Code of Ethics Comparison Paper Melissa J. Diehl Liberty University September 2, 2012 Abstract Different organizations are driven by specific sets of code of ethics, which are used to protect many different aspect of the organizations, specifically the client, counselor, and organization. Concerning the standards of a counselor, their ethics are not only provided by the laws of the state or their practice, but also outside sources who present basic values and regulations of ethical standards in their code of ethics.
This paper will look at two specific associations: the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC). The purpose of this paper is to discuss both the similarities as well as differences of these two organizations and their standards of ethics. While discussing the AACC and ACA organizations standards, this paper will also look at three specific areas which we chosen to compare and contrast: confidentiality, fees, and competence. ACA and AACC Code of Ethics Comparison The ACA and AACC codes of ethics were put into practice to protect the client, counselor, and organization.
The ACA code of ethics was put into practice in 2005 with the mission to promote the development of professional counselors, advancing the counseling profession, and using the profession and practice of counseling to promote respect for human dignity and diversity. (ACA, 2005, p. 1) In 2004 the AACC code of ethics was designed with the primary goal of honoring Jesus Christ and his Church, promote excellence in Christian counseling and bring unity to Christian counselors. (AACC, 2004, p. 1) One of the bigger differences in the two codes of ethics is the Christian principles and biblical foundation that guides the AACC code of ethics.
Each code of ethics explores the rights of the client and counselor, as well as describes the protection of each party. The ACA code of ethics is composed of eight different sections: 1- the counseling relationship, 2- confidentiality, privileged communication, and privacy, 3- professional responsibility, 4- relationships with other professionals, 5- evaluations, assessment, and interpretation, 6- supervision, training, and teaching, 7- research and publication, 8- resolving ethical issues (ACA, 2005).
The AACC code of ethics is composed of seven different sections: 1- do no harm, 2- competence in Christian counseling, 3- informed consent in Christian counseling, 4- confidentiality, privacy, and privileged communication, 5- ethical practice in Christian counseling and evaluation, 6- ethical relations in the professional workplace, 7- ethics in advertising and public relations (AACC, 2004). Although ACA has a greater number of ethical sections, each code of ethics seeks to outline the rights of the client and provide guidance for how the counselor should carry out his or her duties for their client.
Confidentiality Both the ACA (2005) and AACC (2004) code of ethics require the counselor to maintain client confidentiality to the fullest extent. Working in the counseling field, trust is a rock in the foundational of a helping relationship and confidentially plays a large role in the client counselor relationship. Both codes share similarities regarding their stance on confidentiality. When counseling others, a counselor is to inform their clients about their commitment to confidentiality as well as their limits before beginning the counseling process.
According to both codes of ethics, a counselor is not to disclose any of the client’s information to anyone without consent from the client, unless required by law. Some reasons for disclosure of information due to law include: life-threatening harm, the duty to protect others, child abuse, etc. Although both codes of ethics share similar stances on confidentiality, each code has its differences. According to the ACA code of ethics (2005) B. 3. fc, “counselors protect the confidentiality of deceased clients, consistent with legal requirements and agency of setting policies” (ACA, 2005, p8).
The AACC code of ethics does not mention confidentiality concerning the confidentiality of deceased patients, however the AACC code of ethics does discusses advocating privacy rights against intrusive powers in ES1-470. According to ES1-470, “Christian counselors are called to wisely protect and assertively advocate for privacy protection on behalf of our clients against the pervasive intrusion of personal, corporate, government, even religious powers” (AACC, 2004, p. 13).
Each party share similarities, and have differences concerning their clients confidentiality, but both code of ethics discuss the importance of protecting the client and maintaining a confidential helping relationship. Fees Regarding the fees what come along with counseling sessions, both the ACA and AACC codes of ethics take into consideration of the client’s financial status and ability to pay for services. Both codes of ethics require that the counselors set fees that are fair and reasonable for the services provided and time performed.
Each code of ethics agree that the fees should established in advance before services are performed and are agreed upon by both the client and counselor practice. When it comes to differences regarding the fees for clients, the ACA (2005) code of ethics discusses the issues related to bartering and receiving gifts in codes A. 10. d. and A. 10. e. With the ACA code of ethics, counselors are able to receive gifts due to the fact that certain cultures give gifts as a toke of respect and gratitude.
While the AACC code of ethics does not discuss bartering or receiving gifts, it does however bring up the concept of pro bono work. According to the AACC (2005) code of ethics, “Christian counselors are encouraged, beyond their fee schedule, to make a portion of their time and services available without cost or at a greatly reduced fee to those unable to pay” (AACC, 2005, p. 14). Competence As a counselor, he or she is expected to practice within the boundaries of ones ability.
Both the ACA (2005) code of ethics and AACC (2004) code of ethics discuss the importance of counselor practicing within his or her boundaries concerning education, training, credential, and experiences. In general, counselors should not work in areas, which they are not trained for; the ACA and AACC code of ethics place a big emphasis on this concept. The ACA (2005) code of ethics states in C. 2. a. that, “counselors practice only when the boundaries of their competence, based on their education, training, supervised experience, state and national professional credentials, and appropriate professional experience” (ACA, 2005, p. ). According to the AACC (2004) code of ethics, “We do not offer services or work beyond the limits of our competence…” (AACC, 2004, p. 9). Both codes also state that the counselors are able to expand their levels of competence by seeking more education and others of higher levels of knowledge. With similarities comes difference and one of the differences concerning the competence of a counselor is the emphasis made in the AACC code of ethics regarding the importance of using Christian referrals. Conclusion
This current research and study discussed the similarities and differences between the American Counseling Association (ACA) and American Association of Christian Counseling (AACC) code of ethics. This study focused on general similarities and differences as well as specific similarities and differences regarding confidentiality, fees, and competence. Each code of ethics shares commonalities as well as differences in each of the specific areas. The code of ethics in counseling is put into practice for the best interest of the client, counselor, and practice.
It is important for both the counselor and client to be aware of their rights which partaking in counseling sessions. References American Association of Christian Counseling (AACC, 2004) Code of Ethics. Retrieved September 1, 2012, from http://www. aacc. net/about-us/code-of-ethics/ American Association of Christian Counselors (ACA, 2005) Code of Ethics. Retrieved September 1, 2012 from http://www. counseling. org/Resources/CodeOfEthics/TP/Home/CT2. aspx
