Topic > AMHCA Codes of Ethics - 1274

Regarding counseling counsel, the ACA Code outlines ethical guidelines to follow, but the AMHCA Code does not mention this obligation (ACA Code of Ethics, 2014, p. 4; Code AMHCA of Ethics, 2010). It is important that counselors as a profession, as well as mental health counselors specifically, understand how to ethically approach clients in their care. Additionally, as the ACA Code states, it is important for counselors to discuss with clients the penalties for refusing services due to treatment mandates (ACA Code of Ethics, 2014, p. 4). Interestingly, the AMHCA Code does not include ethical standards for concluding a supervisory report, unlike the ACA Code (ACA Code of Ethics, 2014, p. 13; AMHCA Code of Ethics, 2010). So much so that the ACA Code of Ethics indicates that both parties have the right to end the relationship and that the supervisor should make a referral (ACA Code of Ethics, 2014, p. 13; AMHCA Code of Ethics, 2010). This appears to be a highlighted difference between expectations in a supervisor/supervisee relationship between mental health counselors and counselors as a professional entity. When addressing clients who also receive services from other professionals, the ACA and AMHCA codes have different guidelines on how to do so