ACA Code of Ethics (General)

Question 1

Mission of the American Counseling Association

Answer 1

The mission of the American Counseling Association
is to enhance the quality of life in society by promoting
the development of professional counselors, advancing
the counseling profession, and using the profession and
practice of counseling to promote respect for human
dignity and diversity.

Question 2

Subsections of Section A: The Counseling Relationship

Answer 2

(1) Client Welfare
(2) Informed Consent in the Counseling Relationship
(3) Clients served by others
(4) Avoiding harm and imposing values
(5) Prohibited Non-counseling Roles and Relationships
(6) Managing and Maintaining Boundaries and Professional Relationships
(7) Roles and Relationships at Individual, Group, Institutional, and Societal Levels
(8) Multiple Clients
(9) Group Work
(10) Fees and Business Practices
(11) Termination and Referral
(12) Abandonment and Client Neglect

Question 3

The Counseling Relationship

Answer 3

Foster the interest and welfare of clients and promote formation of healthy relationships.

Trust is the cornerstone of the counseling relationship, and counselors have the responsibility to respect and safeguard the client’s right to privacy and confidentiality.

Counselors actively attempt to understand the diverse cultural backgrounds of the clients they serve.

Counselors also explore their own cultural identities and how these affect their values and beliefs about the counseling process.

Additionally, counselors are encouraged to contribute to society
by devoting a portion of their professional activities for little or no financial return (pro bono publico).