ABSTRACT
Ethical practice is fundamental to ensuring the welfare of the clients we serve and maintaining the integrity of the helping professions. Becoming an ethical professional begins during training and extends across the trajectory of our careers. In this chapter, we discuss the importance of being familiar with and adhering to professional codes of ethics, highlighting the values and principles that undergird ethical standards and emphasizing the importance of knowing legal issues, especially the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA). We stress the importance of developing competence, emphasizing the ways the helping professions define and delineate the necessary skills, knowledge, and values that comprise competent practice. Crucial elements of ethical practice, including securing informed consent, maintaining confidentiality, safeguarding records, and being judicious in sharing information with select others, are explored. We also discuss common ethical challenges, such as effectively managing limits to confidentiality, avoiding harmful dual relationships, setting boundaries, coping with feelings of attraction, and proscriptions against sexual relationships in our work. Special attention is paid to technology and its utility and challenges in practice. Throughout the chapter, we offer exercises, resources, and links to information intended to help cultivate the highest standards for ethical and legal practice.
