Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

Which section of the ACA Code of Ethics addresses confidentiality and privileged communication?

1. The Counseling Relationship

2. Confidentiality, Privileged Communication, and Privacy

3. Professional Responsibility

4. Research and Publication

The correct answer is: Confidentiality, Privileged Communication, and Privacy

The correct choice focuses specifically on confidentiality, privileged communication, and privacy, which are crucial ethical considerations in counseling. This section delineates the counselor's responsibility to protect private information shared by clients during the therapeutic process. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining confidentiality to foster a safe environment where clients feel secure in sharing sensitive information. This section details the circumstances under which confidentiality may be breached, such as when there is a risk of harm to the client or others. It also highlights the ethical obligation of counselors to inform clients about the limits of confidentiality at the outset of their relationship. By doing so, the information equips counselors with the guidelines necessary to navigate complex situations while respecting client autonomy and maintaining trust. The other choices, while relevant to the overall ethical framework for counselors, do not specifically address the nuances of confidentiality or the protections related to privileged communication. For example, the section on the counseling relationship discusses the dynamics and ethical boundaries of client-counselor interactions, while professional responsibility pertains more to the duties and ethical obligations of counselors in their practice. The research and publication section sets forth ethical standards for conducting research and disseminating findings, which is unrelated to client confidentiality.