INTRODUCTION AND APPLICABILITY
Principle A:
Beneficence and Nonmaleficence
Principle B: Fidelity and Responsibility
Principle E: Respect for People's Rights and Dignity
1.01
Misuse of Pastoral Counselors' Work
1.02
Conflicts Between Ethics and Law, Regulations, or Other Governing Legal
Authority
1.03
Conflicts Between Ethics and Organizational Demands
1.04
Informal Resolution of Ethical Violations
1.05
Reporting Ethical Violations
1.06
Cooperating With Ethics Committees
1.08
Unfair Discrimination Against Complainants and Respondents
2.02
Providing Services in Emergencies
2.04
Bases for Scientific and Professional Judgments
2.05
Delegation of Work to Others
2.06
Personal Problems and Conflicts
3.07
Third-Party Requests for Services
3.08
Exploitative Relationships
3.09
Cooperation With Other Professionals
3.11
Counseling Services Delivered To or Through Organizations
3.12
Interruption of Counseling Services
4. Privacy
And Confidentiality
4.01
Maintaining Confidentiality
4.02
Discussing the Limits of Confidentiality
4.04
Minimizing Intrusions on Privacy
4.07
Use of Confidential Information for Didactic or Other Purposes
5. Advertising and Other Public Statements
5.01
Avoidance of False or Deceptive Statements
5.03
Descriptions of Workshops and Non-Degree-Granting Educational Programs
6.01
Documentation of Professional and Scientific Work and Maintenance of Records
6.03
Withholding Records for Nonpayment
6.04
Fees and Financial Arrangements
6.05
Barter With Clients/Patients
6.06
Accuracy in Reports to Payors and Funding Sources
7.01
Design of Education and Training Programs
7.02
Descriptions of Education and Training Programs
7.04
Student Disclosure of Personal Information
7.05
Mandatory Individual or Group Therapy
7.06
Assessing Student and Supervisee Performance
7.07
Sexual Relationships With Students and Supervisees
8.02
Informed Consent to Research
8.03
Informed Consent for Recording Voices and Images in Research
8.04
Client/Patient, Student, and Subordinate Research Participants
8.05
Dispensing With Informed Consent for Research
8.06
Offering Inducements for Research Participation
8.09
Humane Care and Use of Animals in Research
8.10
Reporting Research Results
8.13
Duplicate Publication of Data
8.14
Sharing Research Data for Verification
9.03
Informed Consent in Assessments
9.06
Interpreting Assessment Results
9.07
Assessment by Unqualified Persons
9.08
Obsolete Tests and Outdated Test Results
9.09
Test Scoring and Interpretation Services
9.10
Explaining Assessment Results
9.11.
Maintaining Test Security
10.01
Informed Consent to Therapy
10.02
Therapy Involving Couples or Families
10.04
Providing Therapy to Those Served by Others
10.05
Sexual Intimacies With Current Therapy Clients/Patients
10.06
Sexual Intimacies With Relatives or Significant Others of Current Therapy
Clients/Patients
10.07
Therapy With Former Sexual Partners
10.08
Sexual Intimacies With Former Therapy Clients/Patients
The National Board for Certified Pastoral Counselors'
(NBCPC) Ethical Principles of Pastoral Counselors and Code of Conduct
(hereinafter referred to as the Ethics Code) consists of an Introduction, a
Preamble, five General Principles (A - E), and specific Ethical Standards. The
Introduction discusses the intent, organization, procedural considerations, and
scope of application of the Ethics Code. The Preamble and General Principles
are aspirational goals to guide Pastoral Counselors toward the highest ideals
of counseling. Although the Preamble and General Principles are not themselves
enforceable rules, Pastoral Counselors should consider them in arriving at an
ethical course of action. The Ethical Standards set forth enforceable rules for
conduct as Pastoral Counselors. Most of the Ethical Standards are written
broadly, in order to apply to Pastoral Counselors in varied roles, although the
application of an Ethical Standard may vary depending on the context. The
Ethical Standards are not exhaustive. The fact that an Ethical Standard does
not specifically address a given conduct does not mean that it is necessarily
either ethical or unethical.
This Ethics Code applies only to Pastoral Counselors'
activities that are part of their scientific, educational, or professional
roles as Pastoral Counselors. Areas covered include but are not limited to the
clinical, counseling, and school practice of psychology; research; teaching;
supervision of trainees; public service; policy development; social
intervention; development of assessment instruments; conducting assessments;
educational counseling; organizational consulting; forensic activities; program
design and evaluation; and administration. This Ethics Code applies to these
activities across a variety of contexts, such as in person, postal, telephone,
internet, and other electronic transmissions.
These activities shall be distinguished from the purely private conduct
of Pastoral Counselors, which is not within the purview of the Ethics Code.
Membership in the NBCPC commits members and student
affiliates to comply with the standards of the NBCPC Ethics Code and to the
rules and procedures used to enforce them.
Lack of awareness or misunderstanding of an Ethical Standard is not
itself a defense to a charge of unethical conduct.
The procedures for filing, investigating, and resolving
complaints of unethical conduct are described in the current Rules and
Procedures of the NBCPC Ethics Committee.
NBCPC may impose sanctions on its members for violations of the
standards of the Ethics Code, including termination of NBCPC membership, and
may notify other bodies and individuals of its actions. Actions that violate
the standards of the Ethics Code may also lead to the imposition of sanctions
on Pastoral Counselors or students whether or not they are NBCPC members by
bodies other than NBCPC, including state counseling associations, other
professional groups, psychology boards, other state or federal agencies, and
payors for health services. In
addition, NBCPC may take action against a member after his or her conviction of
a felony, expulsion or suspension from an affiliated state counseling
association, or suspension or loss of licensure. When the sanction to be imposed by NBCPC is less than expulsion, the 2001
Rules and Procedures do not guarantee an opportunity for an in-person hearing,
but generally provide that complaints will be resolved only on the basis of a
submitted record.
The Ethics Code is intended to provide guidance for Pastoral
Counselors and standards of professional conduct that can be applied by the
NBCPC and by other bodies that choose to adopt them. The Ethics Code is not intended to be a basis of civil
liability. Whether a Pastoral Counselor
has violated the Ethics Code standards does not by itself determine whether the
Pastoral Counselor is legally liable in a court action, whether a contract is
enforceable, or whether other legal consequences occur.
The modifiers used in some of the standards of this Ethics
Code (e.g., reasonably, appropriate,
potentially) are included in the standards when they would (1) allow
professional judgment on the part of Pastoral Counselors, (2) eliminate
injustice or inequality that would occur without the modifier, (3) ensure
applicability across the broad range of activities conducted by Pastoral
Counselors, or (4) guard against a set of rigid rules that might be quickly
outdated. As used in this Ethics Code, the term reasonable means the prevailing professional judgment of Pastoral
Counselors engaged in similar activities in similar circumstances, given the
knowledge the Pastoral Counselor had or should have had at the time.
