Professional and Ethical Responsibilities
Know the code, know the law, know the difference
Ethical items on this exam usually present a tempting shortcut that serves the counselor, the agency, or a third party at the client's expense. Anchor on the NAADAC/NCC AP code and on the core principles: autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice, and fidelity. Where law and code differ, follow the stricter standard.
Confidentiality and its limits
Confidentiality is broad but not absolute. Recognized exceptions include imminent risk of serious harm to self or an identifiable other, suspected child or elder abuse (mandatory reporting), valid written consent, and a court order. Duty to warn or protect is defined by state law and varies; know your jurisdiction. A subpoena is not, by itself, authority to release Part 2 records - those require client consent or a court order meeting the regulatory standard.
Boundaries and competence
Avoid dual or multiple relationships that risk exploitation; in small or rural communities some overlap is unavoidable, so manage it with disclosure, consultation, and documentation. Gift-giving, bartering, self-disclosure, and social media contact all require this same analysis rather than a blanket rule. Practice only within your scope and training; seek supervision when unsure; address impaired colleagues through the proper channel.
Traps
Claiming confidentiality is absolute; releasing records on a subpoena alone; assuming any dual relationship is automatically unethical; accepting a substantial gift; giving medical or legal advice; discussing clients on social media; failing to document an ethical decision.
Rule of thumb for an ethical dilemma
Identify the issue and the affected parties; consult the code, the law, and a supervisor; choose the option that least harms the client and preserves self-determination; document the reasoning and the consultation. When in doubt, consult - and write it down.