Ethics and Professional Conduct Standards
The ethical baseline
Oregon licensees must follow the board-adopted ethics code and Oregon administrative rules. Core duties include informed consent, confidentiality and its limits, competence, avoiding harm, managing multiple relationships, accurate advertising, sound record keeping, fair fees, appropriate termination, and culturally responsive practice. Informed consent should cover the nature of counseling, risks and benefits, fees, records, confidentiality limits, telehealth, and emergency procedures.
Confidentiality and its limits
Confidentiality is not absolute. Disclosure may be permitted or required for client consent, mandated child-abuse reporting under ORS 419B.010, elder and adult-abuse reporting, court orders, imminent serious danger, and supervision or consultation conducted without unnecessary identifying information. HIPAA may add requirements but does not erase state reporting duties. Minors raise separate consent and access questions, so licensees must know the applicable Oregon rules before promising a minor complete confidentiality.
Boundaries and competence
Avoid dual relationships that could impair judgment or exploit a client. When an unavoidable overlap exists, document the analysis, consult, and build safeguards. Sexual relationships with clients are prohibited. Gifts, bartering, social-media contact, self-disclosure, and business relationships require caution and a clinical rationale. Practice only within training and experience; obtain supervision or refer when needed.
Worked example
A client offers a valuable handmade gift. The counselor considers the client’s cultural meaning, the gift’s value, the timing in treatment, and the risk of exploitation. The counselor consults a supervisor, discusses the meaning with the client, documents the decision, and likely declines or applies a clear written policy. The goal is to protect the therapeutic relationship, not to maximize client satisfaction.
Traps that cost marks
Treating confidentiality as absolute; failing to report suspected abuse; assuming client consent cures an exploitative dual relationship; using private social media with clients; failing to document consultations; and assuming HIPAA preempts Oregon reporting law.