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ACA Code of Ethics Overview

Oct 15, 2025

Overview

This lecture introduces the 2014 ACA Code of Ethics, outlines its major sections, and emphasizes the importance of familiarity for counseling practice.

Purpose and Structure of the ACA Code of Ethics

  • The ACA Code of Ethics provides detailed standards for ethical counseling practice.
  • The document is organized into sections and standards to address different aspects of professional conduct.
  • The preamble describes core moral principles and the overall purpose of the code.

Key Sections of the ACA Code

  • Section A covers the counseling relationship, including counselor responsibilities and client rights, as well as boundaries.
  • Section B addresses confidentiality, privacy, record-keeping, and when confidentiality may be broken.
  • Section C focuses on professional responsibilities and counselor competence, including specialization.
  • Section D relates to relationships with other professionals, consultation, and supervision.
  • Section E discusses evaluation, assessment, interpretation, and diagnosis.
  • Section F details supervision, training, and teaching obligations.
  • Section G covers research and publication ethics for counselors.
  • Section H introduces new guidelines for distance counseling, technology, and social media appropriate use.
  • Section I explains procedures for resolving ethical issues.

Using the ACA Code of Ethics

  • Counselors should be familiar with the code to reference it when facing ethical dilemmas.
  • The code contains a glossary and index to help quickly locate information.
  • Compliance with all standards is required, even if unaware of a specific standard.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Confidentiality — Protecting client information from unauthorized disclosure.
  • Competence — The counselor’s ability to effectively provide services within their area of expertise.
  • Supervision — Oversight and guidance provided to less experienced counselors.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Read the ACA Code of Ethics to become familiar with its sections and standards.
  • Prepare to discuss individual standards in detail using the Rimmel, Herlihy textbook in upcoming classes.