In the process of making decisions regarding their
professional behavior, Pastoral Counselors must consider this Ethics Code in
addition to applicable laws and psychology board regulations. In applying the Ethics Code to their
professional work, Pastoral Counselors may consider other materials and
guidelines that have been adopted or endorsed by scientific and professional
counseling organizations and the dictates of their own conscience, as well as
consult with others within the field. If this Ethics Code establishes a higher
standard of conduct than is required by law, Pastoral Counselors must meet the
higher ethical standard. If Pastoral Counselors' ethical responsibilities
conflict with law, regulations, or other governing legal authority, Pastoral
Counselors make known their commitment to this Ethics Code and take steps to
resolve the conflict in a responsible manner. If the conflict is irresolvable
via such means, Pastoral Counselors may adhere to the requirements of the law,
regulations, or other governing authority in keeping with basic principles of
human rights.
Pastoral Counselors are committed to increasing scientific
and professional knowledge of behavior and people's understanding of themselves
and others and to the use of such knowledge to improve the condition of
individuals, organizations, and society.
Pastoral Counselors respect and protect civil and human rights and the
central importance of freedom of inquiry and expression in research, teaching,
and publication. They strive to help
the public in developing informed judgments and choices concerning human
behavior. In doing so, they perform
many roles, such as researcher, educator, diagnostician, therapist, supervisor,
consultant, administrator, social interventionist, and expert witness. This Ethics Code provides a common set of
principles and standards upon which Pastoral Counselors build their
professional and scientific work.
This Ethics Code is intended to provide specific standards
to cover most situations encountered by Pastoral Counselors. It has as its
goals the welfare and protection of the individuals and groups with whom
Pastoral Counselors work and the education of members, students, and the public
regarding ethical standards of the discipline.
The development of a dynamic set of ethical standards for
Pastoral Counselors' work-related conduct requires a personal commitment and
lifelong effort to act ethically; to encourage ethical behavior by students,
supervisees, employees, and colleagues; and to consult with others concerning
ethical problems.
This section consists of General Principles. General Principles, as opposed to Ethical
Standards, are aspirational in nature. Their intent is to guide and inspire
Pastoral Counselors toward the very highest ethical ideals of the profession.
General Principles, in contrast to Ethical Standards, do not represent
obligations and should not form the basis for imposing sanctions. Relying upon
General Principles for either of these reasons distorts both their meaning and
purpose.
Pastoral Counselors strive
to benefit those with whom they work and take care to do no harm. In their professional actions, Pastoral Counselors seek to
safeguard the welfare and rights of those with whom they interact
professionally and other affected persons, and the welfare of animal subjects
of research. When conflicts occur among
Pastoral Counselors' obligations or concerns, they attempt to resolve these
conflicts in a responsible fashion that avoids or minimizes harm. Because
Pastoral Counselors' scientific and professional judgments and actions may
affect the lives of others, they are alert to and guard against personal,
financial, social, organizational, or political factors that might lead to
misuse of their influence. Pastoral
Counselors strive to be aware of the possible effect of their own physical and
mental health on their ability to help those with whom they work.
Pastoral Counselors establish relationships of trust with
those with whom they work. They are aware of their professional and scientific
responsibilities to society and to the specific communities in which they work.
Pastoral Counselors uphold professional standards of conduct, clarify their
professional roles and obligations, accept appropriate responsibility for their
behavior, and seek to manage conflicts of interest that could lead to
exploitation or harm. Pastoral
Counselors consult with, refer to, or cooperate with other professionals and
institutions to the extent needed to serve the best interests of those with
whom they work. They are concerned
about the ethical compliance of their colleagues' scientific and professional
conduct. Pastoral Counselors strive to contribute a portion of their
professional time for little or no compensation or personal advantage.
Pastoral Counselors seek to promote accuracy, honesty, and
truthfulness in the science, teaching, and practice of psychology. In these
activities Pastoral Counselors do not steal, cheat, or engage in fraud,
subterfuge, or intentional misrepresentation of fact. Pastoral Counselors strive to keep their promises and to avoid
unwise or unclear commitments. In situations in which deception may be
ethically justifiable to maximize benefits and minimize harm, Pastoral
Counselors have a serious obligation to consider the need for, the possible
consequences of, and their responsibility to correct any resulting mistrust or
other harmful effects that arise from the use of such techniques.
Pastoral Counselors recognize that fairness and justice
entitle all persons to access to and benefit from the contributions of
psychology and to equal quality in the processes, procedures, and services
being conducted by Pastoral Counselors. Pastoral Counselors exercise reasonable
judgment and take precautions to ensure that their potential biases, the
boundaries of their competence, and the limitations of their expertise do not
lead to or condone unjust practices.
Pastoral
Counselors respect the dignity and worth of all people, and the rights of
individuals to privacy, confidentiality, and self-determination. Pastoral
Counselors are aware that special safeguards may be necessary to protect the
rights and welfare of persons or communities whose vulnerabilities impair
autonomous decision-making. Pastoral Counselors are aware of and respect
cultural, individual, and role differences, including those based on age,
gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion,
sexual orientation, disability, language, and socioeconomic status and consider
these factors when working with members of such groups. Pastoral Counselors try
to eliminate the effect on their work of biases based on those factors, and
they do not knowingly participate in or condone activities of others based upon
such prejudices.
If Pastoral Counselors learn of misuse or misrepresentation
of their work, they take reasonable steps to correct or minimize the misuse or
misrepresentation.
If Pastoral Counselors' ethical responsibilities conflict
with law, regulations, or other governing legal authority, Pastoral Counselors
make known their commitment to the Ethics Code and take steps to resolve the
conflict. If the conflict is irresolvable via such means, Pastoral Counselors
may adhere to the requirements of the law, regulations, or other governing
legal authority.
If the demands of an organization with which Pastoral
Counselors are affiliated or for whom they are working conflict with this
Ethics Code, Pastoral Counselors clarify the nature of the conflict, make known
their commitment to the Ethics Code, and to the extent feasible, resolve the
conflict in a way that permits adherence to the Ethics Code.
When Pastoral Counselors believe that there may have been an
ethical violation by another Pastoral Counselor, they attempt to resolve the
issue by bringing it to the attention of that individual, if an informal
resolution appears appropriate and the intervention does not violate any
confidentiality rights that may be involved. (See also Standards 1.02,
Conflicts Between Ethics and Law, Regulations, or Other Governing Legal
Authority, and 1.03, Conflicts Between Ethics and Organizational Demands.)
If an apparent ethical violation has substantially harmed or
is likely to substantially harm a person or organization and is not appropriate
for informal resolution under Standard 1.04, Informal Resolution of Ethical
Violations, or is not resolved properly in that fashion, Pastoral Counselors
take further action appropriate to the situation. Such action might include referral to state or national
committees on professional ethics, to state licensing boards, or to the
appropriate institutional authorities. This standard does not apply when an
intervention would violate confidentiality rights or when Pastoral Counselors
have been retained to review the work of another Pastoral Counselor whose
professional conduct is in question.
