PC 808 - Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues

(3.00 cr.)

An examination of the ethical, legal, and professional issues faced by counselors in general, and pastoral counselors in particular. Specific topics include certification, licensure, and membership in professional organizations; confidentiality and privilege (including HIPAA privacy training); documentation and consultation; dual relationships and boundary issues; multicultural awareness; and many risk management and ethical issues that arise in counseling practice. Students become familiar with relevant ethical codes (especially those for the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Pastoral Counselors) and certain laws that govern the practice of counseling. Further, the course provides students with a framework for ethical decision making within the counseling context.