5. The Complainant then works with the ACA Staff Liaison in order to accurately identify the ACA Ethics Code sections that apply, as necessary, to identify any evidence and witnesses the Complainant wants to offer. To then finalize the complaint, steps will be taken in setting forth into separate charges according to the sections of the ACA Ethics Code that were allegedly violated. 6. The Complainant maintains the right to approve or make any or none of the suggested changes made by the ACA Staff Liaison. 7. Once the Complainant is satisfied with the contents of the completed formal complaint, Complainants must sign the complaint to begin the formal adjudication process. 8. If the ACA Staff Liaison is unable to obtain a response from potential complainants for 45 business days after
repeated attempts, those are treated as incomplete cases and are reported to the Co-Chairs and subsequently to the Committee as administratively dismissed but can be refiled by the Complainant in accordance with this policy. Sanctions to address ethical violations may include letters of reprimand, suspension, or revocation of membership in the association. Documentation from the complaint process outlined previously may be obtained through subpoena and become part of a legal action against the counselor. If a violation of state or federal law occurs, criminal sanctions may result if convicted in a court of law. This may result in fines, suspension, or revocation of the license to practice, and/or criminal adjudication depending on the offense.
SUMMARY OF THE AAMFT CODE OF ETHICS
Counseling and therapy practice emphasize evidence- based interventions and methods of service, often using integrated therapies tailored to the needs of a specific set of clients. The practice of marriage and family therapy continues to be influenced by societal and cultural changes as well as politics and economics, such as the Affordable Care Act, managed care, and the increasing number elderly and disabled citizens who rely on Medicaid or Medicare. The trend toward research-based models that integrate several approaches may be more effective for families than one specific approach. Therapy that involves an integrated model for intervention requires the therapist to match the therapeutic approach to the specific members of the family. This process increases the number of interventions for the therapist to consider and may make the decisions and judgments more complex and dynamic as the therapy progresses. The complexity of group therapy increases the ethical considerations for confidentiality and informed consent. Multicultural, generational, and developmental factors, as well as lifestyles, belief sets, sexual orientations, race, ethnicity, gender, religious affiliation, group affiliation, and intrafamilial issues impact the group approach to marriage and family therapy. The nature of the group therapy process involves an infinite number of variables and ethical issues to consider. Complicating this process further is the growing application of technology for distance therapy with multiple clients, jurisdictional requirements, licensing restraints, state and federal laws, and organizational mandates that must be reviewed if services are delivered across state lines. The following section is taken from the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy’s (AAMFT) Code of Ethics and is only a summary of the major components. The entire code should be reviewed to ensure best ethical practice guidelines are followed. Preamble The Board of Directors of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) hereby promulgates, pursuant to Article 2, Section 2.01.3 of the Association’s bylaws, the Revised AAMFT Code of Ethics, effective January 1, 2015. Honoring Public Trust The AAMFT strives to honor the public trust in marriage and family therapists by setting standards for ethical practice as described in this code. The ethical standards define professional expectations and are enforced by the AAMFT Ethics Committee.
Commitment to service, advocacy, and public participation. Marriage and family therapists are defined by their dedication to professional and ethical excellence, which includes the following components: ● Commitment to service, advocacy, and public participation. ● Participation in activities that contribute to a better community and society, regardless of financial return. ● Concern with developing laws and regulations pertaining to marriage and family therapy and altering laws and regulations that are not in the public interest. ● Professional competence in these areas is essential to the character of the field, and the well-being of clients and their communities. Seeking Consultation. The standards are not exhaustive and marriage and family therapists uncertain about the ethics of a particular course of action are encouraged to seek counsel from consultants, attorneys, supervisors, colleagues, or other appropriate authorities. 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.
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Book Code: PCUS1525
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