Comparing Codes Of Ethics Heather Lewis
Running head: COMPARING CODES OF ETHICS 1
Comparing Codes of Ethics
Heather Lewis
Walden University
COUN 6306
Dr. Vicki Coleman
September 10, 2013
Comparing Codes of Ethics Mental health counselors have to follow rules, and guidelines also known as codes of ethics. There are many ethical and legal issues in the field of counseling. Codes of ethics are designed to protect the client as well as the counselor. “Most fundamentally, they exist to protect and promote the welfare of clients” (Remley & Herlihy, 2010, p. 11). This assignment will explore two different codes of ethics, and consideration will be given to how these codes will apply to working as a future counselor.
Summary of Codes of Ethics
There are several different codes of ethics we will be using in this course. The first code of ethics is the ACA Code of Ethics (2005). The second code of ethics is the AMHCA Code of Ethics (2010). According to the ACA Code of Ethics (2005), the ACA Code of Ethics ensures counselors are ethical, supports the mission of the ACA, establishes best practices and ethical behavior, serves as an ethical guide, and assists with processing ethical complaints against ACA members (p. 3). The AMHCA Code of Ethics (2010) assists members with making ethical decisions, defines ethical behaviors, supports the AMHCA’s mission, and educates members regarding ethical standards (1).
Similarities
There are many similarities between the ACA Code of Ethics (2005) and the AMHCA Code of Ethics (2010). The most significant similarity between both codes of ethics is they are designed to ensure counselors remain ethical at all times. Counseling relationships are built on trust between the client, and counselor. Another similarity between both codes of ethics is both codes are created by associations. Counselors become members of the associations, and pay membership dues. Both associations provide support to their members. Both associations provide training to members,
Comparing Codes of Ethics
Heather Lewis
Walden University
COUN 6306
Dr. Vicki Coleman
September 10, 2013
Comparing Codes of Ethics Mental health counselors have to follow rules, and guidelines also known as codes of ethics. There are many ethical and legal issues in the field of counseling. Codes of ethics are designed to protect the client as well as the counselor. “Most fundamentally, they exist to protect and promote the welfare of clients” (Remley & Herlihy, 2010, p. 11). This assignment will explore two different codes of ethics, and consideration will be given to how these codes will apply to working as a future counselor.
Summary of Codes of Ethics
There are several different codes of ethics we will be using in this course. The first code of ethics is the ACA Code of Ethics (2005). The second code of ethics is the AMHCA Code of Ethics (2010). According to the ACA Code of Ethics (2005), the ACA Code of Ethics ensures counselors are ethical, supports the mission of the ACA, establishes best practices and ethical behavior, serves as an ethical guide, and assists with processing ethical complaints against ACA members (p. 3). The AMHCA Code of Ethics (2010) assists members with making ethical decisions, defines ethical behaviors, supports the AMHCA’s mission, and educates members regarding ethical standards (1).
Similarities
There are many similarities between the ACA Code of Ethics (2005) and the AMHCA Code of Ethics (2010). The most significant similarity between both codes of ethics is they are designed to ensure counselors remain ethical at all times. Counseling relationships are built on trust between the client, and counselor. Another similarity between both codes of ethics is both codes are created by associations. Counselors become members of the associations, and pay membership dues. Both associations provide support to their members. Both associations provide training to members,