NCMHCE Professional Practice and Ethics 5

Question 1

A counselor accepts a client's offer of a homemade gift worth approximately $10 at the end of a successful treatment. According to the ACA Code, this is:

Accepted Answer

Potentially acceptable after considering cultural context, therapeutic relationship, and motivation

Answer

Always prohibited as it constitutes a dual relationship

Answer

Acceptable only if the gift is donated to charity

Answer

Prohibited unless the supervisor approves in writing

Question 2

Which of the following scenarios MOST clearly requires a counselor to break confidentiality without client consent?

Accepted Answer

A client discloses they have been HIV positive for years and are having unprotected sex with an unknowing partner

Answer

A client describes ongoing marijuana use in a state where it is illegal

Answer

A client reports past domestic violence perpetration that ended two years ago

Answer

A client expresses anger toward their employer but no specific threat

Question 3

A counselor is asked by a court to evaluate a client they have been treating for 18 months. The counselor should:

Accepted Answer

Decline the forensic evaluator role and recommend a separate, independent evaluator

Answer

Accept the dual role because long-term knowledge of the client is clinically valuable

Answer

Conduct the evaluation only if the client provides written consent

Answer

Accept only if the court issues a formal order compelling participation

Question 4

When a minor client's parents request access to their child's therapy records, the counselor should FIRST:

Accepted Answer

Assess the minor's age, applicable state law, and the type of services provided before determining access rights

Answer

Release all records because parents have automatic legal authority over minors

Answer

Refuse all access to protect the minor's confidentiality

Answer

Contact the insurance carrier to determine who the identified patient is

Question 5

A counselor discovers they share the same online support group as a current client. The MOST appropriate response is to:

Accepted Answer

Withdraw from the support group to avoid the dual relationship

Answer

Immediately disclose to the client and discuss the implications for therapy

Answer

Continue participating but avoid all contact with the client in the group

Answer

Do nothing because online spaces are personal and separate from clinical work

Question 6

The concept of 'fidelity' as an ethical principle in counseling primarily involves:

Accepted Answer

Honoring commitments and being trustworthy in the therapeutic relationship

Answer

Avoiding financial exploitation of clients

Answer

Ensuring clients' best interests override institutional policies

Answer

Providing consistent treatment regardless of payment status

Question 7

A counselor who practices in a state without specific telehealth regulations wants to provide services to a client who has relocated to another state. The counselor should:

Accepted Answer

Research licensure requirements in the client's new state and obtain appropriate authorization before continuing

Answer

Continue services uninterrupted because the original state license covers all telehealth

Answer

Require the client to return physically to the original state for all sessions

Answer

Transfer the case immediately to a counselor licensed in the new state without transition planning