(See also Standard 1.02, Conflicts Between Ethics and Law, Regulations,
or Other Governing Legal Authority.)
Pastoral Counselors cooperate in ethics investigations,
proceedings, and resulting requirements of the NBCPC or any affiliated state
counseling association to which they belong.
In doing so, they address any confidentiality issues. Failure to cooperate is itself an ethics
violation. However, making a request for deferment of adjudication of an ethics
complaint pending the outcome of litigation does not alone constitute
non-cooperation.
Pastoral Counselors do not file or encourage the filing of
ethics complaints that are made with reckless disregard for or willful
ignorance of facts that would disprove the allegation.
Pastoral Counselors do not deny persons employment,
advancement, admissions to academic or other programs, tenure, or promotion,
based solely upon their having made or their being the subject of an ethics
complaint. This does not preclude taking action based upon the outcome of such
proceedings or considering other appropriate information.
(a) Pastoral Counselors provide services, teach, and conduct
research with populations and in areas only within the boundaries of their
competence, based on their education, training, supervised experience,
consultation, study, or professional experience.
(b) Where scientific or professional knowledge in the
discipline of psychology establishes that an understanding of factors
associated with age, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture,
national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, or
socioeconomic status is essential for effective implementation of their
services or research, Pastoral Counselors have or obtain the training,
experience, consultation, or supervision necessary to ensure the competence of
their services, or they make appropriate referrals, except as provided in
Standard 2.02, Providing Services in Emergencies.
(c) Pastoral Counselors planning to provide services, teach,
or conduct research involving populations, areas, techniques, or technologies
new to them undertake relevant education, training, supervised experience,
consultation, or study.
(d) When Pastoral Counselors are asked to provide services
to individuals for whom appropriate mental health services are not available
and for which Pastoral Counselors have not obtained the competence necessary,
Pastoral Counselors with closely related prior training or experience may
provide such services in order to ensure that services are not denied if they
make a reasonable effort to obtain the competence required by using relevant
research, training, consultation, or study.
(e) In those emerging areas in which generally recognized
standards for preparatory training do not yet exist, Pastoral Counselors
nevertheless take reasonable steps to ensure the competence of their work and
to protect clients/patients, students, supervisees, research participants,
organizational clients, and others from harm.
(f) When assuming forensic roles, Pastoral Counselors are or
become reasonably familiar with the judicial or administrative rules governing
their roles.
In emergencies, when Pastoral Counselors provide services to
individuals for whom other mental health services are not available and for
which Pastoral Counselors have not obtained the necessary training, Pastoral
Counselors may provide such services in order to ensure that services are not
denied. The services are discontinued
as soon as the emergency has ended or appropriate services are available.
Pastoral Counselors undertake ongoing efforts to develop and
maintain their competence.
Pastoral Counselors' work is based upon established
scientific and professional knowledge of the discipline. (See also Standards
2.01e, Boundaries of Competence, and 10.01b, Informed Consent to Therapy.)
Pastoral Counselors who delegate work to employees,
supervisees, or research or teaching assistants or who use the services of
others, such as interpreters, take reasonable steps to (1) avoid delegating
such work to persons who have a multiple relationship with those being served
that would likely lead to exploitation or loss of objectivity; (2) authorize
only those responsibilities that such persons can be expected to perform
competently on the basis of their education, training, or experience, either
independently or with the level of supervision being provided; and (3) see that
such persons perform these services competently. (See also Standards 2.02,
Providing Services in Emergencies; 3.05, Multiple Relationships; 4.01,
Maintaining Confidentiality; 9.01, Bases for Assessments; 9.02, Use of
Assessments; 9.03, Informed Consent in Assessments; and 9.07, Assessment by
Unqualified Persons.)
(a) Pastoral Counselors refrain from initiating an activity
when they know or should know that there is a substantial likelihood that their
personal problems will prevent them from performing their work-related
activities in a competent manner.
(b) When Pastoral Counselors become aware of personal
problems that may interfere with their performing work-related duties
adequately, they take appropriate measures, such as obtaining professional
consultation or assistance, and determine whether they should limit, suspend,
or terminate their work-related duties. (See also Standard 10.10, Terminating
Therapy.)
In their work-related activities, Pastoral Counselors do not
engage in unfair discrimination based on age, gender, gender identity, race,
ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability,
socioeconomic status, or any basis proscribed by law.
Pastoral Counselors do not engage in sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is sexual solicitation,
physical advances, or verbal or nonverbal conduct that is sexual in nature,
that occurs in connection with the Pastoral Counselor's activities or roles as
a Pastoral Counselor, and that either (1) is unwelcome, is offensive, or
creates a hostile workplace or educational environment, and the Pastoral
Counselor knows or is told this or (2) is sufficiently severe or intense to be
abusive to a reasonable person in the context. Sexual harassment can consist of
a single intense or severe act or of multiple persistent or pervasive acts.
(See also Standard 1.08, Unfair Discrimination Against Complainants and
Respondents.)
Pastoral Counselors do not knowingly engage in behavior that
is harassing or demeaning to persons with whom they interact in their work
based on factors such as those persons' age, gender, gender identity, race,
ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language,
or socioeconomic status.
Pastoral Counselors take reasonable steps to avoid harming
their clients/patients, students, supervisees, research participants,
organizational clients, and others with whom they work, and to minimize harm
where it is foreseeable and unavoidable.
(a) A
multiple relationship occurs when a Pastoral Counselor is in a professional
role with a person and (1) at the same time is in another role with the same
person, (2) at the same time is in a relationship with a person closely
associated with or related to the person with whom the Pastoral Counselor has
the professional relationship, or (3) promises to enter into another
relationship in the future with the person or a person closely associated with
or related to the person.
A Pastoral Counselor refrains from
entering into a multiple relationship if the multiple relationship could
reasonably be expected to impair the Pastoral Counselor's objectivity,
competence, or effectiveness in performing his or her functions as a Pastoral
Counselor, or otherwise risks exploitation or harm to the person with whom the
professional relationship exists.
Multiple
relationships that would not reasonably be expected to cause impairment or risk
exploitation or harm are not unethical.
(b) If a Pastoral Counselor finds that, due to unforeseen
factors, a potentially harmful multiple relationship has arisen, the Pastoral
Counselor takes reasonable steps to resolve it with due regard for the best interests
of the affected person and maximal compliance with the Ethics Code.
(c) When Pastoral Counselors are required by law,
institutional policy, or extraordinary circumstances to serve in more than one
role in judicial or administrative proceedings, at the outset they clarify role
expectations and the extent of confidentiality and thereafter as changes occur.
(See also Standards 3.04, Avoiding Harm, and 3.07, Third-Party Requests for
Services.)
