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The Ethical Issues Within Counseling

Decent Essays

The ethical issues presented in this scenario is the following: Jay has disclosed to the counselor that he is contemplating suicide the same evening and the counselor is aware that he has attempted suicide in the past and has the means to carry out his threat (Argosy University Online. 2015).

Because confidentiality is such a critical issue within counseling, exceptions to confidentiality must also be heavily considered. What if not breaking confidentiality leads to harm? Section B.1.c. outlines the exceptions to confidentiality including the fact that confidentiality does not apply, when disclosure is required to prevent clear and imminent danger to the client (Bongar & Stolberg, 2009). The limits of confidentiality that must be considered by the counselor in this case are listed below:

B.1.c. Respect for Confidentiality—protect the confidential information of prospective and current clients. Counselors disclose information only with appropriate consent or with sound legal or ethical justification (ACA Code of Ethics, 2014).

B.1.d. Explanation of Limitations—at initiation and throughout the counseling process, counselors inform clients of the limitations of confidentiality and seek to identify situations in which confidentiality must be breached (ACA Code of Ethics, 2014).

B.2.a. Serious and Foreseeable Harm and Legal Requirements—counselors keep information confidential does not apply when disclosure is required to protect clients or identified others from serious

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