Overview
The CAMFT Code of Ethics outlines comprehensive standards and procedures governing the conduct, responsibilities, confidentiality, and professional integrity required of marriage and family therapists, as well as processes for ethical accountability and the resolution of complaints.
General Principles and Ethical Decision-Making
- Members must comply with both the Code of Ethics and relevant California laws.
- Ignorance of the Code does not excuse violations.
- Ethical standards should be interpreted within their spirit and intent, not just literal meaning.
- Ethical conduct may be held to a higher standard than legal requirements.
- Therapists must reflect on ethical issues and seek consultation when conflicts arise.
Responsibility to Clients/Patients
- Therapists do not discriminate based on demographic factors and accommodate clients with disabilities.
- Therapists avoid perpetuating historical or social prejudice in diagnosis and treatment.
- Care must be consistent and uninterrupted, with clear emergency procedures.
- Clinical judgment is used for terminations; abandonment is prohibited.
- Termination for non-payment must be clinically appropriate.
- Client/patient autonomy and informed decision-making are respected.
- Treatment planning is collaborative and reviewed with clients.
Confidentiality
- Client confidences are protected except as required or permitted by law or with written consent.
- All therapeutic unit members must authorize disclosures.
- Confidential records are stored, transmitted, and disposed of securely.
- Employees and associates must maintain confidentiality.
- Clinical material is only used publicly with proper authorization or de-identification.
- Clients are informed about third-party disclosures and group confidentiality norms.
Informed Consent and Disclosure
- Clients' rights to enter, continue, or leave therapy are upheld.
- Therapists disclose prejudicial factors, risks, and benefits, and provide emergency contact information.
- Written consent is required for recording/observation.
- Limits of confidentiality, therapist backgrounds, and treatment alternatives are explained.
Dual/Multiple Relationships
- Boundaries are maintained to avoid exploitation or impaired judgment.
- Precautions are taken before engaging in dual relationships.
- Unethical acts include borrowing money, business ties, or personal relationships with clients and their immediate relations.
- Sexual contact with clients or immediate relations is strictly prohibited for at least two years post-therapy.
Professional Competence and Integrity
- Members must not practice while impaired and must seek help when needed.
- Professional competence is maintained through continued education.
- Gifts, harassment, and exploitation are addressed with sensitivity to diversity.
- Therapists operate within the scope of their competence and collaborate with other professionals when needed.
Telehealth
- Therapists ensure Telehealth is suitable, comply with laws, inform clients of risks, and protect confidentiality in digital communications.
Supervisor, Supervisee, Educator, and Student Responsibilities
- Supervisors avoid exploiting supervisees or students and maintain supervisory competence.
- Clear policies, evaluations, and ethical/legal knowledge are required.
- Bartering and non-professional relationships with supervisees are discouraged.
Responsibility to Colleagues and the Profession
- Respect is maintained in professional relationships and when handling complaints.
- Publication credit and accurate advertising are mandated; pro bono service is encouraged.
- Ethical accountability overrides organizational policy conflicts.
Responsibility to the Legal System
- Objectivity and impartiality are essential in legal proceedings.
- Dual/conflicting roles are avoided; role limits and confidences are clarified.
- Court-related assessments and testimony are provided only when appropriate.
Responsibility to Research Participants
- Ethical standards protect research participants’ rights and confidentiality.
- Participation must be informed, voluntary, and free from exploitation.
Financial Arrangements
- Financial dealings are transparent, fair, and conform to legal/professional norms.
- Payment for referrals and financial exploitation are prohibited.
- Bartering is discouraged except under specific, non-exploitive conditions.
Advertising
- Public statements and advertising must be accurate, not misleading, and qualifications must be truthfully represented.
- Solicitation of testimonials is restricted to avoid undue influence.
Ethics Committee Procedures
- Complaints must be written, signed, and are investigated if the subject is a member or applicant.
- The Ethics Committee investigates, recommends actions, and can settle by mutual agreement.
- Members facing action have rights to notice and a hearing before the Board of Directors.
- Board of Directors makes final decisions; there is no appeal but reconsideration is possible.
- Ethics records are confidential with exceptions for reporting and publication of serious violations.
- Resignations during an investigation may still trigger continued review and reporting.
Key Dates / Deadlines
- Revised standards effective December 7, 2019.
- Fifteen days’ notice for expulsion or suspension; minimum five days for a response.
- Thirty days to request a hearing after notice of final proposed action; hearing commenced within sixty days.
- Various committee meetings require ten days written notice.