LMHC - Licensed Mental Health Counselor Professional Practice and Ethics Questions and Answers

Question 1

An LMHC is providing services to a family.
The mother and father are divorcing, and the father's attorney subpoenas the counselor for the child's treatment records.
The mother has sole legal custody and has not provided consent for the records to be released.
What is the MOST appropriate first step for the counselor to take?

Accepted Answer

Consult with an attorney and assert privilege on behalf of the client.

Answer

Immediately release the records to the attorney as required by the subpoena.

Answer

Refuse to provide the records, citing client confidentiality without any further action.

Answer

Contact the child's father to ask for his consent to release the records.

Question 2

According to the ACA Code of Ethics, a counselor is prohibited from engaging in a sexual or romantic relationship with a former client for a minimum period of:

Accepted Answer

Five years following the last professional contact.

Answer

Two years following the last professional contact.

Answer

Seven years following the last professional contact.

Answer

There is no specific time limit; it is prohibited indefinitely.

Question 3

An LMHC in private practice discovers that a new client is a close friend of their sibling. The counselor has met this individual several times at family gatherings. Which of the following ethical issues is of primary concern?

Accepted Answer

Dual/Multiple Relationships

Answer

Informed Consent

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Scope of Practice

Question 4

A counselor is working with a client who is mandated to attend counseling by the court system as a condition of probation. Which of the following actions is essential for the counselor to take at the beginning of the therapeutic relationship?

Accepted Answer

Inform the client about the limits of confidentiality and who will receive reports on their progress.

Answer

Guarantee the client that everything they say will be kept strictly confidential.

Answer

Refuse to treat the client because the counseling is not voluntary.

Answer

Focus solely on the client's stated goals without considering the court's requirements.

Question 5

Which of the following core professional values, as outlined in the ACA Code of Ethics, refers to the principle of working for the good of the individual and society by promoting mental health and well-being?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 6

An LMHC is feeling overwhelmed and emotionally exhausted due to a high-stress caseload, and their work with clients is beginning to feel rote and ineffective. According to ethical standards, the counselor has a professional responsibility to:

Accepted Answer

Seek consultation or supervision and engage in self-care to address potential impairment.

Answer

Continue practicing without change, as all counselors experience stress.

Answer

Increase their caseload to try and work through the feelings of ineffectiveness.

Answer

Immediately terminate with all clients and close their practice.