Legal and Ethical Issues in Counseling (Spring 2026)

With Dr. Lien Nguyen :)

The best statement about the nature of professional ethics in counseling is that: (Chapter 1)

A. if counselors study ethical codes and keep current with the professional literature, they can be assured of practicing in an ethical manner.

B. in order to practice in an ethical manner, counselors must always be in compliance with federal and state laws.

C. because there are few absolute right answers to ethical practice questions, consultation with lawyers is very important when making ethical decisions.

D. the ethical standards have changed very little in the last 50 years, so if counselors learn the rules, they will be able to practice in an ethical manner.

E. because there are few absolute right answers to ethical practice questions, consultation with counseling colleagues is very important when making ethical decisions.

E. because there are few absolute right answers to ethical practice questions, consultation with counseling colleagues is very important when making ethical decisions.

Counselors who function according to mandatory ethics: (Chapter 1)

A. would favor judging the actions of counselors based on the circumstances, rather than on strict rules.

B. believe that their duty is to comply with basic “must” and “must not” statements in codes of ethics, and nothing more.

C. believe that employers should require specific behaviors of counselors they hire.

D. believe counselors should determine what is ethical based on the specific situations in which they find themselves.

E. would favor ethical standards that use the word “should,” instead of the word “must.”

B. believe that their duty is to comply with basic “must” and “must not” statements in codes of ethics, and nothing more.

When attempting to make an ethical decision, it is recommended that counselors take all of the following steps EXCEPT: (Chapter 1)

A. involve the client in the decision-making process.

B. consider the moral principles.

C. identify desired outcomes.

D. consult with an attorney.

E. tune into their feelings.

D. consult with an attorney.

Once counselors have disclosed their legal questions to their immediate supervisors, and have received a response either from the supervisor or from an attorney who is advising them as to the proper course of action: (Chapter 1)

A. it is essential for counselors to choose and act on their own choice.

B. it is essential for counselors to seek a second opinion.

C. it is essential for counselors to follow legal advice given to them, even if they do not agree with it.

D. it is essential for counselors to follow legal advice given to them, but only if they agree with it.

E. it is essential for counselors to ask the ACA Ethics Committee for an opinion.

C. it is essential for counselors to follow legal advice given to them, even if they do not agree with it.

All of the following are situations in which it is necessary to consult with colleagues EXCEPT: (Chapter 1)

A. when it is possible that clinical decisions will be challenged later.

B. when they are not certain whether a client might be suicidal.

C. when there are no clear right or wrong answers.

D. when deciding whether to respond to a subpoena.

E. when counselors face issues that require them to exercise judgment.

D. when deciding whether to respond to a subpoena.

The ACA Code of Ethics: (Chapter 1)

A. helps to stabilize the profession.

B. sets forth ethical responsibilities that never change.

C. is the single, universally accepted code of ethics for counselors.

D. is updated every two or three years.

E. answers nearly all questions that a counselor might have.

A. helps to stabilize the profession.

When a counselor discovers that a client holds values that are dramatically different from the counselor’s own values, the counselor should: (Chapter 1)

A. try to gently persuade the client to re-examine his or her values.

B. ask the client how he or she would feel if people discriminated against him or her because of values held.

C. immediately refer the client to another counselor.

D. give the client some reading material that will broaden his or her perspective.

E. respect the client’s values, even though the counselor disagrees with them.

E. respect the client’s values, even though the counselor disagrees with them.

External forces that can support counselors in their efforts to practice ethically include all of the following EXCEPT: (Chapter 1)

A. intentionality.

B. consultation.

C. continuing education workshops and seminars.

D. codes of ethics.

E. supervision.

A. intentionality.

Virtue ethicists believe that: (Chapter 1)

A. counselors should always be truthful.

B. to determine whether a counselor is ethical, each decision the counselor makes must be carefully weighed.

C. actions speak louder than words.

D. people exist in connection to and in relationship with one another.

E. there are no universal moral principles.

D. people exist in connection to and in relationship with one another.

While principle ethics asks the question “What should I do?,” virtue ethics asks the question: (Chapter 1)

A. “What should counselors who want to follow the law do?”

B. “What would an ethical counselor do?”

C. “Who should I be?”

D. “Who am I?”

E. “What does virtue mean?”

C. “Who should I be?”