Code of Ethics Terms

Abandonment

 A sudden and unreasoned ending of a counseling relationship that could cause the client harm

Advocacy

 This helps individuals, groups, and counselors, especially bringing down barriers to growth of a
client

Assent

 A way of showing agreement when the client is not able to give informed consent in the usual
way

Assessment

 Getting information about a client so that an effective plan for treatment can be created

Bartering

 Accepting items other than money from clients as a payment for services

Confidentiality

 The ethical duty of a counselor to protect the personal identity and information of the client

Consultation

 A professional relationship that involves seeking advice or information

Counseling

 A professional relationship that helps individuals, families, and groups meet goals in health and
mental wellness

Counselor Educator

 A professional counselor whose main work is to help train other counselors in the field

Counselor Supervisor

 A professional counselor who oversees the work of another counselor or counselor-in-training

Culture
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 A membership in a certain way of living that centers around beliefs and worldviews. These could
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be biological, geographical, historical, etc.

Discrimination

 Prejudice treatment of a person or group based on their grouping

Distance Counseling

 Counseling services in a form other than face-to-face meetings

Diversity

 Similarities and differences that happen across cultures

Documents

 A recording of the work between a counselor and client during the counseling relationship

Encryption

 A process of encoding information in order to limit access to unauthorized people

Exploitation

 Behaviors that take advantage of someone else for one's own benefit

Fee Splitting

 The payment or acceptance of fees for client referrals

Forensic Evaluation

 Forming professional opinions for court, based on professional opinion and appropriate data

Gatekeeping

 Ongoing assessment of students to determine professional competency for remediation or

termination

Impairment

 A lessened ability to perform a job

Incapacitation

 An inability to perform a job

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Informed Consent

 The process of giving all the information about what a client could experience during the
counseling relationship and making sure the client understands and gives consent for all the
implications of treatment

Interdisciplinary Teams

 Teams of professionals serving clients who may not fall under the same confidentiality
requirements

Multicultural/Diversity Competence

 A counselor's awareness and ability to deal with diverse issues and clients in a professional way

Multicultural/Diversity Counseling

 Counseling that understands and uses the diversity of cultures in the practice of counseling to
preserve the dignity and uniqueness of clients from a variety of backgrounds

Personal Virtual Intelligence

 Getting involved in a personal relationship online, that could possibly violate a counselor's code
of ethics

Privacy

 The right of a person to keep their personal information to themselves

Privilege

 A legal term that protects the right to privacy of a client during legal proceedings

Pro Bono Publico

 Giving a portion of professional services without charge

Professional Virtual Relationship

 Using technology or social media to serve clients who cannot meet in person

Records Custodian

 A professional coworker who takes care of client records for a mental healthcare professional

Records of an Artistic Nature

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 Products created by the client as a result of the counseling process

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Self-Growth

 A counselor using a process of reflection to become more effective as professionals

Serious and Foreseeable

 When a counselor can predict serious or harmful outcomes

Sexual Harrassment

 Verbal or nonverbal actions that are sexual in nature in connection with a workplace that are
unwelcome and cause a hostile work or learning environment

Supervisee

 A counselor or counselor-in-training whose work is being overseen and evaluated by a

supervisor

Supervision

 When a senior member of a mental health staff oversees the work of a junior member or
counselor in training to ensure quality of care and professional growth

Training

 The instruction and practice of skills related to the counseling profession

Virtual Relationship

 A non-face-to-face relationship

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Client Rights
These rights include multicultural/diversity considerations, respect for privacy, respect for
confidentiality, and explanation of limitations. Privacy is absolutely essential to any counseling
relationship. During the informed consent process the counselor should gather information about the
client’s needs and background and use this information to create trust for the client.

