Crucial ACA Code of Ethics Section A.1 is essential in developing the client and counselor relationship. The section covers primary responsibility, records and documentation, counseling plans, and support network involvement (ACA, 2014). A.1.a (ACA, 2014) states it the counselor’s responsibility to promote the welfare and respect the dignity of their clients. Failure to respect client’s dignity can cause the client to withdraw from counseling services or not each the clients counseling goal. A.1.b. informs the counselor the importance of keeping records and protecting client’s information (ACA, 2014). Counselors who fail to protect their client information is at risk of a HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) violation. …show more content…
Code Ann. § 63-22-150, parts (2), (3), and (4) (American Counseling Association, n.d) states that Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) can not treat any mental, emotional, or adjustment disorder other than marital problems, antisocial behavior, life-related issues, and parent-child problems. Therefore, the counselor may not diagnose or access clients according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). The counselor should refer the client to another individual if the client needs to be medically diagnosed. The DSM “is a reference that courts and attorneys in assessing the forensic consequences of mental disorders” (American Psychiatric Association, 2013, pp.25) Therefore, clinical mental health counselors should make sure their client meets the guidelines of the DSM before diagnosing the …show more content…
Therefore, individuals who have an MHSP license can diagnose and treat behavioral or emotional disorders that can interfere with mental health (American Counseling Association, n.d). Individuals with MHSP licensure cannot prescribe medication for clients. The counselor will have to consult a psychiatrist for an evaluation for medicine and medical diagnose. As a result, networking with other care professionals can have its challenges. The primary responsibility of the counselor is to make sure the client is safe. Therefore, referring the client to another health professional and not knowing if the client will receive the attention the client needs can be worrisome. Why I Selected Guidelines Knowing the laws in Tennessee and having an adequate definition of my job description and knowing what I may duties can prevent me from having legal problems in the future. Therefore, developing a relationship with other mental health care problems if I need to refer a client to another mental health care provider will not prevent the client from receiving the care the client needs. Section A. in the ACA reminds counselors to allow the counselor’s biases to interfere with the counseling relationship. Therefore, the counselor should be respectful of the client’s culture and background. Also, section A. reminds the counselor to help the client find a healthy