Getting to Know the Ohio CSWMFTB Code of Ethics

1. Jim is a PCC in private practice. He is currently involved with the care of his elderly father who is dying of cancer. During this time, Jim receives a number of calls from individuals seeking grief counseling related to the loss of a parent. Jim decides to refrain from taking these clients right now.

OAC 4757-5-05 states that counselors shall not undertake professional relationships with a client when the objectivity the counselor could reasonably be expected to be impaired due to emotional conditions. This is applicable to Jim, whose situation with his dying father could impact his objectivity toward clients who recently lost their parents.

2. Stan, a PC, views himself as a warm, humanistic mental health service provider. He thinks that having clients sign an informed consent document detracts from the humanistic quality of the therapeutic relationship. Keeping with his philosophy, he prefers to discuss his qualifications individually with his clients and to explain the parameters of the counseling relationship being similar to that of a good friendship.

OAC 4757-5-02 (B) outlines the requirements counselors must meet in regards to informed consent. Counselors must provide a document that has clear and understandable language to inform clients of the purposes of services, limit to the services due to legal requirements, relevant costs, reasonable alternatives, the clients' rights to refuse or withdraw consent, and the timeframe covered by the consent. Counselors must take steps to help clients who cannot read or understand the document. Jim is in violation of this chapter of the administrative code because not only does he not provide a written document, or doesn’t appear to cover the required information in his discussions with clients.

3. Audrey is a professor in the counselor education department who also maintains a small private practice. Lisa, a student in one of her classes, is going through a divorce and asks if she might see Audrey for counseling to address some issues related to her current life experience. Audrey informs Lisa that the university counseling center provides counseling services already paid for by student fees, but Lisa indicates that she would rather engage Audrey to be her counselor.

OAC 4757-5-03 (A) states that counselors shall avoid multiple relationships and conflicts of interest with any client that are not in the best interest of the client and might impair professional judgment. As Lisa’s instructor, Audrey has most likely formed impressions that may impact her professional judgment. OAC 4757-5-03 (A)(3) states that the counselor shall not undertake or continue a professional relationship with a client when the objectivity could reasonably be expected to be, impaired. Again, this could be the case based upon the previous relationship between Audrey and Lisa. OAC 4757-5-03 (A)(4) cites examples of multiple relationships that shall be avoided, including social relationships, financial relationships, and supervisory relationships. An instructor/student relationship could be interpreted to fit one or more of these examples.

4. A couple makes an appointment with Sylvia, a PC with four years experience in private practice. This couple is requesting sex therapy, and the initial assessment suggests that they have accurately identified a