Potential Issues:

- Assuming all clients have the same perspective of privacy

- Violating confidentiality without consent

- Losing focus of the client’s main goals

- Failing to explain limits to confidentiality

- Forgetting that even information gained from a prospective client is confidential

Recommendations and Resolutions:

- Actively respect and protect all client’s rights to privacy

- Confidentiality is an ethical and legal obligation

- Avoid questions that have no relevance to goals

- Explore cultural meanings for the client

- Develop strict policies for confidentiality

- Discuss the limitations of confidentiality

- Confidentiality belongs to the client

Some exceptions to confidentiality include serious and foreseeable harm and legal requirements, such
as when a client is suicidal or poses a threat to others. Counselors must be familiar with ethics and laws
regarding duty to protect.
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Potential Issues:
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- Lacking familiarity with state and federal laws

- Failing to regularly assess and keep track of threat levels

- Lacking experience in conducting risk assessment

Recommendations and Resolutions:

- Accept the obligation to intervene in times of threat

- Sometimes protecting the client involves a breach in confidentiality

- Know jurisdiction and legal requirements

- Clearly inform client of limits to confidentiality

- Seek advice when deciding whether or not to violate confidentiality

- Review state and federal laws regarding hastening a client’s death

Confidentiality Related to End-of-Life Decisions

Different jurisdictions have different laws regarding the breach of confidentiality for end of life
decisions. It is a counselor’s job to keep their own emotions out of the picture. The counselor should
work collaboratively and empathetically with the client.

Potential Problems:

- Strong personal feelings may cause the counselor to impose values on the client

- Lack of familiarity with state laws

Recommendations and Resolutions:

- Remain alert to the client considering hastening end of life

- Know relevant laws

- Seek advice from other professionals

- Monitor personal reactions

- Continuously have informed consent discussions

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Communicable Diseases
If a client discloses a known communicable disease the counselor may be allowed to disclose the
information to others at risk of infection. However, the counselor must be familiar with state law on this
topic.

Potential Problems:

- Ignoring state laws

- Disclosing the disease without encouraging the client to do so first

- Failure to discuss issues openly with the informed consent process

Recommendations and Resolutions:

- Take the disclosure seriously

- Get a confirmation of the medical status

- Explore state laws about limits of confidentiality

- Do not allow personal values to affect decisions

- Encourage the client to warn effected third parties

- Seek expert consultation before making a disclosure

- Double check and evaluate standards

Responding to Subpoenas

Subpoenas are legal documents from lawyers that may ask for client information. Court orders come
from a judge; both require a careful and thoughtful response and must be taken seriously. You must
respond, even if you do not end up complying. You should seek consultation and make an informed
decision about the validity of the document. In the event of a subpoena, inform the client, get written
consent from the client, and only disclose the minimum amount of information required.

Potential Problems:
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- Counselor is not thoroughly familiar with relevant laws

- Refusing to comply with lawful court orders

- Failing to carefully screen subpoenas

Recommendations and Resolutions:

- Get consultation from experienced colleagues before answering a subpoena

- Consult with an attorney to determine validity

- Contact the client before responding to a subpoena

- Attempt to get informed consent from the client

- Have the client help craft the response to the subpoena

- Periodically review state and federals laws about court disclosures

- Limit the extent of disclosure as much as possible

Respondiendo a citaciones judiciales

Las citaciones son documentos legales de abogados que pueden solicitar información del cliente. Las
órdenes judiciales provienen de un juez; ambas requieren una respuesta cuidadosa y reflexiva y deben
tomarse en serio. Debe responder, incluso si no cumple. Debe solicitar asesoramiento y tomar una
decisión informada sobre la validez del documento. En caso de una citación, informe al cliente, obtenga
su consentimiento por escrito y solo revele la cantidad mínima de información requerida.

Problemas potenciales:

- El consejero no está completamente familiarizado con las leyes pertinentes

- Se niega a cumplir con las órdenes judiciales legales

- No examina cuidadosamente las citaciones

Recomendaciones y Resoluciones:
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- Obtenga asesoramiento de colegas experimentados antes de responder a una citación

- Consulte con un abogado para determinar la validez

- Comuníquese con el cliente antes de responder a una citación

- Intente obtener el consentimiento informado del cliente

- Haga que el cliente ayude a elaborar la respuesta a la citación

- Revise periódicamente las leyes estatales y federales sobre divulgaciones judiciales

- Limite el alcance de la divulgación tanto como sea posible

Behavior of Subordinates

Training and oversight over subordinates is key to ensuring confidentiality. Counselors are responsible
for the behavior of employees, those they supervise, students, office staff, and volunteers.

