Analysis of the Reported Ethical Complaints and Violations to the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification, 2006–2013

Abstract

This study reviewed ethical complaints and violations received from Fiscal Year 2006-2013 by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification. There were 71 complaints, of which 37 cases (52.1%) progressed to full adjudication.Of the cases involving a violation, more than half (56.4%) involved ethical misconduct pertaining to role and relationship boundaries, client rights and welfare, and honest and responsible conduct. Strategies to ameliorate common violations as well as define and promote the ethical behavior of all Certified Rehabilitation Counselors are provided.

‘It was almost like the opposite of what I needed’: A qualitative exploration of client experiences of unhelpful therapy

“…Finally, some clients report that therapy has been positively abusive and destructive (Bates, 2006;Bates & Brodsky, 1989). At this end of the harmfulness dimension can also be found evidence from official records, in respect of clients who make complaints to professional bodies (Khele, Symons, & Wheeler, 2008;Symons, Khele, Rogers, Turner, & Wheeler, 2011) on the basis of tangible harm that has been incurred.…”

Exploring Rehabilitation Counseling Supervisors’ Role in Promoting Counselor Development of Ethical Fluency

“…Service delivery, unconditional positive regard, and confidentiality are some aspects of ethical service delivery. However, competence and conduct with clients are recurring themes in ethical violations as reported by CRCC (Hartley & Cartwright, 2015; Saunders et al, 2007; Tarvydas & Barros-Bailey, 2010). In addition, supervisor responses distinguished between high- and low-frequency ethical dilemmas.…”

“…In terms of practice setting, no participants from forensic or evaluation practices were included in the present study. Although the overall number of ethical complaints to CRCC is relatively low, forensic and evaluation practices have been identified by research as a specific violation type (Hartley & Cartwright, 2015). In response to this, the identification of ethical practices and knowledge translation techniques within private-for-profit VR practice settings may be appropriate.…”

Ethics Consultation in Rehabilitation Counseling

“…Rather, the advisory opinion reinforces an understanding of the Jaffee v. Redmond Supreme Court case privileging the confidentiality of the counselor–client relationship (Remley & Herlihy, 2013). Interestingly, in an analysis of the comprehensive review of the ethical complaints and violations received from fiscal years 2006 to 2013 by the CRCC, Hartley and Cartwright (2014) found only one violation related to confidentiality. Thus, it appears that rehabilitation counselors are aware and adhere to the ethical standards regulating disclosure of confidential information.…”