ACA Code Of Ethics Essay

Ethically, it would be inappropriate for a counselor to decide on using a new assessment instrument after having read one article on its use. Section E.9.b. of the ACA Code of Ethics (2014) states that counselors practice caution when using instruments, especially those whose validity or reliability can be questionable (p. 13). One article is insufficient proof of empirical data. As an ethically competent counselor, one must weigh the pros and cons in administering assessment instruments to each client. Consequently, the advantages of using an assessment tool should outweigh any disadvantages that the said tool might present.

A pro for using this new assessment instrument is how it might be great in measuring certain criteria of ADHD for the particular client that old assessments have not identified.
As it pertains to instrument selection, Section E.6.a of the ACA Code of Ethics (2014) states that “Counselors carefully consider the validity, reliability, psychometric limitations, and appropriateness of instruments when selecting assessments and, when possible, use multiple forms of assessment, data, and/or instruments in forming conclusions, diagnoses, or recommendations” (p. 12).

A counselor’s competence is apparent when he uses proven evidence-based treatment techniques on clients. Another factor to be considered is the population the assessment instrument was used on. Additionally, does the use of this new assessment factor in any multicultural issues that might be present in the client’s context? Also, is this new assessment instrument culturally sensitive to clients? According to Section E.8 of the ACA Code of Ethics (2014), counselors are advised to take into consideration their clients age, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, for example, when using assessments (p.