NCMHCE Professional Practice and Ethics 2

Question 1

A client discloses they are a mandated reporter but failed to report a colleague's suspected child abuse. What is the counselor's primary ethical obligation?

Accepted Answer

Immediately report the suspected abuse yourself as a mandated reporter

Answer

Report the colleague's failure to the licensing board

Answer

Explore the client's feelings and legal exposure without breaching confidentiality

Answer

Terminate the client relationship due to legal conflict

Question 2

Under the ACA Code of Ethics, when is it permissible for a counselor to engage in a nonprofessional relationship with a former client?

Accepted Answer

After 5 years if the counselor can document no harm will result

Answer

After 1 year if the relationship is non-sexual

Answer

Never under any circumstances

Answer

Immediately if both parties provide written consent

Question 3

A counselor learns their supervisee has been falsifying progress notes. The MOST appropriate first action is to:

Accepted Answer

Confront the supervisee directly and document the conversation

Answer

Immediately report the supervisee to the licensing board

Answer

Ignore it if clients appear to be making progress

Answer

Transfer all of the supervisee's clients to another provider

Question 4

Which of the following BEST describes 'vicarious trauma' as it relates to counselor self-care ethics?

Accepted Answer

Cumulative transformation of a counselor's worldview from repeated exposure to clients' traumatic material

Answer

A counselor experiencing burnout from heavy caseloads alone

Answer

Secondary PTSD that only affects inpatient psychiatric staff

Answer

Countertransference that originates from the counselor's own unresolved trauma

Question 5

A client asks their counselor to write a letter supporting their disability claim. The counselor has seen the client for only two sessions. Ethically, the counselor should:

Accepted Answer

Decline because providing such documentation requires adequate clinical knowledge of the client

Answer

Write the letter because the client has a right to advocacy

Answer

Write the letter only if the client signs a release

Answer

Refer the client to a psychiatrist for documentation

Question 6

The ethical principle of 'justice' in counseling MOST directly refers to:

Accepted Answer

Treating all clients fairly and advocating for equitable access to services

Answer

Ensuring clients are not harmed by therapeutic interventions

Answer

Respecting client autonomy in all treatment decisions

Answer

Maintaining honesty and transparency with clients

Question 7

A counselor is subpoenaed to testify about a client in a civil lawsuit. The client has not signed a release. The counselor should FIRST:

Accepted Answer

Consult with an attorney and assert privilege on the client's behalf pending a court order

Answer

Testify fully because a subpoena overrides confidentiality

Answer

Refuse to testify and risk contempt of court

Answer

Contact the client immediately and obtain a release before the hearing