Clients Flashcards
Mental health counselors are clear with clients about
the parameters of the counseling relationship. In a professional disclosure statement, they provide
- information about expectations and responsibilities of both counselor and client in the counseling process,
- their professional orientation and values regarding the counseling process,
- emergency procedures, supervision (as applicable) and business practices.
- Information is also provided regarding client rights and contact information for the state counseling licensure authority.
Confidentiality
Mental health counselors have a primary obligation to safeguard information about individuals obtained in the course of practice, teaching, or research. Personal information is communicated to others only with the person’s consent, preferably written, or in those circumstances, as dictated by state laws. Disclosure of counseling information is restricted to what is necessary, relevant and verifiable.
Client Records
- The information in client records belongs to the client
- shall not be shared without permission granted through a formal release of information.
- In the event that a client requests that information in his or her record be shared, mental health counselors educate clients to the implications of sharing the materials.
Release Info only under the most extreme circumstances:
the protection of life (suicidality or homicidality), child abuse, and/ or abuse of incompetent persons and elder abuse.
Counseling reports and records are maintained
under conditions of security, and provisions are made for their destruction after five (5) years post termination
in the case where primary clients are minors or are adults who have been legally determined to be incompetent
parents and guardians have legal access to client information. Where appropriate, a parent(s) or guardian(s) may be included in the counseling process; however, mental health counselors must take measures to safeguard client confidentiality within legal limits.
Communicable or life threatening illness
Mental health counselors may justify disclosing information to identifiable third parties if clients disclose that they have a communicable or life threatening illness. However, prior to disclosing such information, mental health counselors must confirm the diagnosis with a medical provider.
When counselors learn that their clients are in a professional relationship with other mental health professionals
they request release from clients to inform the other professionals and strive to establish positive and collaborative professional relationships.
Counselors may barter only if
the bartering does not result in exploitation or harm, if the client requests it, and if such arrangements are an accepted practice among professionals in the community.
Receiving Gifts
When determining whether to accept a gift from clients, counselors take into account the therapeutic relationship, the monetary value of the gift, the client’s motivation for giving the gift, and the counselor’s motivation for wanting to accept or decline the gift.
Confidential Settings
Counselors discuss confidential infor- mation only in settings in which they can reasonably ensure client privacy.
Third-Party Payers
Counselors disclose information to third-party payers only when clients have authorized such disclosure.
Clients have the freedom to choose whether to use distance counseling, social media, and/or technology within the counseling process.
The following issues should be addressed:
- distance counseling credentials, physical location of practice, and contact information;
• risks and benefits of engaging in the use of distance counseling, technology, and/or social media;
• possibility of technology failure and alternate methods of service delivery;
• anticipated response time;
• emergency procedures to follow when the counselor is not available;
• time zone differences;
• cultural and/or language differ-
ences that may affect delivery of services;
• possible denial of insurance benefits; and
• social media policy.
When mental health counselors assess that they are unable to work with clients on the exploration of end-of-life options, they
make appropriate referrals to ensure clients receive appropriate help.
Depending upon the applicable state laws, the circumstances of the situation, and after seeking consultation and supervision from competent professional and legal entities, mental health counselors have the
options of breaking or not breaking confidentiality of terminally ill clients who plan on hastening their deaths.