Potential Problems:

- Being too busy to supervise subordinates

- Assuming subordinates understand privacy

- Failing to provide adequate training

Recommendations and Resolutions:

- Carefully train and oversee subordinates

- Never make assumptions about knowledge

- Carefully monitor office procedures

- Review policies and provide training

Comportamiento de los subordinados

La capacitación y supervisión de los subordinados es fundamental para garantizar la confidencialidad.

Los consejeros son responsables del comportamiento de los empleados, las personas a las que
supervisan, los estudiantes, el personal administrativo y los voluntarios.
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Problemas potenciales:
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- Estar demasiado ocupado para supervisar a los subordinados

- Suponer que los subordinados entienden la privacidad

- No brindar la capacitación adecuada

Recomendaciones y Resoluciones:

- Capacitar y supervisar cuidadosamente a los subordinados

- Nunca hacer suposiciones sobre el conocimiento

- Monitorear cuidadosamente los procedimientos de la oficina

- Revisar las políticas y brindar capacitación

Interdisciplinary Teams

The client must be informed about the participation of teams and the information being shared with the
team. Clients can benefit greatly from a team treatment approach, but the counselor must be clear
about confidentiality and disclosure, both to the client and the team.

Potential Problems:

- Overlooking the threat to client confidentiality when the client is unaware of who has access to
information

- Assuming the client endorses a team approach

Recommendations and Resolutions:

- Provide clear and updated information regarding team approaches

- Inform clients about team arrangements

- Attempt collaboration with the client by discussing the team approach

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Confidential Environments
It is important to ensure that the setting for discussions is safe for private information; be careful
discussing private information in public.

Potential Problems:

- Tempting to share interesting case material

- Failure to think carefully about context

Recommendations and Resolutions:

- Discuss with clients the need to avoid discussing matters in public places

- Be aware of the setting when discussing private information

- Do not discuss case information with colleague/consultant if privacy is at risk

Third-Party Payers Disclosing Information to Third-Party Payers

When clients are using health insurance benefits, confidentiality issues can get complicated. Counselors
must receive client consent to disclose confidential information to third party payers and must be
careful about how that information is transmitted.

Potential Problems:

- Assuming that the client consent to release of information to insurance

- Being unfamiliar with laws about third-party disclosures

- Transmitting through electronic technology

- Attempts to use new form of technology

Recommendations and Resolutions:

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- Get written client consent before disclosing information to third parties

- Only give minimum information needed to third parties

- Study the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)

- Make sure that client information submitted electronically is safe

Terceros pagadores que divulgan información a terceros pagadores

Cuando los clientes utilizan los beneficios del seguro médico, las cuestiones de confidencialidad pueden
complicarse. Los asesores deben recibir el consentimiento del cliente para divulgar información
confidencial a terceros pagadores y deben tener cuidado con la forma en que se transmite dicha
información.

Problemas potenciales:

- Suponer que el cliente da su consentimiento para divulgar información a la compañía de seguros

- No estar familiarizado con las leyes sobre divulgaciones a terceros

- Transmitir a través de tecnología electrónica

- Intentar utilizar nuevas formas de tecnología

Recomendaciones y Resoluciones:

- Obtenga el consentimiento por escrito del cliente antes de revelar información a terceros

- Brinde solo la información mínima necesaria a terceros

- Estudie la Ley de Portabilidad y Responsabilidad del Seguro Médico de 1996 (HIPAA)

- Asegúrese de que la información del cliente enviada electrónicamente esté segura

Deceased Clients

Counselors protected the confidentiality of deceased clients. Sometimes a counselor may be required by
law to disclose information on the deceased, so a counselor must be aware of statutes. With an ethical
situation dealing with a deceased client, if the family requests a release of notes, always wait until
probate has been completed. Probate is the legal process in which the deceased person’s will is
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reviewed to determine its validity.

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Potential Problems:
- Counselors overlook confidentiality of the deceased

- Refusing to provide information to a legal caretaker

- Releasing confidential information without written documentation from the deceased

- Emotional affectation may impair judgment

Recommendations and Resolutions:

- Remember obligation to protect all client confidentiality

- Become familiar with legal requirements

- When a client is terminally ill, get all necessary consents in writing

Group and Family Therapy Confidentiality

Counselors need to be explicit about informed consent in group settings. A counselor cannot fully
guarantee confidentiality when more than one client is involved, but they can provide documentation
and rights.

