Professional Ethics

Professional Law and Ethics encompasses a wide range of rules, regulations, codes, and laws that define the standard of what is appropriate professional practice. The standards come from many sources. They may include state and federal laws, professional ethics codes, workplace policies, and common practice among professionals. The purpose of Professional Law and Ethics is to protect the safety and welfare of clients, patients, clinicians, and the general public.

View all {{question.answerCount}} answers

{{ metersToMiles(answer._rankingInfo.matchedGeoLocation.distance) | niceDistance }}

View Profile

Call

{{answer.profile.phone}}No Number Provided

Questions and Answers

Is it ethical for a social worker to ignore a client’s phone calls?

Eric Ström, JD, MA, LMHC

Attorney & Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Mental health providers should promptly return calls from current clients as well as from potential clients. This is even true if the social worker (or counselor) is unable to make an appointment with the caller. In that case the social worker should call you back to let you know that he is unable... more

The information above is intended as general information... (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care nor legal advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist/attorney nor does it create a therapist-client nor attorney-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.

Sherry Katz, LCSW

Couples and Family Therapist, LCSW

Yes, your former social worker should return your phone call.It is the professional ethic to do so and plain human decency to do so.If he doesn't, there is nothing you can directly do about the fact of his ignoring you.There are formal complaints you can make, which you can consider doing.What... more

The information above is intended as general information... (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.

The organization I work for has told me I cannot go to my 12 step meetings

Jason Lynch, MS, LMHC-A, LCAC, ADS

Individual & Couples Therapy

I worked for an organization that had a similar policy, although I'm not aware of it ever being enforced. Most of the employees were in recovery and active in 12-step programs. It has always been my personal practice that if I am present at a meeting and encounter a current client, I will leave. No... more

The information above is intended as general information... (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.

Sherry Katz, LCSW

Couples and Family Therapist, LCSW

Seems you would benefit more from legal guidance than from therapist advice.For example, I imagine policy must be presented in writing to the prospective employee prior to signing a contract of employment.If you were not given in writing the organization's policy of employees not being permitted to... more

The information above is intended as general information... (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.

How does counseling end?

Dr Traci Kochendorfer

Time for you to " Claim IT" with over 15 years in health and wellness, Ph.D Psy.D D.D. F.P.L.C. recognized on TV and Magazines,

There can be many reasons why?

Client has reached their goals they hired the coach/ counselor for

Client is not progressing or taking a path forward.

Client is not a good fit

The information above is intended as general information... (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.

Kevin Mimms

Building Better Connections

It is usually time to end counseling sessions when it is clear to both the client and the counselor that therapeutic goals have been reached and enough improvement has been made that the client can continue without that support. There are exceptions to this rule, but for the most part this is when... more

The information above is intended as general information... (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.

Candice Conroy, LMHC

Find relief from anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Counselors should consider ending counseling sessions or terminating therapy under several different circumstances. Here are a few of the most common:If the client has developed the coping skills for which they came to therapy, counselors should encourage clients to decrease sessions to less often... more

The information above is intended as general information... (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.

Dr. Timothy Paul

'man'; Online - "Natural Health Consultant and Coach"

For most: When the money/insurance runs out.

When best: When the job is done... and you're feeling much better.

If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call... (more)If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room. All written by 'i': 'man'; is [My] Property;

If parents are divorced, is it acceptable for a counselor to allow an ex-spouse to be present during a child’s session?

Eric Ström, JD, MA, LMHC

Attorney & Licensed Mental Health Counselor

I see a few issues here:First, the age of the child is important. If the child is considered an "adult" by state law with regard to counseling (states differ on this - the range is typically between age 13 and age 18), no one is allowed to be in the session without the child's consent.Second... more

Unethical Therapy Practices

Kristi King-Morgan, LMSW

Social Worker, Psychotherapist

I will admit I am confused about this question. Are you the other parent in question or a concerned coworker of this therapist? Therapists do not prescribe or have access to medication. Most therapists won't even get involved in a custody battle. They know there is a good chance of their records... more

Professional Ethics

Questions and Answers

Is it ethical for a social worker to ignore a client’s phone calls?

The organization I work for has told me I cannot go to my 12 step meetings

How does counseling end?

If parents are divorced, is it acceptable for a counselor to allow an ex-spouse to be present during a child’s session?

Unethical Therapy Practices

Other Topics