This first portion of the assignment has already been written. Please do not make
changes to what is already done. Please read the finished parts of this essay to
understand what the context of this paper is about. Please be sure to include a
level one heading for each question so it follows the Rubix and grading will be
easier.
The introduction starts here – scroll down to the bottom of the page to view the instructions for completing the rest of this essay assignment.
As outlined in the ACA Code of Ethics (2014), counselors know and understand the ACA Code of Ethics and any other relevant codes of ethics of national or certifying bodies and licensures to which they belong. Counselors can use codes of ethics to maintain the integrity and well-being of their clients. The Code of Ethics is intended to educate counselors about their ethical principles, professional standards, and obligations to clients. It helps counselors choose the most appropriate course of action in relation to their clients and colleagues and establishes ethical guidelines by which complaints and questions can be raised. Failure to have a thorough understanding and information about ethical obligations does not justify unethical behavior. One of the most thoughtful aspects of counseling clients in the ACA Code of Ethics (2014) is that the therapist avoids harm, which says a lot about their level of competence in modeling ethical behavior and appropriate action. In addition, it is no exception a counselor meets these same standards under the ACA Code of Ethics (2014) when notifying a colleague of a potential ethical violation in which they are engaged. Counselors have a moral duty to act responsibly and promptly to protect all parties involved from harm. The following scenario is an example of an ethical dilemma that could
arise in the context of my counseling career when a colleague of mine at the same mental health counseling agency has been battling with depression that has led to alcohol abuse as the result of the death of a close longtime friend.
Alternative Perspectives in Conflict of a Counselor with Impairment
(level 1 heading)
In this given situation, my colleague is suffering from clinical depression and alcohol abuse poses an eminent threat to clients, themselves, the community, and the mental health center. At some point, if not intervened, my colleague’s alcoholism and depression will become serious enough to affect their ability to safely provide counseling services. An alternative approach to this situation would prompt an immediate meeting with my colleague providing options for bereavement and an alcohol counseling program while monitoring any behaviors that pose a threat. Moreover, I would press the issue to encourage them to report their ethical circumstances to our supervisor while working on a plan to refer their clients to a legally competent therapist in the counseling agency. Now that my colleague is aware of their ethical dilemma is exposed, they can become reticent in their behavior. Discovering this ethical violation and not taking timely action to prevent harm will place our licenses in jeopardy of suspension or revocation. As a counselor, this situation prompts me to assume all ethical duties stipulated in the ACA Code of Ethics that mandates protecting clients and others from foreseeable harm (2014).
ACA Code of Ethics differs from NBCC and AMCHA
(Level 1 Heading)
ACA Code of Ethics (2014) stipulates that a counselor who has knowledge of another counselor’s unethical practices may use a casual approach to bring to light the matter at hand as long as that disclosure does not lead to a violation of privacy rights. (I.2.a.). Section I.2.b. does not permit this viable option of an informal approach for a presumption of harm; the apparent violation has or is foreseen to bring harm to the individual or entity. If informal resolution fails, I may contact an independent statutory certification body, state licensing agency, national or state ethics committee, or appropriate agency authority. Section I.2.e. Contains additional considerations for filing a complaint. In addition, consultants must refrain from filing baseless complaints that sustain allegations of unethical violations. In this case, information will also be withheld about false claims that would otherwise invalidate all allegations of wrongdoing and retaliation claims as frivolous. Section C.2.g states that counselors have a professional responsibility to continually assess their own physical, mental, and emotional health and identify signs of impairment that may lead to unreliable services. said to lose. If a problem arises that interferes with the counselor’s work, you must seek help and refrain from empowering the individual until the counselor is functioning properly.
NBCC
To make sure clients can always access the help they need, NCCs should take proactive steps to ensure there’s no disruption of services caused by illness, vacations, or unforeseen circumstances. To avoid any potential negative effects from not having someone to turn to in a mental health crisis, we recommend having arrangements in place with other counselors that we work closely with or with local agencies that offer emergency support.
