ACA Code of Ethics Purpose

The overall goal of the ACA Code of Ethics is to protect the welfare of individuals and groups with whom counselors work and to educate members, students, and the public regarding the ethical standards to which counselors are held.

The ACA Code of Ethics addresses the behaviors of members of ACA in their professional roles as counselors, counseling students, counselor educators, researchers, and supervisors. The specific purposes of the ACA Code of Ethics are:

• To educate counselors and counseling students about ethical standards, equipping them with information to practice counseling with integrity, while honoring clients and the issues they bring to counseling.
• To serve as a guide in the ethical decision-making process.
• To inform the public about the professional ethical obligations of counselors and about what they might expect as consumers of services.
• To contribute to defining the profession of counseling and clarifying the professional identity of counselors.
• To serve as the basis for processing inquiries and guiding adjudication of complaints of ethical violations concerning ACA members and serve as a point of reference for state licensure boards investigating complaints of counselor ethical violations.

Sections in the Code of Ethics

Each section of the ACA Code of Ethics begins with an introduction. The introductions help set the tone for each section and provide a starting point that invites reflection on the ethical standards contained in each section. The standards outline professional responsibilities and provide direction for fulfilling ethical responsibilities.

The ACA Code of Ethics contains ten main sections that address the following areas:

Section A: The Counseling Relationship

Section B: Confidentiality and Privacy

Section C: Professional Responsibility

Section D: Relationships With Other Professionals

Section E: Evaluation, Assessment, and Interpretation

Section F: Supervision, Training, and Teaching

Section G: Research and Publication

Section H: Telehealth and Technology

Section I: Forensic Practice

Section J: Resolving Ethical Issues

Glossary: The glossary provides a concise description of some of the terms used in the ACA Code of Ethics.

Ethical Decision-Making

When counselors are faced with ethical dilemmas, they are expected to engage in a carefully considered ethical decision-making process, collaborating with clients as appropriate, and consulting the ACA Code of Ethics and other professional resources.

Ethical decision-making includes consideration of professional values, ethical principles and virtues, and ethical standards. Counselors engage in an active and thoughtful process of ethical decision-making, exercising sound professional judgment while upholding the welfare of clients and relevant stakeholders. Counselors are expected to be familiar with a variety of established ethical decision-making models.