___________________________________ Code of Ethics for Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists
Digital technology : Digitized information recorded in a binary code of combinations of the digits 0 and 1, called bits, which represent words and images. Digital technology enables immense amounts of information to be compressed on small storage devices that can be easily preserved and transported including the Internet, digital mobile devices, and systems used in communication and social media. Discrimination : To make distinctions or to differentiate based on preference or prejudicial views of an individual or group. Distance counseling : The therapeutic or counseling services delivered without physical proximity to the client by using technology as the point of access. Diversity : The differences and distinct qualities within cultures and social groups. Documents : Written, digital, or audio/visual records of client information within the counseling or therapeutic relationship with clients. Encryption : Process of encoding information to protect iden- tity and to block access by unauthorized parties. Examinee : The client who is being assessed for the purpose of determining psychological, educational, or developmental levels to inform the counseling or therapeutic process. Exploitation : Unethical actions for one’s own advantage. Fee splitting : The division of payment for referrals or services. Forensic evaluation : An assessment to inform professional knowledge to prepare for testimony legal proceedings. These reports do not fall under HIPAA guidelines and may cover evaluations for determining child custody decisions, compe- tency to stand trial, and criminal culpability. Harmful multiple relationships : Relationships developed outside of the professional relationship that do not protect the welfare of the client and erode the ethical practice of counseling and therapy. Implicit bias : Also called implicit prejudice, is a negative atti- tude, of which one is not consciously aware, against a specific social group [32]. Impairment : Diminished strength, value, fitness, and quality that renders the professional incapable of delivering ethical services to clients. Informed consent : A process of advising clients on all aspects of the counseling or therapeutic process prior to services. This includes all benefits, risks, rights and responsibilities, and explanations required by the client to understand all phases of the treatment and decide to consent or to decline the ser- vice. Adjustments may be required as the service progresses so consent must be revisited. Intellectual property : An original work, invention, or creation to which one has the rights of ownership.
Interdisciplinary teams : Teams of professionals who col- laborate to serve clients from a variety of applicable areas of expertise. The team should agree with the counselor and therapist regarding confidentiality. Marriage and family therapist : Marriage and family therapists (MFTs) are mental health professionals trained in psycho- therapy and family systems and licensed to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders within the context of mar- riage, couples, and family systems. Minors : Individuals younger than 18 years of age; however, this age will vary according to state statutes. In some jurisdictions, minors may have the right to consent to counseling or therapy independent of a parent or a guardian. Multicultural/diversity competence : An approach to coun- seling or therapy from the context of the personal culture of the client. Multicultural/diversity counseling : Professional services that accommodate differences in religion, spirituality, sexual ori- entation, gender, age and maturity, socioeconomic class, and family history and emphasize the worth, dignity, potential, and uniqueness of individuals. Non-counseling relationships : All relationships that exist outside of the context of the professional counseling practice. Personal virtual relationship : A relationship that exists through technology or social media that is outside the profes- sional boundaries for therapy or counseling. These relation- ships should be avoided as they may lead to unethical practices. Privacy : The right of an individual to control their personal information to avoid unauthorized disclosure. Privilege : A legal term denoting the protection of confidential client information in a legal proceeding, including subpoena, deposition, and testimony. Pro bono publico : Contributing professional services without regard for financial gain. Professional virtual relationship : Using technology and/or social media in the delivery of professional, ethical services to clients. Psychosocial : Interrelation of social factors with individual thoughts and behaviors. Records custodian : The person responsible for keeping records in an ordinary course of practice. In some organizations, the custodian is responsible for the accuracy and the security of records, as well as adherence to all ethical guidelines and legal requirements. Self-growth : A process of self-examination and professional development to enhance professional competence.
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