Potential Problems:

- Neglecting to properly inform clients that others in the group might violate confidentiality

- Increased risk associated with multiple roles in group work

- Failing to establish separate records for each member of the group

Recommendations and Resolutions:

- Clearly inform each client in the group of the limits of confidentiality

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- Communicate the need for confidentiality to all members

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- Inform clients about the limits of your ability to ensure confidentiality

- Establish clear guidelines for sharing between clients

- Make sure that separate records are kept for each clients

- Only provide parts of records that are pertinent to each client upon request

- Communicate your policies

Confidencialidad en terapias grupales y familiares

Los consejeros deben ser explícitos en cuanto al consentimiento informado en entornos grupales. Un
consejero no puede garantizar por completo la confidencialidad cuando hay más de un cliente
involucrado, pero puede proporcionar documentación y derechos.

Problemas potenciales:

- No informar adecuadamente a los clientes de que otros miembros del grupo podrían violar la
confidencialidad.

- Mayor riesgo asociado con roles múltiples en el trabajo grupal.

- No establecer registros separados para cada miembro del grupo.

Recomendaciones y Resoluciones:

- Informar claramente a cada cliente del grupo sobre los límites de la confidencialidad

- Comunicar la necesidad de confidencialidad a todos los miembros

- Informar a los clientes sobre los límites de su capacidad para garantizar la confidencialidad

- Establecer pautas claras para compartir entre clientes

- Asegurarse de que se mantengan registros separados para cada cliente

- Proporcionar solo partes de los registros que sean pertinentes para cada cliente cuando se lo soliciten

- Comunicar sus políticas

Clients Lacking the Capacity to Give Informed Consent

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Counselors working with minors or adults who cannot give informed consent have to be very careful
about laws of confidentiality. Counselors clearly communicate roles for everyone involved, including the
client and the guardians.

Potential Problems:

- Trying to safeguard confidentiality, counselors may fail to communicate with guardians

- Being less vigilant to protect the confidentiality of a dependent

- Unfamiliarity with laws governing dependent confidentiality

- Being too quick to provide information to guardians

Recommendations and Resolutions:

- Be careful to communicate roles and rights

- Be familiar with state and federal laws

- When pushed by a guardian, explore legal responsibilities

- Consider the influence of culture on the perception of children's rights

- Always provide informed consent

Clientes que carecen de la capacidad para dar su consentimiento informado

Los consejeros que trabajan con menores o adultos que no pueden dar su consentimiento informado
deben tener mucho cuidado con las leyes de confidencialidad. Los consejeros comunican claramente las
funciones de todos los involucrados, incluidos el cliente y los tutores.

Problemas potenciales:

- Al intentar proteger la confidencialidad, los consejeros pueden no comunicarse con los tutores.

- Ser menos vigilantes para proteger la confidencialidad de un dependiente

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. - Desconocimiento de las leyes que rigen la confidencialidad de los dependientes.

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- Proporcionar información a los tutores con demasiada rapidez.

Recomendaciones y Resoluciones:

- Tenga cuidado al comunicar los roles y derechos

- Esté familiarizado con las leyes estatales y federales

- Cuando un tutor lo presione, explore las responsabilidades legales

- Considere la influencia de la cultura en la percepción de los derechos de los niños

- Siempre proporcione el consentimiento informado

Keeping Records and Documentation Confidential

Creating and maintaining confidential records is essential for appropriate client care. Counselors should
keep the records accurate, up to date, and ensure confidentiality at all times.

Potential Problems:

- Failing to leave adequate time to create adequate records

- Becoming complacent about security

- Failing to develop technology competencies

- Leaving client records out in the open

- Failing to train staff

Recommendations and Resolutions:

- Create a record of every client encounter

- Make sure each record is clear and thorough

- Make each record properly detailed

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- Review state and federal laws, including HIPAA

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- Establish policies about record maintenance and safeguarding

- Keep all records stored securely

- Avoid taking records out of the office

Recordings and Observations

Counselors must have the client's permission in order to make any kind of recording of sessions or allow
other professionals to observe sessions. Such observations and recordings must only be done in the
client’s best interest.

