Why Can’t We Be Friends? Maintaining Confidentiality in the Age of Public Access

Ethical dilemmas encountered by students in a counselor education program are viewed through the lens of the Tarvydas Integrative Decision- Making Model of Ethical Behavior. The structure of the model acknowledges the contextual factors that influence the decision-making process as well as recognizes stakeholders’ perspectives. Because of the complexity of the case scenario used in the 2012-2013 American Counseling Association (ACA) Graduate Student Ethics Competition at the Doctoral Level, the model offers an appropriate framework to evaluate the ethical dilemmas encountered by students and departmental faculty. The analysis considers the ACA Code of Ethics (2005) and relevant laws surrounding minors involved in sexual relationships. An action plan, which reflects the four stages of the model, is provided and institutional recommendations are offered.