ETHICS CODES ANALYSIS

Comparing and Contrasting ACA and AACC Codes of Ethics

 

Abstract

This report compares and contrasts the two codes of ethics for and the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) and the American Counseling Association (ACA) with respect to confidentiality, fees and competence. Findings of this study reveal that ACCA and ACA guidelines encourage competence in terms of training, experience, training and credentialing. Furthermore, both emphasize on fairness of fees and gives importance to client's ability to pay. Lastly, both associations ensure the confidentiality of information and respects client's privacy.

Comparing and Contrasting AACC and ACA Codes of Ethics

Introduction

The following discussion compares and contrasts the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) and the American Counseling Association (ACA) code of ethics and code of ethics. The comparison and contrast is done in these three areas: competence, fees and confidentiality.

Competence

Both AACC and ACA codes of ethics emphasize that the counselors should work within the areas of their qualification with respect to training, experience and credentialing. This boundary of competence can be expanded by seeking appropriate training/education. Furthermore, both address the duty to monitor performance, referring clients, when necessary, to more qualified professionals and seek professional development (Ethics, 2005).

In addition, the AACC code of ethics goes beyond the scope of ACA code by emphasizing on the usage of Christian referrals. So when a counselor recognizes that he is unable to comply to the client needs as it requires higher professional expertise, his first duty is to refer the client to a more qualified Christian counselor. In fact the American Association of Christian Counselors code of ethics clearly states that in case of referral a counselor should seek out the best Christian help who is as a higher level of skill, knowledge and expertise (AACC Code of Ethics, 2005). The reason for this policy is ...