Codes of Ethics Comparisons Code of Ethics Comparisons

This essay compares and contrasts the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics and the American Association of Christian Counselors Code of Ethics. The essay reviews their general similarities and differences, and discusses specific comparisons with respect to fees, termination, and research and publication.

The two Codes of Ethics differ significantly in their basic purpose, and this fundamental difference determines how various topics are treated throughout both documents in their entirety. The ACA has as its primary concern "to respect the dignity and to promote the welfare of its clients" (ACA Code of Ethics, 2005, p.4), while the AACC describes its primary goal as bringing "honor to Jesus Christ and his church, promote excellence in Christian counseling, and bring unity to Christian counselors" (AACC Code of Ethics, 2004, p.3).

With respect to similarities, both codes place a high priority on doing no harm. They each prohibit sexual relationships with clients, former clients and their partners. The ACA imposes a 5-year waiting period following the last professional contact, while the AACC allows for marriage after only two years following the conclusion of the informed consent, as well as maintaining client confidentiality. Both codes also encourage counselors to do pro bono work.
The ACA and AACC both discuss the importance of maintaining good professional relationships. They both also set similar standards for supervision, training and teaching. Their standards for research and publication are similar also, with the exception that the AACC explicitly discourages the use of ghostwriters.

Another difference between the two codes is in the AACC's treatment of what it presumably considers to be immoral behaviors. The AACC provides a long list of client behaviors that AACC counselors must refuse to condone, including substance abuse, abortion, divorce, premarital and extramarital sex, homosexuality, transgender behavior, and euthanasia. Conversely, the ACA instructs counselors…