Potential Problems:

- Assuming that written permission is not needed because it benefits the client

- Overlooking the requirement to obtain permission when working under supervision

Recommendations and Resolutions:

- If recording is part of standard practice, ensure written permission from the client

- Never make a recording without explicit permission

- Always remain sensitive to client reactions

- Even working in training, a counselor must remember to obtain permission for all recordings and
observations

Client Access to Records

Clients have the right to access their records; a counselor may restrict access if it would be harmful, but
he/or she must give the rationale to the client. Any release of records to an appropriate third party must
come with the client’s written consent.

Potential Problems:

- Overly authoritarian counselors might refuse to make client records available

- Automatically providing the entire record could unintentionally harm the client
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- Disclosing a record at the client’s request without receiving written consent

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Recommendations and Resolutions:

- Discuss access to records during informed consent

- Provide access to records in a timely fashion in a private setting

- Know the laws about client access to records

- If a client gives permission to release records, make sure they understand confidentiality

- Before releasing any records, have written consent

Acceso del cliente a los registros

Los clientes tienen derecho a acceder a sus registros; un consejero puede restringir el acceso si esto
fuera perjudicial, pero debe explicarle al cliente los motivos. Toda divulgación de registros a un tercero
apropiado debe contar con el consentimiento por escrito del cliente.

Problemas potenciales:

- Los consejeros excesivamente autoritarios pueden negarse a poner a disposición los registros de los
clientes

. - Proporcionar automáticamente el registro completo podría dañar involuntariamente al cliente

. - Divulgar un registro a pedido del cliente sin recibir el consentimiento por escrito.

Recomendaciones y Resoluciones:

- Discutir el acceso a los registros durante el consentimiento informado

- Proporcionar acceso a los registros de manera oportuna en un entorno privado

- Conocer las leyes sobre el acceso del cliente a los registros

- Si un cliente da permiso para divulgar registros, asegúrese de que comprenda la confidencialidad

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Storage and Disposal of Records

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State and federal laws state how long records must be kept after a counselor finishes services with a
client. When that timeframe is over, records must be destroyed properly.

Potential Problems:

- Lack of awareness of relevant laws about the minimum time for keeping records

- Failing to track the time elapsed after end of service

- Failure to consider possible future needs of a client

Recommendations and Resolutions:

- Abide by laws for record storage

- Periodically review stored records

- Only dispose of records in a way that protects confidentiality

- Remember that records can include paper and electronic

- Consider the possibility of future needs for records

- Antes de divulgar cualquier registro, tenga el consentimiento por escrito

Planning for Counselor's Retirement, Incapacity, or Death

It is responsible to plan for the future, including the counselor’s incapacity, illness, or death. Every
counselor will retire at some point and records should be maintained and safely preserved.

Potential Problems:

- Denying the fact of your own mortality

- Disengaged counselors failing to make collegial connections

- Feeling that termination of practice absolves the counselor of responsibility

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Recommendations and Resolutions:

- Take time early in your career to have a back-up plan

- A plan may include a professional will and should designate care to a colleague

- Keep the will up to date and copies available

- As much as possible, plan for incapacities well in advance

Confidentiality Related to Consultation

Respect for privacy and disclosure of confidential information must be carefully guarded during case
consultations. Consultations are important to client care, but it is essential that counselors are vigilant
about confidentiality and have a clear definition of roles in the consultation process.

Potential Problems:

- Easy to forget about confidentiality responsibilities in a professional consultation

- Failing to clarify roles, policies, and expectations

- Inadvertently sharing information that violates privacy

Recommendations and Resolutions:

- Seek consultation when it helps promote the quality of client care

- Clearly articulate roles from all participants

- Avoid providing information to the consultant that identifies the client

- Only disclose information pertinent to the issue under consultation

Confidencialidad relacionada con la consulta

Durante las consultas de casos, se debe proteger cuidadosamente el respeto por la privacidad y la
divulgación de información confidencial . Las consultas son importantes para la atención al cliente, pero
es esencial que los asesores sean cuidadosos con la confidencialidad y tengan una definición clara de los
roles en el proceso de consulta.
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Problemas potenciales:
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- Es fácil olvidarse de las responsabilidades de confidencialidad en una consulta profesional

. - No aclarar los roles, las políticas y las expectativas.

