Introduction to ethical standards for counselors in mental health and related settings. Application of ethical standards, ethical decision-making processes, and legal considerations will be explored through case studies and the examination of relevant literature.
Athena Title
Ethics Prof Issues Coun
Prerequisite
Permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered summer semester every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the ethical standards of the American Counseling Association and the relationship to practice and the ability to identify other applicable codes.
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to explain major legal cases that impact the work of counselors and the interplay between ethics and the law.
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to articulate the application of basic foundations of ethical principles and ethical decision-making to professional dilemmas that may confront counselors in work settings and professional relationships.
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to demonstrate awareness of the relationship between personal values and ethical actions as professionals and the impact of values on ethical decision making.
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to communicate an understanding of the broader ethical principles underlying ethics codes so that students can make responsible ethical decisions about “cutting edge” or complex ethical issues.
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to demonstrate understanding and application of cultural competency as an ethical issue.
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to identify counselors’ roles as social justice advocates and the ethics of advocacy in counseling settings.
Topical Outline
Foundations of ethical and legal issues (including ACA ethical codes)
Professional counselor identity, values, and ethical conduct
Multicultural competence and counselor advocacy
The counseling relationship
Informed consent
Confidentiality and privileged communication, including limits to confidentiality and mandated reporting
Competency
Recordkeeping
Assessment and diagnosis
Malpractice
Legal and ethical decision-making
Professional boundaries and dual and multiple-role relationships
