: Consult with a supervisor, use clinical judgment about safety, and address the pattern therapeutically
Self-harm threats require safety assessment and clinical consultation, but the counselor must also recognize and address patterns of threat-as-communication therapeutically.
The ethical principle of 'beneficence' in counseling practice means:
Answer: Actively promote the well-being and best interests of clients
Beneficence refers to actively doing good and working in the client's best interest, distinct from non-maleficence (avoiding harm).
A counselor who refers a client to another provider solely because the client identifies as LGBTQ+ is most likely violating which ethical standard?
Answer: Non-discrimination
The ACA Code of Ethics (C.5) prohibits counselors from refusing services or discriminating against clients based on characteristics including sexual orientation and gender identity.
When a client requests a copy of their clinical records, which of the following actions is most consistent with ethical and legal standards?
Answer: Provide copies in a timely manner while following state law and agency policy regarding any allowable restrictions
Clients generally have a legal right to access their records (HIPAA); counselors must provide copies timely while following applicable state law and any narrowly defined restrictions.