2014

ACA

Code of Ethics
As approved by the ACA Governing Council

AMERICAN COUNSELING
ASSOCIATION

counseling.org

Mission
The mission of the American Counseling Association is to enhance the quality of life in society by promoting the development of professional counselors, advancing the counseling profession, and using the profession and practice of counseling to promote respect for human dignity and diversity.
© 2014 by the American Counseling Association.
All rights reserved. Note: This document may be reproduced in its entirety without permission for non-commercial purposes only.

Contents

ACA Code of Ethics Preamble • 3
ACA Code of Ethics Purpose • 3

Section A The Counseling Relationship • 4

Section B

Section

Confidentiality and Privacy • 6

C

Professional Responsibility • 8

Section D Relationships With Other Professionals • 10 Section E Evaluation, Assessment, and Interpretation
• 11 Section F Supervision, Training, and Teaching • 12 Section

G

Research and Publication • 15

Section H Distance Counseling, Technology, and Social Media • 17 Section

I

Resolving Ethical Issues • 18
Glossary of Terms • 20

Index • 21

• 2 •

ACA Code of Ethics Preamble
The American Counseling Association (ACA) is an educational, scientific, and professional organization whose members work in a variety of settings and serve in multiple capacities. Counseling is a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals.
Professional values are an important way of living out an ethical commitment. The following are core professional values of the counseling profession:

1. enhancing human development throughout the life span;
2. honoring diversity and embracing a multicultural approach