Furthermore, if a NBCC’s emotional or physical condition makes it difficult to provide appropriate care, it’s advisable to seek out an alternate professional or to temporarily put counseling on hold. To make sure clients can always access the help they need, NCCs should take proactive steps to ensure there’s no disruption of services caused by illness, vacations, or unforeseen circumstances. To avoid any potential negative effects from not having someone to turn to in a mental health crisis, NBCC recommend having arrangements in place with other counselors that they work closely with or with local agencies that offer emergency support.
AMCHA
The AMCHA Code of Ethics emphasizes that all professionals and staff should guarantee the delivery of superior services, understanding that their aptitude is reliant on their own emotional and physical well-being. In situations where their knowledge or expertise is weakened for any reason, it is expected that they should search for a professional with the capability to assess if they should curtail, postpone, or terminate their services to customers. It is their duty to continually follow high ethical values and to attempt to settle ethical matters with peers in an informal way, if necessary, by bringing the issues to their focus. If informal problem resolution is unsuccessful, it is necessary to pursue other appropriate options.
California Statutes, Rules, or Guidelines Relevant to the Dilemma
(Level 1 Heading)
California State Legislation, Article 5 Enforcement Section 4999.90 stipulates, the board has the right to deny an application, or revoke the registration or license of any supervisor or licensed professional clinical counselor if they are found to have engaged in unprofessional behavior. This applies to the applicant, licensee, or registrant. Unprofessional behavior could consist of, but is not limited to, the following: anyone applying for or holding a registration or license under this chapter should not administer to themselves any controlled substance or dangerous drugs specified in Section 4022, or any alcoholic beverage in such a way that it is dangerous or injurious not only to themself but to others or the public. Furthermore, if the use of said drugs or beverages impairs their ability to practice safety to the public, then the board has the right to deny or revoke their registration or license. This rule applies to everyone, apart from physicians and surgeons who use drugs while performing licensed professional clinical counseling services. Failure to carry out professional clinical counseling services to the requisite standard of care results in “gross negligence” or incompetence.
According to Corey et al., (2018), Impairment can have damaging effects on a
professional’s effectiveness and practice standards, whether physical (substance abuse or chronic illness) or psychological (burnout). The inability to cope with stressful situations and perform professional roles compounds the problem. An impaired professional can be a detriment to clients, colleagues, and their entire profession, making it critically important to be aware of and address impairment. California State Legislation, Article 5 Enforcement Section 4999.90 stipulates, the board has the
right to deny an application, or revoke the registration or license of any supervisor or licensed professional clinical counselor if they are found to have engaged in unprofessional behavior. This applies to the applicant, licensee, or registrant. Unprofessional behavior could consist of, but is not limited to, the following: anyone applying for or holding a registration or license under this chapter should not administer to themselves any controlled substance or dangerous drugs specified in Section 4022, or any alcoholic beverage in such a way that it is dangerous or injurious not only to themself but to others or the public. Furthermore, if the use of said drugs or beverages impairs a counselor’s ability to practice safely to the public, then the board has the right to deny or revoke their registration or license. This rule applies to everyone, apart from physicians and surgeons who use drugs while performing licensed professional clinical counseling services. Failure to carry out professional clinical counseling services to the requisite standard of care results in “gross negligence” or
incompetence.
Instructions for your part begin here 🙂
This assignment is graded with a Rubix. Please complete the remaining numbered
sections below.
Rubix Outline:
4. Describe how you might use a decision-making model to analyze this dilemma to make an ethical decision, including the provisions informing the decision-making process in this situation and whether you agree with them.
5. Identify the significant legal and ethical issues and processes facing a counselor in the dilemma described.
§ 4983. VIOLATION; MISDEMEANOR; PUNISHMENT
Any person who violates any of the provisions of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding six months, or by a fine not exceeding two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500), or by both.
6. Describe the role of a counseling supervisor and their potential involvement with this kind of dilemma.
7. Identify risk management strategies and self-evaluation practices for
resolving this kind of dilemma. Please find a peer review in response to this question pertaining to counselors with mental health and alcohol impairment. ( If you
can only find literature on mental impairment that will do. )
8. Besides the references already included in this paper, you only need to find a
peer review for number 7.