Pastoral Counselors refrain from taking on a professional
role when personal, scientific, professional, legal, financial, or other
interests or relationships could reasonably be expected to (1) impair their
objectivity, competence, or effectiveness in performing their functions as
Pastoral Counselors or (2) expose the person or organization with whom the
professional relationship exists to harm or exploitation.
When Pastoral Counselors agree to provide services to a
person or entity at the request of a third party, Pastoral Counselors attempt
to clarify at the outset of the service the nature of the relationship with all
individuals or organizations involved. This clarification includes the role of
the Pastoral Counselor (e.g., therapist, consultant, diagnostician, or expert
witness), an identification of who is the client, the probable uses of the
services provided or the information obtained, and the fact that there may be
limits to confidentiality. (See also Standards 3.05, Multiple Relationships, and
4.02, Discussing the Limits of Confidentiality.)
Pastoral Counselors do not exploit persons over whom they
have supervisory, evaluative, or other authority such as clients/patients,
students, supervisees, research participants, and employees. (See also Standards 3.05, Multiple
Relationships; 6.04, Fees and Financial Arrangements; 6.05, Barter With
Clients/Patients; 7.07, Sexual Relationships With Students and Supervisees;
10.05, Sexual Intimacies With Current Therapy Clients/Patients; 10.06, Sexual
Intimacies With Relatives or Significant Others of Current Therapy
Clients/Patients; 10.07, Therapy With Former Sexual Partners; and 10.08, Sexual
Intimacies With Former Therapy Clients/Patients.)
When indicated and professionally appropriate, Pastoral
Counselors cooperate with other professionals in order to serve their
clients/patients effectively and appropriately. (See also Standard 4.05, Disclosures.)
(a) When Pastoral Counselors conduct research or provide
assessment, therapy, counseling, or consulting services in person or via
electronic transmission or other forms of communication, they obtain the
informed consent of the individual or individuals using language that is
reasonably understandable to that person or persons except when conducting such
activities without consent is mandated by law or governmental regulation or as
otherwise provided in this Ethics Code.
(See also Standards 8.02, Informed Consent to Research; 9.03, Informed
Consent in Assessments; and 10.01, Informed Consent to Therapy.)
(b) For persons who are legally incapable of giving informed
consent, Pastoral Counselors nevertheless (1) provide an appropriate
explanation, (2) seek the individual's assent, (3) consider such persons'
preferences and best interests, and (4) obtain appropriate permission from a
legally authorized person, if such substitute consent is permitted or required
by law. When consent by a legally authorized person is not permitted or
required by law, Pastoral Counselors take reasonable steps to protect the
individual's rights and welfare.
(c) When counseling services are court ordered or otherwise
mandated, Pastoral Counselors inform the individual of the nature of the
anticipated services, including whether the services are court ordered or
mandated and any limits of confidentiality, before proceeding.
(d) Pastoral Counselors appropriately document written or
oral consent, permission, and assent. (See also Standards 8.02, Informed
Consent to Research; 9.03, Informed Consent in Assessments; and 10.01, Informed
Consent to Therapy.)
(a) Pastoral Counselors delivering services to or through
organizations provide information beforehand to clients and when appropriate
those directly affected by the services about (1) the nature and objectives of
the services, (2) the intended recipients, (3) which of the individuals are
clients, (4) the relationship the Pastoral Counselor will have with each person
and the organization, (5) the probable uses of services provided and
information obtained, (6) who will have access to the information, and (7)
limits of confidentiality. As soon as feasible, they provide information about
the results and conclusions of such services to appropriate persons.
(b) If Pastoral Counselors will be precluded by law or by
organizational roles from providing such information to particular individuals
or groups, they so inform those individuals or groups at the outset of the
service.
Unless otherwise covered by contract, Pastoral Counselors
make reasonable efforts to plan for facilitating services in the event that
counseling services are interrupted by factors such as the Pastoral Counselor's
illness, death, unavailability, relocation, or retirement or by the
client's/patient's relocation or financial limitations. (See also Standard
6.02c, Maintenance, Dissemination, and Disposal of Confidential Records of
Professional and Scientific Work.)
Pastoral Counselors have a primary obligation and take
reasonable precautions to protect confidential information obtained through or
stored in any medium, recognizing that the extent and limits of confidentiality
may be regulated by law or established by institutional rules or professional
or scientific relationship. (See also Standard 2.05, Delegation of Work to
Others.)
(a) Pastoral Counselors discuss with persons (including, to
the extent feasible, persons who are legally incapable of giving informed
consent and their legal representatives) and organizations with whom they
establish a scientific or professional relationship (1) the relevant limits of
confidentiality and (2) the foreseeable uses of the information generated
through their counseling activities. (See also Standard 3.10, Informed
Consent.)
(b) Unless it is not feasible or is contraindicated, the
discussion of confidentiality occurs at the outset of the relationship and
thereafter as new circumstances may warrant.
(c) Pastoral Counselors who offer services, products, or
information via electronic transmission inform clients/patients of the risks to
privacy and limits of confidentiality.
Before recording the voices or images of individuals to whom
they provide services, Pastoral Counselors obtain permission from all such
persons or their legal representatives. (See also Standards 8.03, Informed
Consent for Recording Voices and Images in Research; 8.05, Dispensing With
Informed Consent for Research; and 8.07, Deception in Research.)
(a) Pastoral Counselors include in written and oral reports
and consultations, only information germane to the purpose for which the
communication is made.
(b) Pastoral Counselors discuss confidential information
obtained in their work only for appropriate scientific or professional purposes
and only with persons clearly concerned with such matters.
(a) Pastoral Counselors may disclose confidential
information with the appropriate consent of the organizational client, the
individual client/patient, or another legally authorized person on behalf of
the client/patient unless prohibited by law.
(b) Pastoral Counselors disclose confidential information
without the consent of the individual only as mandated by law, or where
permitted by law for a valid purpose such as to (1) provide needed professional
services; (2) obtain appropriate professional consultations; (3) protect the
client/patient, Pastoral Counselor, or others from harm; or (4) obtain payment
for services from a client/patient, in which instance disclosure is limited to
the minimum that is necessary to achieve the purpose. (See also Standard 6.04e,
Fees and Financial Arrangements.)
When consulting with colleagues, (1) Pastoral Counselors do
not disclose confidential information that reasonably could lead to the
identification of a client/patient, research participant, or other person or
organization with whom they have a confidential relationship unless they have
obtained the prior consent of the person or organization or the disclosure
cannot be avoided, and (2) they disclose information only to the extent
necessary to achieve the purposes of the consultation. (See also Standard 4.01,
Maintaining Confidentiality.)
Pastoral Counselors do not disclose in their writings,
lectures, or other public media, confidential, personally identifiable
information concerning their clients/patients, students, research participants,
organizational clients, or other recipients of their services that they
obtained during the course of their work, unless (1) they take reasonable steps
to disguise the person or organization, (2) the person or organization has
consented in writing, or (3) there is legal authorization for doing so.
