ACCT Code of Ethics

Responsible Caring
Actively promoting the well-being of the client. Counsellors should approach each client’s needs with sensitivity and respect for their unique background. Counsellors are expected to demonstrate a deep respect for the cultural, ethnic, religious, and spiritual backgrounds of all clients, recognizing that cultural identity significantly influences an individual’s values, experiences, and worldview.

Integrity
Honouring commitments to clients while maintaining authenticity and transparency in the counselling relationship. Counsellors are encouraged to be honest about their own cultural biases and engage in self-reflection.

Do No Harm
Avoiding actions or behaviours that may cause harm, including cultural insensitivity or unintentional discrimination. Counsellors should create a safe, inclusive space where clients feel respected, valued, and free from biases, cultural prejudice, or microaggressions. Counsellors must remain aware of the limits of their own cultural competence. When unfamiliar with a client’s background or beliefs, they are encouraged to engage in supervision or consultation, and when appropriate, refer the client to a more culturally appropriate provider. Counsellors must also avoid cultural imposition by not projecting their own values onto clients. Instead, they strive to understand and honour each client’s unique worldview without judgment. 

Independence
Respecting the rights of clients to self-determination, recognizing that each client’s cultural context may influence their choices. Counsellors should support clients’ autonomy while being aware of the cultural factors that may inform their clients’ decision-making processes.

Fairness
Upholding the dignity, equity, and just treatment of all persons, ensuring that cultural differences are respected and that all clients receive equal treatment regardless of their background. Counsellors should actively challenge biases and stereotypes that may affect the fairness of their practice.

Social Responsibility
Actively supporting policies and measures that ensure fair and equitable access to mental health care. In addition, social responsibility entails supporting the rights and needs of diverse individuals and communities, paying particular attention to those who are vulnerable, underrepresented, racialized, and marginalized. This involves leveraging personal time, skills, and resources to further societal well-being and the integrity of our profession. Counsellors should stay informed about the impact of historical and cultural factors on historically and currently marginalized individuals and communities.

Quick Decision-Making

Public Knowledge: Would you feel comfortable with this decision if it were to become public knowledge?

Justice: Is this decision fair and reasonable for all who are involved?

Universality: Would other counsellors make this same decision? If they did, would that be a good thing? Would you make this same decision for any of your clients?

Principle-Based Ethical Decision-Making

Consider the individuals and groups affected by the decision, the rights and interests of these individuals and groups, and any relevant characteristics of these individuals and groups.

Consider the key ethical issues in the situation.

Consider the ACCT Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for ACCT, and how those standards are relevant to this situation.

Consider which of the six ethical principles are of major importance in this situation. Also, secure additional information, consult with knowledgeable colleagues or the ACCT Ethics committee, and consider the probable outcomes of various courses of action.

Consider how the relevant ethical principles can be applied in this circumstance and how any conflict between principles could be resolved, and what might be the potential risks and benefits of this application and resolution.

Identify your own personal biases such as life stressors and personal interests that could affect the decision-making process.

Consider what your feelings and intuitions are telling you to do in this situation.

Develop alternative courses of action. Consult with others as appropriate, remembering that sometimes this may include the parties directly involved. It may also include interdisciplinary team members.

Consider the risks and benefits of each alternative on the individuals and groups involved in the short and long terms and on an ongoing basis, and the values underlying each alternative.

Choose the plan of action that would be most helpful in this situation.

Commit and take action: 

Evaluate the results.

Take responsibility for the consequences of the action: Correct so far as possible any negative consequences of the action and re-engage in the decision-making process if the issue remains unresolved.

Work to prevent future occurrences: Evaluate the organizational systems in which the issue arose to identify, and remedy, if possible, the circumstances that may facilitate and reward unethical practices (e.g., poor communications, inadequate resources, restrictive policies, and arbitrary procedures). Evaluate which, if any, of your own behaviours or circumstances may have contributed to the development of the ethical issue and take appropriate steps to address these.

Virtue-Based Ethical Decision-Making 

As you consider this ethical dilemma, what are your emotions and intuitions telling you to do?

How can you use your values to best show caring for the client in this situation?

How will your choice and decision affect other individuals involved in this ethical dilemma?

If you had to publicize your decision, what decision would you make?

What decision would your best self make?

To protect the welfare of my clients and make reasonable efforts to ensure my services are used appropriately.

To treat all clients with respect and unconditional acceptance.

To approach each client with cultural humility, actively seeking to understand and respect their unique cultural perspectives, values, and experiences, and to adapt therapeutic approaches accordingly to ensure culturally competent and inclusive care. This includes being mindful of specific cultural and religious boundaries—such as gender roles, communication styles, spiritual customs, and family expectations—that may impact the therapeutic process.

To engage in ongoing professional development and seek regular supervision to enhance clinical skills, cultural competence, and ethical practice, ensuring the provision of high-quality, evidence-based counselling services.

To engage in continuous education in cultural competence, anti-oppression practice, and inclusivity to ensure the evolving needs of the diverse populations served are met.

To consistently complete a comprehensive assessment at the beginning of the counselling relationship.

To never exploit a client’s trust and to avoid dual relationships.

To report the sexual or physical abuse of a child to the authorities.

To avoid overt or suggested sexual contact with clients and former clients.

To terminate counselling services when appropriate or requested by the client(s).

To respect the right of clients to autonomy.

To provide a private and safe setting for counselling.

To request payment for service, only after consent for service has been given.

To ensure proper self-care.

To maintain healthy boundaries with clients.

To obtain assistance and refer clients when appropriate.

To clearly disclose confidentiality limitations, facts about services offered, and financial policies.

To be aware of and comply with all laws and legislation within the counsellor’s relevant jurisdiction for the delivery of counselling services, including but not limited to the Provincial Health Act, Privacy Information Protection Act, and laws applicable to providing electronic services.

To maintain client confidentiality, except where there is written consent, danger to self or others, or as required by law.

To carefully assess, develop a safety plan, and document the potential suicidal or homicidal behaviour of a client.

To maintain accurate and adequate session and financial records.

To continue to grow and develop as a professional counsellor.

To avoid conflicts of interest.

To avoid giving or receiving gifts of substantial value.

To be aware of the influence my public statements may have.

To deal appropriately with the unethical behaviour of another counsellor.

To accept that I cannot realistically expect to succeed with every client.

To promote my services professionally and accurately.