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Benchmark - Comparative Analysis: Code of Ethics and Standards for Practice
Benchmark - Comparative Analysis: Code of Ethics and Standards for Practice
Grand Canyon University: BHS – 330
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Benchmark - Comparative Analysis: Code of Ethics and Standards for Practice
Each individual is held to a higher standard of code of ethics when they become a
counselor. The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC), the American
Psychological Association (APA), and the American Counseling Association (ACA) all have
their own code of ethics and standards of practice laid out for a counselor to abide by and
respect. Particularly each association has its own set of guidelines that appeals to culturally
distinct clients. The AACC is geared more towards Christian counselors, the APA is regulated
towards psychologists in varied roles, and the ACA is directed towards professional counselors.
After discussing the similarities and the differences between each organization, the guidelines,
and code of ethics will be examined as it applies to each culturally unique client that is seen in a
behavioral health setting.
The AACC, APA, and ACA organizations all have similar policies when it comes to
counseling clients. For example, sexual misconduct, harassment, or romantic relationships are
prohibited from clients or former clients (AACC, 2014; ACA, 2014; & APA, 2017). Now the
AACC (2014) does allow a counselor to marry a former client if the proper steps are taken to by
the AACC to terminate counseling accurately. Now the APA (2017) does have a multiple
relationship policy but it is the responsibility of the psychologist to take specific steps to fix the
situation in accordance with the Code of Ethics where it does not affect the client, they are
counseling. Next, the ACA has similar guidelines as the AACC when having a romantic
interaction or relationship with a former client. The ACA (2014) allows a counselor to have a
romantic interaction or relationship with a former client if the professional contact has been
severed for five years or longer. In addition, the AACC, APA, and ACA all have extremely
similar guidelines when it comes to privacy, maintaining confidentiality, and releasing privileged
Benchmark - Comparative Analysis: Code of Ethics and Standards for Practice
Benchmark - Comparative Analysis: Code of Ethics and Standards for Practice
Grand Canyon University: BHS – 330
, 2
Benchmark - Comparative Analysis: Code of Ethics and Standards for Practice
Each individual is held to a higher standard of code of ethics when they become a
counselor. The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC), the American
Psychological Association (APA), and the American Counseling Association (ACA) all have
their own code of ethics and standards of practice laid out for a counselor to abide by and
respect. Particularly each association has its own set of guidelines that appeals to culturally
distinct clients. The AACC is geared more towards Christian counselors, the APA is regulated
towards psychologists in varied roles, and the ACA is directed towards professional counselors.
After discussing the similarities and the differences between each organization, the guidelines,
and code of ethics will be examined as it applies to each culturally unique client that is seen in a
behavioral health setting.
The AACC, APA, and ACA organizations all have similar policies when it comes to
counseling clients. For example, sexual misconduct, harassment, or romantic relationships are
prohibited from clients or former clients (AACC, 2014; ACA, 2014; & APA, 2017). Now the
AACC (2014) does allow a counselor to marry a former client if the proper steps are taken to by
the AACC to terminate counseling accurately. Now the APA (2017) does have a multiple
relationship policy but it is the responsibility of the psychologist to take specific steps to fix the
situation in accordance with the Code of Ethics where it does not affect the client, they are
counseling. Next, the ACA has similar guidelines as the AACC when having a romantic
interaction or relationship with a former client. The ACA (2014) allows a counselor to have a
romantic interaction or relationship with a former client if the professional contact has been
severed for five years or longer. In addition, the AACC, APA, and ACA all have extremely
similar guidelines when it comes to privacy, maintaining confidentiality, and releasing privileged
