Professional Issues and Ethics

COU PS635 - Professional Issues and Ethics

Credits: 3

This course introduces students to the Ethical Standards of the American Counseling Association (ACA) and their application to professional practice. The course explores key ethical issues including confidentiality, client autonomy, clear boundaries, dual relationships, special concerns in training and supervision, and practicing ethically in a diverse world. The course also provides students with a forum for examining contemporary ethical, legal, and socio-cultural issues pertinent to their development as professional counselors. Other ethical codes are studied, such as the American Psychological Association (APA) Code of Ethics, and pertinent specialty guidelines. The major objective of the course is to provide students with a framework for lifelong ethical decision-making and practice. Open only to students in the master’s program in Counseling Psychology or Forensic and Counseling Psychology.