- Compartir inadvertidamente información que viola la privacidad.

Recomendaciones y Resoluciones:

- Solicitar asesoramiento cuando ayude a promover la calidad de la atención al cliente

- Articular claramente los roles de todos los participantes

- Evitar proporcionar información al consultor que identifique al cliente

- Solo revelar información pertinente al tema en consulta

Exceptions to Confidentiality

Counselors do have relevant jurisdiction to release confidential information; counselors are responsible
for knowing applicable laws. These exceptions to confidentiality must be included in the informed
consent process.

Limits to Confidentiality When Counseling Minors:

Confidentiality must be discussed with minors as part of informed consent. Both the counselor and
minor client need to understand guardian rights to confidential information. This may pose a problem to
the counseling process for older minors and an agreement must be reached with all parties that allows
the client to be comfortable in counseling.

Reporting Requirements with Minors:

Counselors are required to report to authorities if there is suspicion of abuse or neglect. Be familiar with
the signs of abuse or neglect and know the relevant laws.
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Reporting Requirements with Elderly or Other Vulnerable Adults:

Some adult clients rely on others for their care. You must be aware of laws applying to reporting and
confidentiality in these cases.

Danger and the Duty to Warn and Protect:

Confidentiality can be limited to protect the client or others from harm. The counselor has the obligation
to report threats to others. The reporting laws only apply to threat about future violence; stories about
past violence cannot be reported. There can be an option to respond to a threat with appropriate
counseling intervention, but be aware when it is likely that the client will act on threats. You should be
aware of the warning signs of violence and assess the danger to others.

Third-Party Requests for Services:

When third-party requests are made for counseling it is important to clarify to all parties who the
“client” is during the informed consent process.

Court-Ordered Services:

These services also alter confidentiality. If a court orders an evaluation or treatment of the individual the
court is the client, not the individual. It is important to clarify this with the individual during the
informed consent process.

Excepciones a la confidencialidad

Los consejeros tienen jurisdicción para divulgar información confidencial y son responsables de conocer
las leyes aplicables. Estas excepciones a la confidencialidad deben incluirse en el proceso de
consentimiento informado.

Límites a la confidencialidad en el asesoramiento a menores:

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Se debe hablar de confidencialidad con los menores como parte del consentimiento informado. Tanto el
consejero como el cliente menor deben comprender los derechos de los tutores a la información
confidencial. Esto puede representar un problema para el proceso de asesoramiento para los menores
mayores y se debe llegar a un acuerdo con todas las partes que permita que el cliente se sienta cómodo
durante el asesoramiento.

Requisitos de informes con menores:

Los consejeros deben informar a las autoridades si existe sospecha de abuso o negligencia. Deben estar
familiarizados con los signos de abuso o negligencia y conocer las leyes pertinentes.

Requisitos de informes con personas mayores u otros adultos vulnerables:

Algunos clientes adultos dependen de otras personas para su atención. Debe conocer las leyes que se
aplican a la presentación de informes y la confidencialidad en estos casos.

El peligro y el deber de advertir y proteger:

La confidencialidad puede limitarse para proteger al cliente o a otras personas de sufrir daños. El
consejero tiene la obligación de denunciar las amenazas a otras personas. Las leyes de denuncia solo se
aplican a las amenazas sobre violencia futura; las historias sobre violencia pasada no se pueden
denunciar. Puede haber una opción para responder a una amenaza con una intervención de
asesoramiento adecuada, pero tenga en cuenta cuándo es probable que el cliente actúe en
consecuencia. Debe estar atento a las señales de advertencia de violencia y evaluar el peligro para los
demás.

Solicitudes de servicios de terceros:

Cuando se realizan solicitudes de asesoramiento a terceros, es importante aclarar a todas las partes
quién es el “cliente” durante el proceso de consentimiento informado.
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Servicios ordenados por la corte:

Estos servicios también alteran la confidencialidad. Si un tribunal ordena una evaluación o tratamiento
de una persona, el tribunal es el cliente, no la persona . Es importante aclarar esto con la persona
durante el proceso de consentimiento informado.

Knowledge of Technology and Legal Considerations

Counselors who use technology must have knowledge and competency in any area they use. They must
also have an understanding of the laws governing use of technology in counseling and ensure that
clients are aware of their legal rights.