(a) Public statements include but are not limited to paid or
unpaid advertising, product endorsements, grant applications, licensing
applications, other credentialing applications, brochures, printed matter,
directory listings, personal resumes or curricula vitae, or comments for use in
media such as print or electronic transmission, statements in legal
proceedings, lectures and public oral presentations, and published materials.
Pastoral Counselors do not knowingly make public statements that are false,
deceptive, or fraudulent concerning their research, practice, or other work
activities or those of persons or organizations with which they are affiliated.
(b) Pastoral Counselors do not make false, deceptive, or
fraudulent statements concerning (1) their training, experience, or competence;
(2) their academic degrees; (3) their credentials; (4) their institutional or
association affiliations; (5) their services; (6) the scientific or clinical
basis for, or results or degree of success of, their services; (7) their fees;
or (8) their publications or research findings.
(a) Pastoral Counselors who engage others to create or place
public statements that promote their professional practice, products, or
activities retain professional responsibility for such statements.
(b) Pastoral Counselors do not compensate employees of
press, radio, television, or other communication media in return for publicity
in a news item. (See also Standard 1.01, Misuse of Pastoral Counselors' Work.)
(c) A paid advertisement relating to Pastoral Counselors'
activities must be identified or clearly recognizable as such.
To the degree to which they exercise control, Pastoral
Counselors responsible for announcements, catalogs, brochures, or
advertisements describing workshops, seminars, or other non-degree-granting
educational programs ensure that they accurately describe the audience for
which the program is intended, the educational objectives, the presenters, and
the fees involved.
When Pastoral Counselors provide public advice or comment
via print, internet, or other electronic transmission, they take precautions to
ensure that statements (1) are based on their professional knowledge, training,
or experience in accord with appropriate counseling literature and practice;
(2) are otherwise consistent with this Ethics Code; and (3) do not indicate
that a professional relationship has been established with the recipient. (See
also Standard 2.04, Bases for Scientific and Professional Judgments.)
Pastoral Counselors do not solicit testimonials from current
therapy clients/patients or other persons who because of their particular
circumstances are vulnerable to undue influence.
Pastoral Counselors do not engage, directly or through
agents, in uninvited in-person solicitation of business from actual or
potential therapy clients/patients or other persons who because of their
particular circumstances are vulnerable to undue influence. However, this
prohibition does not preclude (1) attempting to implement appropriate
collateral contacts for the purpose of benefiting an already engaged therapy
client/patient or (2) providing disaster or community outreach services.
Pastoral Counselors create, and to the extent the records
are under their control, maintain, disseminate, store, retain, and dispose of
records and data relating to their professional and scientific work in order to
(1) facilitate provision of services later by them or by other professionals,
(2) allow for replication of research design and analyses, (3) meet
institutional requirements, (4) ensure accuracy of billing and payments, and
(5) ensure compliance with law. (See also Standard 4.01, Maintaining
Confidentiality.)
(a) Pastoral Counselors maintain confidentiality in
creating, storing, accessing, transferring, and disposing of records under
their control, whether these are written, automated, or in any other medium.
(See also Standards 4.01, Maintaining Confidentiality, and 6.01, Documentation
of Professional and Scientific Work and Maintenance of Records.)
(b) If confidential information concerning recipients of
counseling services is entered into databases or systems of records available
to persons whose access has not been consented to by the recipient, Pastoral
Counselors use coding or other techniques to avoid the inclusion of personal
identifiers.
(c) Pastoral Counselors make plans in advance to facilitate
the appropriate transfer and to protect the confidentiality of records and data
in the event of Pastoral Counselors' withdrawal from positions or practice.
(See also Standards 3.12, Interruption of Counseling Services, and 10.09,
Interruption of Therapy.)
Pastoral Counselors may not withhold records under their
control that are requested and needed for a client's/patient's emergency
treatment solely because payment has not been received.
(a) As early as is feasible in a professional or scientific
relationship, Pastoral Counselors and recipients of counseling services reach
an agreement specifying compensation and billing arrangements.
(b) Pastoral Counselors' fee practices are consistent with
law.
(c) Pastoral Counselors do not misrepresent their fees.
(d) If limitations to services can be anticipated because of
limitations in financing, this is discussed with the recipient of services as
early as is feasible. (See also
Standards 10.09, Interruption of Therapy, and 10.10, Terminating Therapy.)
(e) If the recipient of services does not pay for services
as agreed, and if Pastoral Counselors intend to use collection agencies or
legal measures to collect the fees, Pastoral Counselors first inform the person
that such measures will be taken and provide that person an opportunity to make
prompt payment. (See also Standards 4.05, Disclosures; 6.03, Withholding
Records for Nonpayment; and 10.01, Informed Consent to Therapy.)
Barter is the acceptance of goods, services, or other
non-monetary remuneration from clients/patients in return for counseling
services. Pastoral Counselors may barter only if (1) it is not clinically
contraindicated, and (2) the resulting arrangement is not exploitative. (See
also Standards 3.05, Multiple Relationships, and 6.04, Fees and Financial
Arrangements.)
In their reports to payors for services or sources of
research funding, Pastoral Counselors take reasonable steps to ensure the
accurate reporting of the nature of the service provided or research conducted,
the fees, charges, or payments, and where applicable, the identity of the
provider, the findings, and the diagnosis. (See also Standards 4.01, Maintaining
Confidentiality; 4.04, Minimizing Intrusions on Privacy; and 4.05,
Disclosures.)
When Pastoral Counselors pay, receive payment from, or
divide fees with another professional, other than in an employer-employee
relationship, the payment to each is based on the services provided (clinical,
consultative, administrative, or other) and is not based on the referral
itself. (See also Standard 3.09, Cooperation With Other Professionals.)
Pastoral Counselors responsible for education and training
programs take reasonable steps to ensure that the programs are designed to
provide the appropriate knowledge and proper experiences, and to meet the
requirements for licensure, certification, or other goals for which claims are
made by the program. (See also Standard 5.03, Descriptions of Workshops and
Non-Degree-Granting Educational Programs.)
Pastoral Counselors responsible for education and training
programs take reasonable steps to ensure that there is a current and accurate
description of the program content (including participation in required course-
or program-related counseling, psychotherapy, experiential groups, consulting
projects, or community service), training goals and objectives, stipends and
benefits, and requirements that must be met for satisfactory completion of the
program. This information must be made readily available to all interested
parties.
(a) Pastoral Counselors take reasonable steps to ensure that
course syllabi are accurate regarding the subject matter to be covered, bases
for evaluating progress, and the nature of course experiences. This standard does not preclude an instructor from
modifying course content or requirements when the instructor considers it
pedagogically necessary or desirable, so long as students are made aware of
these modifications in a manner that enables them to fulfill course
requirements. (See also Standard 5.01, Avoidance of False or Deceptive
Statements.)
