Ethical and Legal Standards Flashcards
6 cards from real LPC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Ethical and Legal Standards flashcards as text
A counselor discovers their client is having a romantic relationship with another mental health provider who is currently treating them. The counselor's primary obligation is to:
Answer: Address the client's wellbeing and discuss available options
The counselor's primary obligation is to the client's wellbeing — exploring the situation, providing psychoeducation about boundary violations, and supporting the client in deciding next steps.
The ACA Code of Ethics addresses counselors' use of social media and technology by emphasizing the need to:
Answer: Maintain professional boundaries in digital spaces
The ACA Code of Ethics requires counselors to maintain professional boundaries in digital and social media spaces to protect client confidentiality and the therapeutic relationship.
Informed consent in counseling must typically cover all of the following EXCEPT:
Answer: The specific diagnosis the counselor suspects
Counselors are not ethically required to disclose a suspected diagnosis prior to formal assessment; informed consent focuses on the nature of services, not tentative diagnoses.
A minor's parents are divorcing and both request their child's counseling records. The counselor should:
Answer: Provide records only to the custodial parent unless court documents specify otherwise
Unless a court order specifies otherwise, the custodial parent holds the authority to consent to treatment and access records for a minor child.
Which of the following best describes the ethical concept of fidelity in counseling?
Answer: Being faithful and keeping commitments and promises
Fidelity refers to the counselor's obligation to be trustworthy, faithful to commitments, and honest with clients.
A counselor is subpoenaed to provide client records in a civil lawsuit. The counselor should:
Answer: Notify the client and seek to obtain a protective order or client waiver
A subpoena requires the counselor to respond, but does not automatically override privilege. The counselor should notify the client and consult an attorney about asserting privilege or seeking a protective order.