Texas Counselor Ethics & Legal Standards Flashcards

A Texas LPC sees a client who is a personal friend of the counselor's spouse. This situation MOST likely represents:

Answer: A potential dual relationship that warrants careful evaluation and possible referral

Social proximity to a client through a personal connection constitutes a potential dual relationship requiring careful ethical evaluation and possible referral.

The ACA Code of Ethics section on bartering with clients states that a Texas counselor should:

Answer: Avoid bartering unless it is not exploitative and is consistent with the client's culture

Bartering may be acceptable if it is not exploitative, does not create a conflict of interest, and aligns with the client's cultural practices.

A Texas counselor is contacted by a client's insurance company requesting detailed session notes to process a claim. The counselor should:

Answer: Provide only the minimum information necessary with the client's written authorization

HIPAA's minimum necessary standard and client authorization requirements govern insurance disclosures; only necessary information should be shared with consent.

Under Texas law, a counselor who fails to make a mandatory report of suspected child abuse may face:

Answer: Criminal charges classified as a Class A misdemeanor

Texas law classifies failure to report suspected child abuse as a Class A misdemeanor, in addition to potential licensing consequences.

A client experiencing suicidal ideation refuses voluntary hospitalization. The Texas counselor's MOST appropriate next step, consistent with ethical and legal standards, is to:

Answer: Assess imminent risk and initiate involuntary hospitalization if danger is imminent

When a client poses imminent danger to themselves, Texas law and ethics permit—and may require—initiating involuntary hospitalization.

According to the Texas State Board, how often must an LPC renew their license?

Answer: Every two years

Texas LPC licenses are renewed on a two-year cycle, with continuing education requirements that must be met each renewal period.

A Texas counselor learns that a colleague is engaging in sexual misconduct with a client. The counselor's ethical obligation under the ACA Code of Ethics is BEST described as:

Answer: Report the misconduct to the appropriate licensing board and take steps to protect the client

Counselors are ethically obligated to report colleague misconduct to the licensing board and take reasonable steps to protect the harmed client.