(b) When engaged in teaching or training, Pastoral
Counselors present counseling information accurately. (See also Standard 2.03,
Maintaining Competence.)
Pastoral Counselors do not require students or supervisees
to disclose personal information in course- or program-related activities,
either orally or in writing, regarding sexual history, history of abuse and
neglect, counseling treatment, and relationships with parents, peers, and
spouses or significant others except if (1) the program or training facility
has clearly identified this requirement in its admissions and program materials
or (2) the information is necessary to evaluate or obtain assistance for
students whose personal problems could reasonably be judged to be preventing
them from performing their training- or professionally related activities in a
competent manner or posing a threat to the students or others.
(a) When individual or group therapy is a program or course
requirement, Pastoral Counselors responsible for that program allow students in
undergraduate and graduate programs the option of selecting such therapy from
practitioners unaffiliated with the program. (See also Standard 7.02,
Descriptions of Education and Training Programs.)
(b) Faculty who are or are likely to be responsible for
evaluating students' academic performance do not themselves provide that
therapy. (See also Standard 3.05, Multiple Relationships.)
(a) In academic and supervisory relationships, Pastoral
Counselors establish a timely and specific process for providing feedback to
students and supervisees. Information regarding the process is provided to the
student at the beginning of supervision.
(b) Pastoral Counselors evaluate students and supervisees on
the basis of their actual performance on relevant and established program
requirements.
Pastoral Counselors do not engage in sexual relationships
with students or supervisees who are in their department, agency, or training
center or over whom Pastoral Counselors have or are likely to have evaluative
authority. (See also Standard 3.05, Multiple Relationships.)
When institutional approval is required, Pastoral Counselors
provide accurate information about their research proposals and obtain approval
prior to conducting the research. They conduct the research in accordance with
the approved research protocol.
(a) When obtaining informed consent as required in Standard
3.10, Informed Consent, Pastoral Counselors inform participants about (1) the
purpose of the research, expected duration, and procedures; (2) their right to
decline to participate and to withdraw from the research once participation has
begun; (3) the foreseeable consequences of declining or withdrawing; (4) reasonably
foreseeable factors that may be expected to influence their willingness to
participate such as potential risks, discomfort, or adverse effects; (5) any
prospective research benefits; (6) limits of confidentiality; (7) incentives
for participation; and (8) whom to contact for questions about the research and
research participants' rights. They provide opportunity for the prospective
participants to ask questions and receive answers. (See also Standards 8.03,
Informed Consent for Recording Voices and Images in Research; 8.05, Dispensing
With Informed Consent for Research; and 8.07, Deception in Research.)
(b) Pastoral Counselors conducting intervention research
involving the use of experimental treatments clarify to participants at the
outset of the research (1) the experimental nature of the treatment; (2) the
services that will or will not be available to the control group(s) if
appropriate; (3) the means by which assignment to treatment and control groups
will be made; (4) available treatment alternatives if an individual does not
wish to participate in the research or wishes to withdraw once a study has
begun; and (5) compensation for or monetary costs of participating including,
if appropriate, whether reimbursement from the participant or a third-party
payor will be sought. (See also Standard 8.02a, Informed Consent to Research.)
Pastoral Counselors obtain informed consent from research
participants prior to recording their voices or images for data collection
unless (1) the research consists solely of naturalistic observations in public
places, and it is not anticipated that the recording will be used in a manner
that could cause personal identification or harm, or (2) the research design
includes deception, and consent for the use of the recording is obtained during
debriefing. (See also Standard 8.07, Deception in Research.)
(a) When Pastoral Counselors conduct research with
clients/patients, students, or subordinates as participants, Pastoral
Counselors take steps to protect the prospective participants from adverse
consequences of declining or withdrawing from participation.
(b) When research participation is a course requirement or
an opportunity for extra credit, the prospective participant is given the
choice of equitable alternative activities.
Pastoral Counselors may dispense with informed consent only
(1) where research would not reasonably be assumed to create distress or harm
and involves (a) the study of normal educational practices, curricula, or
classroom management methods conducted in educational settings; (b) only
anonymous questionnaires, naturalistic observations, or archival research for
which disclosure of responses would not place participants at risk of criminal
or civil liability or damage their financial standing, employability, or
reputation, and confidentiality is protected; or (c) the study of factors
related to job or organization effectiveness conducted in organizational
settings for which there is no risk to participants' employability, and
confidentiality is protected or (2) where otherwise permitted by law or federal
or institutional regulations.
(a) Pastoral Counselors make reasonable efforts to avoid
offering excessive or inappropriate financial or other inducements for research
participation when such inducements are likely to coerce participation.
(b) When offering professional services as an inducement for
research participation, Pastoral Counselors clarify the nature of the services,
as well as the risks, obligations, and limitations. (See also Standard 6.05,
Barter With Clients/Patients.)
(a) Pastoral Counselors do not conduct a study involving
deception unless they have determined that the use of deceptive techniques is
justified by the study's significant prospective scientific, educational, or
applied value and that effective non-deceptive alternative procedures are not
feasible.
(b) Pastoral Counselors do not deceive prospective
participants about research that is reasonably expected to cause physical pain
or severe emotional distress.
(c) Pastoral Counselors explain any deception that is an
integral feature of the design and conduct of an experiment to participants as
early as is feasible, preferably at the conclusion of their participation, but
no later than at the conclusion of the data collection, and permit participants
to withdraw their data. (See also Standard 8.08, Debriefing.)
(a) Pastoral Counselors provide a prompt opportunity for
participants to obtain appropriate information about the nature, results, and
conclusions of the research, and they take reasonable steps to correct any
misconceptions that participants may have of which the Pastoral Counselors are
aware.
(b) If scientific or humane values justify delaying or
withholding this information, Pastoral Counselors take reasonable measures to
reduce the risk of harm.
(c) When Pastoral Counselors become aware that research
procedures have harmed a participant, they take reasonable steps to minimize
the harm.
(a) Pastoral Counselors acquire, care for, use, and dispose
of animals in compliance with current federal, state, and local laws and
regulations, and with professional standards.
(b) Pastoral Counselors trained in research methods and
experienced in the care of laboratory animals supervise all procedures
involving animals and are responsible for ensuring appropriate consideration of
their comfort, health, and humane treatment.
(c) Pastoral Counselors ensure that all individuals under
their supervision who are using animals have received instruction in research
methods and in the care, maintenance, and handling of the species being used,
to the extent appropriate to their role. (See also Standard 2.05, Delegation of
Work to Others.)
(d) Pastoral Counselors make reasonable efforts to minimize
the discomfort, infection, illness, and pain of animal subjects.
(e) Pastoral Counselors use a procedure subjecting animals
to pain, stress, or privation only when an alternative procedure is unavailable
and the goal is justified by its prospective scientific, educational, or
applied value.
(f) Pastoral Counselors perform surgical procedures under
appropriate anesthesia and follow techniques to avoid infection and minimize
pain during and after surgery.