Potential Problems:

- Interest in technology may lead one to be eager to try it without proper preparation

- Counselors may take on services in response to client requests without proper preparation

- Inadvertently violating state laws for distance clients

- Failure to obtain continuing education in technology and remain aware of current literature on the
subject

Recommendations and Resolutions:

- Get ongoing education in appropriate uses and limitations of distance counseling

- Consider the appropriateness of technology as a medium for each client

- Learn the laws and regulations relevant to technology use

- Address the use of technologies with each client

Conocimiento de la tecnología y consideraciones legales

Los asesores que utilizan tecnología deben tener conocimientos y competencias en cualquier área que
utilicen. También deben comprender las leyes que rigen el uso de la tecnología en la asesoría y
asegurarse de que los clientes conozcan sus derechos legales.
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Problemas potenciales:
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- El interés en la tecnología puede llevar a uno a estar ansioso por probarla sin la preparación adecuada.

- Los consejeros pueden aceptar servicios en respuesta a solicitudes de los clientes sin la preparación
adecuada.

- Violar inadvertidamente las leyes estatales para clientes a distancia.

- No obtener educación continua en tecnología y mantenerse al tanto de la literatura actual sobre el

tema.

Recomendaciones y Resoluciones:

- Obtener educación continua sobre los usos apropiados y las limitaciones de la asesoría a distancia

- Considerar la idoneidad de la tecnología como medio para cada cliente

- Aprender las leyes y regulaciones relevantes para el uso de la tecnología

- Abordar el uso de tecnologías con cada cliente

Informed Consent and Security

Clients have the right to choose whether or not technology is used in the counseling process, and there
are additional requirements to the informed consent process including distance counseling credentials,
location of practice, the risks and benefits of using technology, the possibility of technology failure,
response time, emergency procedures, time zone differences, cultural/language differences, possible
denial of insurance, and social media policy.

Potential Problems:

- Assuming that the traditional "in person" informed consent process is enough

- Failing to address emergency contact procedures

- Not fully discussing the potential limitations of technology

- Failing to address costs and payments

- Not developing and sharing a social media policy

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Recommendations and Resolutions:

- Develop an informed consent process that addresses technology issues

- Include how emergencies will be handled

- Develop steps to take in the case of tech failures

- Openly discuss the effectiveness of distance counseling

- Spend enough time at the beginning of counseling to make sure the client understands how the system
works

- Develop a social media policy

Confidentiality Related to Electronic Communication

Counselors acknowledge the threats to confidentiality in an electronic setting and ask clients to be
aware of the dangers of unauthorized access. Counselors ensure that their online security is updated
and strong.

Potential Problems:

- Failing to regularly update security software

- Assuming that Internet transmissions are confidential

- Failure to be aware of laws such as HIPAA and other privacy requirements

- Viewing commercially available security precautions as 100% secure

Recommendations and Resolutions:

- Counselors should remain current on the best possible security

- Counselors should develop written security policies

- Include discussion of privacy in the informed consent process

- Encrypt all email communications

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- Know about relevant privacy laws

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Verifying a Client's Identity

Counselors in distance counseling must take steps to verify the identity of the client throughout the
process.

Potential Problems:

- Failing to verify a client's legal right to consent to treatment (may actually be providing service to a
minor who is not authorized to consent)

- Failing to ensure authorization of credit card provided by client

- Failing to verify a client's right to treatment and his/or her identity several times throughout the
process

Recommendations and Resolutions:

- Always require proof of the client's legal right to consent

- Create passwords for confirming identity

- Include an ongoing identity verification process

Distance Counseling Relationship

Counselors must inform clients of both the benefits and limitations of distance counseling. They must
maintain a professional relationship with their clients at all times.

Potential Problems:

- Assuming that all forms of electronic communication are right for every client

- Failing to consider all communication options in the informed consent process

- Not considering the professional boundaries in distance relationships

- Failing to make sure that commercial security software is appropriate and strong
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Recommendations and Resolutions:

- Discuss all pros and cons of forms of communication

- Document the rationale for the use of each technology

- Give attention to various technologies and how it affects the client relationship

- Be aware that sometimes "in-person" counseling will be needed

Relación de asesoramiento a distancia

Los asesores deben informar a los clientes tanto de los beneficios como de las limitaciones de la asesoría
a distancia y mantener una relación profesional con sus clientes en todo momento.

