ACA Code of Ethics

Abstract

The 2014 ACA Code of Ethics was approved by the Governing Council at its meeting at the ACA conference held in Honolulu, Hawaii. The 2014 ACA Code of Ethics replaces the 2005 edition. The new edition is the first code that speaks to the ethics of using social media with clients. It also presents new or expanded guidelines for preventing the imposition of counselor personal values, distance counseling, confidentiality, dual relationships, multiculturalism and diversity, the use of technology, recordkeeping, diagnosis, end-of life care and the selection of interventions. - See more at: http://www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/ethics#sthash.Q4bvpbkD.dpuf The American Counseling Association (ACA) is an educational, scientific, and professional organization whose members work in a variety of settings and serve in multiple capacities. Counseling is a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and group to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals. Professional values are an important way of living out an ethical commitment. The following are core professional values of the counseling profession: 1. enhancing human development throughout life span;2. honoring diversity and embracing a multicultural approach in support of the worth, dignity, potential, and uniqueness of people within their social and cultural contexts;3. promoting social justice; 4. safeguarding the integrity of the counselor-client relationship, and 5. practicing a competent and ethical manner.