(g) When it is appropriate that an animal's life be
terminated, Pastoral Counselors proceed rapidly, with an effort to minimize
pain and in accordance with accepted procedures.
(a) Pastoral Counselors do not fabricate data. (See also
Standard 5.01a, Avoidance of False or Deceptive Statements.)
(b) If Pastoral Counselors discover significant errors in
their published data, they take reasonable steps to correct such errors in a
correction, retraction, erratum, or other appropriate publication means.
Pastoral Counselors do not present portions of another's
work or data as their own, even if the other work or data source is cited
occasionally.
(a) Pastoral Counselors take responsibility and credit,
including authorship credit, only for work they have actually performed or to
which they have substantially contributed. (See also Standard 8.12b,
Publication Credit.)
(b) Principal authorship and other publication credits
accurately reflect the relative scientific or professional contributions of the
individuals involved, regardless of their relative status. Mere possession of
an institutional position, such as department chair, does not justify
authorship credit. Minor contributions to the research or to the writing for
publications are acknowledged appropriately, such as in footnotes or in an
introductory statement.
(c) Except under exceptional circumstances, a student is
listed as principal author on any multiple-authored article that is
substantially based on the student's doctoral dissertation. Faculty advisors
discuss publication credit with students as early as feasible and throughout
the research and publication process as appropriate. (See also Standard 8.12b,
Publication Credit.)
Pastoral Counselors do not publish, as original data, data
that have been previously published. This does not preclude republishing data
when they are accompanied by proper acknowledgment.
(a) After research results are published, Pastoral
Counselors do not withhold the data on which their conclusions are based from
other competent professionals who seek to verify the substantive claims through
reanalysis and who intend to use such data only for that purpose, provided that
the confidentiality of the participants can be protected and unless legal
rights concerning proprietary data preclude their release. This does not
preclude Pastoral Counselors from requiring that such individuals or groups be
responsible for costs associated with the provision of such information.
(b) Pastoral Counselors who request data from other Pastoral
Counselors to verify the substantive claims through reanalysis may use shared
data only for the declared purpose.
Requesting Pastoral Counselors obtain prior written agreement for all
other uses of the data.
Pastoral Counselors who review material submitted for
presentation, publication, grant, or research proposal review respect the
confidentiality of and the proprietary rights in such information of those who
submitted it.
(a) Pastoral Counselors base the opinions contained in their
recommendations, reports, and diagnostic or evaluative statements, including
forensic testimony, on information and techniques sufficient to substantiate
their findings. (See also Standard 2.04, Bases for Scientific and Professional
Judgments.)
(b) Except as noted in 9.01c, Pastoral Counselors provide
opinions of the counseling characteristics of individuals only after they have conducted
an examination of the individuals adequate to support their statements or
conclusions. When, despite reasonable
efforts, such an examination is not practical, Pastoral Counselors document the
efforts they made and the result of those efforts, clarify the probable impact
of their limited information on the reliability and validity of their opinions,
and appropriately limit the nature and extent of their conclusions or
recommendations. (See also Standards 2.01, Boundaries of Competence, and 9.06,
Interpreting Assessment Results.)
(c) When Pastoral Counselors conduct a record review or
provide consultation or supervision and an individual examination is not
warranted or necessary for the opinion, Pastoral Counselors explain this and
the sources of information on which they based their conclusions and
recommendations.
(a) Pastoral Counselors administer, adapt, score, interpret,
or use assessment techniques, interviews, tests, or instruments in a manner and
for purposes that are appropriate in light of the research on or evidence of
the usefulness and proper application of the techniques.
(b) Pastoral Counselors use assessment instruments whose
validity and reliability have been established for use with members of the
population tested. When such validity or reliability has not been established,
Pastoral Counselors describe the strengths and limitations of test results and
interpretation.
(c) Pastoral Counselors use assessment methods that are
appropriate to an individual's language preference and competence, unless the
use of an alternative language is relevant to the assessment issues.
(a) Pastoral Counselors obtain informed consent for
assessments, evaluations, or diagnostic services, as described in Standard
3.10, Informed Consent, except when (1) testing is mandated by law or
governmental regulations; (2) informed consent is implied because testing is
conducted as a routine educational, institutional, or organizational activity
(e.g., when participants voluntarily agree to assessment when applying for a
job); or (3) one purpose of the testing is to evaluate decisional capacity.
Informed consent includes an explanation of the nature and purpose of the
assessment, fees, involvement of third parties, and limits of confidentiality
and sufficient opportunity for the client/patient to ask questions and receive
answers.
(b) Pastoral Counselors inform persons with questionable
capacity to consent or for whom testing is mandated by law or governmental regulations
about the nature and purpose of the proposed assessment services, using
language that is reasonably understandable to the person being assessed.
(c) Pastoral Counselors using the services of an interpreter
obtain informed consent from the client/patient to use that interpreter, ensure
that confidentiality of test results and test security are maintained, and
include in their recommendations, reports, and diagnostic or evaluative
statements, including forensic testimony, discussion of any limitations on the
data obtained. (See also Standards 2.05, Delegation of Work to Others; 4.01,
Maintaining Confidentiality; 9.01, Bases for Assessments; 9.06, Interpreting
Assessment Results; and 9.07, Assessment by Unqualified Persons.)
(a) The term test data
refers to raw and scaled scores, client/patient responses to test questions or
stimuli, and Pastoral Counselors' notes and recordings concerning
client/patient statements and behavior during an examination. Those portions of
test materials that include client/patient responses are included in the
definition of test data. Pursuant to a client/patient release,
Pastoral Counselors provide test data to the client/patient or other persons
identified in the release. Pastoral Counselors may refrain from releasing test
data to protect a client/patient or others from substantial harm or misuse or
misrepresentation of the data or the test, recognizing that in many instances
law regulates release of confidential information under these circumstances.
(See also Standard 9.11, Maintaining Test Security.)
(b) In the absence of a client/patient release, Pastoral
Counselors provide test data only as required by law or court order.
Pastoral Counselors who develop tests and other assessment
techniques use appropriate psychometric procedures and current scientific or
professional knowledge for test design, standardization, validation, reduction
or elimination of bias, and recommendations for use.
When interpreting assessment results, including automated
interpretations, Pastoral Counselors take into account the purpose of the
assessment as well as the various test factors, test-taking abilities, and
other characteristics of the person being assessed, such as situational,
personal, linguistic, and cultural differences, that might affect Pastoral
Counselors' judgments or reduce the accuracy of their interpretations. They
indicate any significant limitations of their interpretations. (See also Standards
2.01b and c, Boundaries of Competence, and 3.01, Unfair Discrimination.)
Pastoral Counselors do not promote the use of counseling
assessment techniques by unqualified persons, except when such use is conducted
for training purposes with appropriate supervision. (See also Standard 2.05,
Delegation of Work to Others.)