Problemas potenciales:

- Suponer que todas las formas de comunicación electrónica son adecuadas para cada cliente

- No considerar todas las opciones de comunicación en el proceso de consentimiento informado

- No considerar los límites profesionales en las relaciones a distancia

- No asegurarse de que el software de seguridad comercial sea apropiado y sólido

Recomendaciones y Resoluciones:

- Analizar todos los pros y contras de las formas de comunicación

- Documentar la justificación del uso de cada tecnología

- Prestar atención a las distintas tecnologías y cómo afectan la relación con el cliente

- Tener en cuenta que, a veces, será necesario recibir asesoramiento "en persona" 28
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Technology-Assisted Services

Counselors make efforts to make sure that clients are capable of using the technology application. They
gauge the effectiveness of the service and make adjustments and make sure that the client has access to
the listed applications. Counselors consider the difference between face-to-face communications and
"in-person" counseling and make adjustments accordingly.

Potential Problems:

- Using an application that is not appropriate for a certain client

- Assuming that clients are able to use the technology

- Assuming the meaning and intent behind a client's communication when visual and verbal cues are not
there

- Failing to assess the appropriateness of each application based on individual client needs

Recommendations and Resolutions:

- Ensure that the counseling done through technological media is consistent with the client's needs and
abilities

- Verify that clients have access to all needed technologies

- Provide clients with any necessary training

- If the technology is not in the client’s best interests, make necessary adjustments

- Carefully address the absence of visual cues

- Consider the importance of verbal and visual cues to culture and language

Records and Web Maintenance

Counselors must keep electronic records in line with state and federal laws and must keep clients
apprised of their rights. Counselors with professional websites should regularly ensure that electronic
links are working and that websites provide accessibility to anyone with disabilities or language barriers.
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Potential Problems:
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- Failing to ensure the security of records stored online

- Assuming that deleting records permanently destroys them

- Client naivety about precautions to protect their security

- Assuming that links on website will remain functional

- Failure to create a website that caters to diverse needs

Recommendation and Resolutions:

- Investigate the security precautions of online records storage

- When destroying records, ensure that they are permanently deleted

- Inform clients of record storage and destruction methods

- Include links to licensing boards and check that the links are working

- Educate yourself on web design or seek professional help

- Make sure that any translations on the website are accurate

Social Media

Counselors must keep their personal and professional social media accounts separate and must make
sure that their professional social media is part of the informed consent process. Counselors must
respect their clients' privacy online and must not disclose confidential information.

Potential Problems:

- Not realizing that clients may have access to personal social media accounts

- Failing to understand security settings

- Assuming that clients fully understand the risks and benefits of use

- Not developing a social media policy

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- Accessing client information online without permission

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Recommendations and Resolutions:

- Be careful about participating in social media and keep private and professional accounts separate

- Use good judgment when posting any personal information

- Use the highest security settings

- Develop a social media policy and keep clients informed

- Be careful about accessing client information online

- Never divulge confidential client information

Redes sociales

Los consejeros deben mantener separadas sus cuentas de redes sociales personales y profesionales y
deben asegurarse de que sus redes sociales profesionales formen parte del proceso de consentimiento
informado. Los consejeros deben respetar la privacidad de sus clientes en línea y no deben divulgar
información confidencial.

Problemas potenciales:

- No darse cuenta de que los clientes pueden tener acceso a cuentas personales de redes sociales

- No comprender las configuraciones de seguridad

- Suponer que los clientes comprenden completamente los riesgos y beneficios del uso

- No desarrollar una política de redes sociales

- Acceder a la información del cliente en línea sin permiso

Recomendaciones y Resoluciones:

- Tenga cuidado al participar en las redes sociales y mantenga separadas las cuentas privadas y
profesionales
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- Use el buen juicio al publicar información personal

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- Utilice la configuración de seguridad más alta

- Desarrolle una política de redes sociales y mantenga informados a los clientes

- Tenga cuidado al acceder a la información de los clientes en línea

- Nunca divulgue información confidencial de los clientes

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