They may also lose their license. Furthermore, they are vulnerable to a malpractice suit, and courts take into account the standard of care that is reflected in the ethical codes. .
Ethical standards and codes for counselors, psychologists, and social workers appear in many forms from each of the major mental health professional organizations (Corey, Corey, & Callahan, 1998). Some of the relevant codes of ethics include the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice from the American Counseling Association, 1995, and the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct from the American Psychological Association, 1995 (Corey, Corey, & Callahan, 1998). The National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics is the most visible compilation of the profession's ethical standards (Reamer, 1998). Many mental health professionals now emphasize social action by exerting their influence against discrimination of minorities and oppressed groups. The fundamental purpose of helping professions is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty (NASW, 1999). In sum, counselors are discovering that to bring about significant individual change they cannot ignore the major social ills that often create and intensify problems for individuals. Counselors must become active agents of constructive social change (Corey, 2001).
Ethical standards and codes are designed to help counselors and practitioners identify relevant considerations when professional obligations conflict or ethical uncertainties arise (Reamer, 1998). When difficult ethical issues arise, the counselor should consider various resources, such as ethical theory and decision-making, practice theory and research, laws, regulations, agency policies, and other relevant codes of ethics, before reaching a decision.