(a) Pastoral Counselors do not base their assessment or
intervention decisions or recommendations on data or test results that are
outdated for the current purpose.
(b) Pastoral Counselors do not base such decisions or
recommendations on tests and measures that are obsolete and not useful for the
current purpose.
(a) Pastoral Counselors who offer assessment or scoring
services to other professionals accurately describe the purpose, norms,
validity, reliability, and applications of the procedures and any special
qualifications applicable to their use.
(b) Pastoral Counselors select scoring and interpretation
services (including automated services) on the basis of evidence of the
validity of the program and procedures as well as on other appropriate
considerations. (See also Standard 2.01b and c, Boundaries of Competence.)
(c) Pastoral Counselors retain responsibility for the
appropriate application, interpretation, and use of assessment instruments,
whether they score and interpret such tests themselves or use automated or
other services.
Regardless of whether the scoring and interpretation are
done by Pastoral Counselors, by employees or assistants, or by automated or
other outside services, Pastoral Counselors take reasonable steps to ensure
that explanations of results are given to the individual or designated
representative unless the nature of the relationship precludes provision of an
explanation of results (such as in some organizational consulting,
preemployment or security screenings, and forensic evaluations), and this fact has
been clearly explained to the person being assessed in advance.
The term test
materials refers to manuals, instruments, protocols, and test questions or
stimuli and does not include test data
as defined in Standard 9.04, Release of Test Data. Pastoral Counselors make
reasonable efforts to maintain the integrity and security of test materials and
other assessment techniques consistent with law and contractual obligations,
and in a manner that permits adherence to this Ethics Code.
(a) When obtaining informed consent to therapy as required
in Standard 3.10, Informed Consent, Pastoral Counselors inform clients/patients
as early as is feasible in the therapeutic relationship about the nature and
anticipated course of therapy, fees, involvement of third parties, and limits
of confidentiality and provide sufficient opportunity for the client/patient to
ask questions and receive answers. (See also Standards 4.02, Discussing the Limits
of Confidentiality, and 6.04, Fees and Financial Arrangements.)
(b) When obtaining informed consent for treatment for which
generally recognized techniques and procedures have not been established,
Pastoral Counselors inform their clients/patients of the developing nature of
the treatment, the potential risks involved, alternative treatments that may be
available, and the voluntary nature of their participation. (See also Standards
2.01e, Boundaries of Competence, and 3.10, Informed Consent.)
(c) When the therapist is a trainee and the legal
responsibility for the treatment provided resides with the supervisor, the
client/patient, as part of the informed consent procedure, is informed that the
therapist is in training and is being supervised and is given the name of the
supervisor.
(a) When Pastoral Counselors agree to provide services to
several persons who have a relationship (such as spouses, significant others,
or parents and children), they take reasonable steps to clarify at the outset
(1) which of the individuals are clients/patients and (2) the relationship the
Pastoral Counselor will have with each person. This clarification includes the
Pastoral Counselor's role and the probable uses of the services provided or the
information obtained. (See also Standard 4.02, Discussing the Limits of
Confidentiality.)
(b) If it becomes apparent that Pastoral Counselors may be
called on to perform potentially conflicting roles (such as family therapist
and then witness for one party in divorce proceedings), Pastoral Counselors
take reasonable steps to clarify and modify, or withdraw from, roles
appropriately. (See also Standard 3.05c, Multiple Relationships.)
When Pastoral Counselors provide services to several persons
in a group setting, they describe at the outset the roles and responsibilities
of all parties and the limits of confidentiality.
In deciding whether to offer or provide services to those
already receiving mental health services elsewhere, Pastoral Counselors
carefully consider the treatment issues and the potential client's/patient's
welfare. Pastoral Counselors discuss these issues with the client/patient or
another legally authorized person on behalf of the client/patient in order to
minimize the risk of confusion and conflict, consult with the other service
providers when appropriate, and proceed with caution and sensitivity to the
therapeutic issues.
Pastoral Counselors do not engage in sexual intimacies with
current therapy clients/patients.
Pastoral Counselors do not engage in sexual intimacies with
individuals they know to be close relatives, guardians, or significant others
of current clients/patients. Pastoral Counselors do not terminate therapy to
circumvent this standard.
Pastoral Counselors do not accept as therapy
clients/patients persons with whom they have engaged in sexual intimacies.
(a) Pastoral Counselors do not engage in sexual intimacies
with former clients/patients for at least two years after cessation or
termination of therapy.
(b) Pastoral Counselors do not engage in sexual intimacies
with former clients/patients even after a two-year interval except in the most
unusual circumstances. Pastoral Counselors who engage in such activity after
the two years following cessation or termination of therapy and of having no
sexual contact with the former client/patient bear the burden of demonstrating
that there has been no exploitation, in light of all relevant factors, including
(1) the amount of time that has passed since therapy terminated; (2) the
nature, duration, and intensity of the therapy; (3) the circumstances of
termination; (4) the client's/patient's personal history; (5) the
client's/patient's current mental status; (6) the likelihood of adverse impact
on the client/patient; and (7) any statements or actions made by the therapist
during the course of therapy suggesting or inviting the possibility of a
posttermination sexual or romantic relationship with the client/patient. (See
also Standard 3.05, Multiple Relationships.)
When entering into employment or contractual relationships,
Pastoral Counselors make reasonable efforts to provide for orderly and
appropriate resolution of responsibility for client/patient care in the event
that the employment or contractual relationship ends, with paramount
consideration given to the welfare of the client/patient. (See also Standard
3.12, Interruption of Counseling Services.)
(a) Pastoral Counselors terminate therapy when it becomes
reasonably clear that the client/patient no longer needs the service, is not
likely to benefit, or is being harmed by continued service.
(b) Pastoral Counselors may terminate therapy when threatened
or otherwise endangered by the client/patient or another person with whom the
client/patient has a relationship.
(c) Except where precluded by the actions of
clients/patients or third-party payors, prior to termination Pastoral
Counselors provide pretermination counseling and suggest alternative service
providers as appropriate.
This version of the NBCPC Ethics Code was adopted by the
National Board for Certified Pastoral Counselors' Board of Directors during its
meeting, January 27, 2003 and is effective beginning February 1, 2003.
Inquiries concerning the substance or interpretation of the NBCPC Ethics Code
should be addressed to the National Board for Certified Pastoral Counselors,
1331 County Road D, St. Paul, MN 55109 or e-mail to comments@nbcpc.org. The Ethics Code and information regarding
the Code can be found on the NBCPC web site, http://www.NBCPC.org. The standards in this Ethics Code will be
used to adjudicate complaints brought concerning alleged conduct occurring on
or after the effective date.
Request copies of the NBCPC's Ethical Principles of Pastoral
Counselors and Code of Conduct from the NBCPC, 1331 County Road D, St. Paul, MN
55109.
The NBCPC Ethics Code was based upon The American
Psychological Association's Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of
Conduct 2002.