Chemical Dependency Counseling

1620 Words4 Pages

Introduction Chemical dependency counseling involves direct interactions with the clients and as such standards need to be set which will promote safe and accountable counseling. Chemical dependency counseling has a set code of ethics, guidelines and regulations that seek to safeguard the interests of everybody involved. Laws and ethics ensure that everyone acts in a way that does not cause harm to others. Laws and ethics also help to give the profession its credibility. The Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia (2014) gives provisions on the conduct of counselors as stipulated by the law. Chapter 135-7-01 provides the various responsibilities of counselors to their clients. Every counselor has a responsibility to their clients. It is their primary duty to promote the welfare of their clients and meet the client’s best interests. Confidentiality Chapter 135-7-03 of the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia (2014) stipulates that confidentiality especially of client information must be observed at all times. The counselor should safeguard the client’s information to the extent stipulated by the law. The American Counseling Association (2005) incorporates confidentiality as part of their Code of Ethics. It requires counselors to keep the counselor-client relationship and information shared confidential. In the case of group counseling it stipulates that provisions must be stated that protect confidentiality. The counselor must clearly record and keep the client information confidential at all costs. According to the Texas certification Board of Addiction Professionals, the chemical dependency specialist has a duty to protect the privacy of clients and must not disclose information obtained fro... ... middle of paper ... ...(1996), Confidentiality: The Legal and Ethical Issues for Chemical Dependency Counselors. Jrnl Addictions & Off Counsel, 17: 3–11. doi: 10.1002/j.2161- 1874.1996.tb00106.x NAADAC. (2013). Code of Ethics. Retrieved 11 May 2014 from http://www.naadac.org/code- of-ethics Arthur, G. L., & Swanson, C. D. (1993). Confidentiality and privileged communication. The ACA legal series, 6. Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Records, 52 Fed. Reg. 21796-21814. (1987). Washington, DC: United States Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Government Printing Office. Texas Certification Board of Addiction Professionals. (2014). Ethical Standards for Chemical Dependency Counseling. Retrieved 11 May 2014 from http://www.tcbap.org/?36 Iowa Board of Certification. (January, 2012). Code of Ethics for Alcohol and Drug Counselors. Retrieved 11 May 2014 from http://www.i

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