Counselor's Code of Ethics: Difference between revisions

Star Fleet counselors believe strongly in and respect the dignity of all life forms. They are committed to increasing the knowledge of behavior of all life forms. Their primary duty is the maintenance of the crew’s mental health, including but not limited to clinical assessment, psychological testing, crisis intervention, individual psychotherapy, group therapy, family therapy, marital/couples therapy, personal counseling, career counseling and preventative services. The counselor is also responsible for advising the command staff of all matters pertaining to behavior relevant to the current mission. This is typically done upon command staff request. All counselors are responsible to intervene regarding these matters when the greater welfare is deemed to be at risk.  While undertaking these duties they must reasonably protect those who seek their services, without endangering the ship/station/post, crew members or personnel, or civilians. The counselor is responsible for the ability of all crew, personnel, and civilians to carry out their duties without hindrance of mental illness or psychological conflict. This responsibility is achieved through the regular examination of the crew for psychological wellness.

1.1  The patient (unless court ordered) always has the right to choose whether or not they shall enter into a counseling relationship, and whether or not they shall continue to participate in a counseling relationship.

1.4  Privacy and Confidentiality:  The counselor shall advise all patients of the privacy and confidentiality policies set forth by Star Fleet command during the first session of treatment and before the patient divulges any personal information.  In all cases the counselor will abide by these policies excepting only situations where a crime has been committed or may be averted through intervention.

2.1  The counselor will not condone or engage in any discrimination base on age, species, gender, or any other group classification that may be applied to a sentient life form.

2.2.1  The counselor must always take into consideration the impact that his/her own cultural views and beliefs can have on the counseling process.  If these values and/or beliefs conflict with the patients goals the counselor must make arrangements for alternate treatment when possible.

3.1  Counselors may not terminate treatment of a patient without making prior arrangements for continued treatment.

3.3  It is appropriate for a counselor to terminate treatment of a patient when the patient’s consent has been secured, when treatment is no longer of benefit to the patient, or when treatment is no longer necessary.

4.1  To be treated with dignity, consideration and respect at all times.

4.13  To a clearly defined ending process, and to discontinue therapy at any time

5.1  Counselors acting as advisors must have a high degree of self-awareness of their own values, knowledge, skills, beliefs  and needs in advising command staff.