Full Answer Section

• nformed consent: Counselors, psychologists, social workers, and human services professionals have a duty to obtain informed consent from their clients before providing services. This means that they should explain the nature of the services that they will be providing, the risks and benefits of these services, and the client’s rights.
• Avoidance of harm: Counselors, psychologists, social workers, and human services professionals have a duty to avoid harming their clients. This means that they should not engage in any activities that could put their clients at risk.
• Professional competence: Counselors, psychologists, social workers, and human services professionals have a duty to provide services that are within their area of professional competence. This means that they should not provide services that they are not qualified to provide.
• Boundary issues: Counselors, psychologists, social workers, and human services professionals have a duty to avoid engaging in boundary-crossing or boundary-violating behaviors with their clients. This means that they should not engage in any activities that could exploit their clients or blur the lines between their personal and professional relationships.

These are just a few of the ethical standards that are outlined in the code of ethics for counselors, psychologists, social workers, and human services professionals. These standards are designed to protect the rights and welfare of clients, and to ensure that professionals provide high-quality care.