4. Counselors generally shall not accept goods or services from clients in return for counseling services in recognition of the possible negative effects, including perceived exploitation. Counselors may accept goods or services only in cases where: no referrals are possible; the arrangement is discussed with the client in advance; they are of a reasonable equivalent value; they do not place the counselor in an unfair advantage; they are not harmful to the client and documented in the counseling services agreement. 5. Counselors shall not accept gifts from clients except in cases when it is culturally appropriate or therapeutically relevant and shall consider the value of the gift and the effect on the therapeutic relationship before accepting. 6. Counselors shall be mindful of engaging in counseling relationships with those individuals with whom another relationship, such as a community connection, friendship, or work relationship exists (i.e., multiple relationships). If a multiple relationship develops in an unforeseen manner, the counselor shall discuss the potential effects with the client, and take reasonable steps to resolve the situation, including termination and the provision of referrals. 7. Counselors will exercise caution and avoid exploitation or the appearance of exploitation before entering into a non-counseling relationship with a former client. A period of five (5) years is recommended, and counselors shall exercise caution and avoid exploitation of former clients. 8. Counselors will not engage in any form of sexual or romantic contact with a client or former client for at least five (5) years following the date of counseling service termination. 9. Counselors will not engage in any type of harassing behavior towards clients, defined as any verbal, nonverbal, electronic, or physical act that is known, or reasonably understood, to be unwelcome or that reasonably would be perceived as harassment. 10. Counselors will take proactive measures to avoid interruptions of counseling services due to illness, vacations, or unforeseen circumstances. To prevent the harm that may occur if clients are unable to access professional assistance, identify other qualified professionals with whom the counselor has a working agreement or local emergency service agencies that can respond to a client in a mental health crisis. 11. Counselors shall protect against unauthorized access to confidential client information in all formats. Counselors will inform and ensure all other persons with access to confidential information will observe confidentiality procedures and protocols. 12. Counselors shall create and follow written procedures regarding client confidentiality rules and the handling of client records in the event of the counselor’s death, incapacitation, unforeseen and lengthy interruption of services, and end of employment. 13. Counselors shall discuss with prospective clients and document the appropriateness of counseling services offered. If there is cause to believe a client will not benefit from counseling services, counselors will explore alternative forms of treatment and/or discuss and/or facilitate a referral to another provider. 14. Counselors working independently will retain and protect client records as directed by State or Federal law. 15. Counselors shall make efforts to inform clients and former clients of the court-ordered release of confidential client information prior to such release in a prompt and timely manner. The counselor may request that a court withdraw any order to release confidential
information, due to the potential harm to the client or the counseling relationship, and release only that information required by the court or agency and document the release. 16. Counselors shall inform clients of the purposes, goals, procedures, limitations, and potential risks and benefits of services and techniques either prior to or during the initial counseling session. Counselors also will provide information about client’s rights and responsibilities, billing arrangements, collection procedures, confidentiality and its limitations, and records and service termination policies. Information will be provided to the client in verbal and written forms and counselors will confirm that the client understands the information. Counselors will obtain written informed consent to participate in counseling and document any client concerns related to the information provided in the client’s record. 17. Counselors understand that clients own the content of their clinical records, and counselors work to provide reasonable access to the content of the records when requested in a timely manner. If there is a reasonable basis to believe that direct review of the record will cause the client harm, the counselor will discuss the request and possible effects. In the case of minors, counselors may limit access to the minor client or responsible guardian if there is compelling evidence that other access may cause harm. 18. Counselors shall obtain a client’s written consent prior to the provision of services. 19. Counselors shall work collaboratively with clients in the creation of written plans of treatment that offer attainable goals and use appropriate techniques consistent with the client’s psychological and physical needs and abilities. 20. Counselors shall update and modify the client’s record throughout the counseling relationship when changes occur in the treatment plan, including changes relating to goals, roles, techniques, and diagnoses. Counselors shall obtain each client’s written approval for such changes. 21. Counselors shall clearly identify in writing the primary client in the record and record those individuals who are receiving related professional services in connection with such client relationship. In the context of couple, family or group counseling, the counselor shall not reveal any individual client’s confidences to others, without the prior written permission of that individual. 22. Counselors working with minors, incapacitated adults, or other persons unable to give legal consent to release confidential and privileged information, shall protect the confidentiality of information received in the counseling relationship as specified by Federal and State laws, written policies, and applicable ethical standards. In all cases, the counselor shall discuss with the client and their legal representative the limits of confidentiality and the rules concerning the release of any information. 23. Counselors respect and honor the inherent and legal rights of the parents and legal guardians of minors and incapacitated adults who are legally incapable of giving informed consent. As appropriate, the counselor shall collaborate with the parent(s) or legal guardian, discussing the role of counseling, the confidential nature of the counseling relationship, and the autonomy of the client as required by the NBCC Code of Ethics, state and federal law, and other applicable ethical standards. When working with minors or incapacitated adults who are legally incapable of giving informed consent, the counselor shall consider the custody agreement, power
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Book Code: PCUS1525
EliteLearning.com/Counselor
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