Code of Ethics for Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists __________________________________
ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING • Therapists must consider the AAMFT Code of Ethics and applicable laws and regulations. • If the AAMFT Code of Ethics prescribes a standard higher than the law, therapists must meet the higher standard of the AAMFT. • Therapists must comply with the mandates of law, maintain their commitment to the AAMFT Code of Ethics and try to resolve any conflict between the code, the law, and the mandates of their employment organization. • The AAMFT supports legal mandates for reporting of alleged unethical conduct. • Therapists must remain accountable to the AAMFT Code of Ethics at all times. BINDING EXPECTATIONS • The AAMFT Code of Ethics is binding on members of AAMFT. • AAMFT members have an obligation to be familiar with the AAMFT Code of Ethics and its application to their professional services. • The process for filing, investigating, and resolving complaints of unethical conduct is described in the current AAMFT Procedures for Handling Ethical Matters. ASPIRATIONAL CORE VALUES These core values are aspirational in nature and are distinct from ethical standards. • Acceptance, appreciation, and inclusion of a diverse membership. • Excellence in training, knowledge, and expertise in systemic and relational therapies. • Excellence in service to members. • Diversity, equity, and excellence in clinical practice, research, education, and administration. • Integrity evidenced by a high threshold of ethical and honest behavior within Association governance and by members. • Innovation and the advancement of knowledge of systemic and relational therapies. ETHICAL STANDARDS Ethical standards are rules of practice upon which the marriage and family therapist is obliged and judged. Standard I. Responsibility to Clients Marriage and family therapists advance the welfare of fami- lies and individuals and make reasonable efforts to find the appropriate balance between conflicting goals within the family system. This standard includes a discussion of the following categories:
• Non-discrimination; • Informed consent; • Multiple relationships; • Sexual intimacy with current and former clients is prohibited; • Reports of unethical conduct; • Abuse of the therapeutic relationship; • Client autonomy in decision-making; • Relationship beneficial to the client; • Referrals; • Non-abandonment;
• Written consent to record; and • Relationships with third parties.
Standard II. Confidentiality Marriage and family therapists have unique confidentiality concerns because the client in a therapeutic relationship may be more than one person. Therapists respect and guard the confidences of each individual client. This standard defines the following components: • Disclosing limits of confidentiality; • Written authorization to release client information; • Client access to records; • Confidentiality in non-clinical activities; • Protection of records; • Preparation for practice changes; and • Confidentiality in consultations. Standard III. Professional Competency and Integrity Marriage and family therapists maintain high standards of professional competence and integrity. • Maintenance of competency; • Knowledge of regulatory standards;
• Seeking assistance; • Conflicts of interest;
• Maintenance of records; • Development of new skills;
• Harassment; • Exploitation; • Gifts;
• Scope of competence; • Public statements; and • Professional misconduct. Therapists may be in violation of this Code and subject to termination of membership or other action if they are:
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