Internet Practices of Certified Rehabilitation Counselors and Analysis of Guidelines for Ethical Internet Practices

Abstract

The Internet has become an integral part of the practice of rehabilitation counseling. To identify potential ethical issues regarding the use of the Internet by counselors, two studies were conducted. In Study 1, we surveyed a national sample of rehabilitation counselors regarding their use of technology in their work and home settings. Results suggested that all counselors use email and find information on the Internet, and some also use the Internet to socialize. Some online activities in which counselors engage raise ethical concerns. Study 2 was a content analysis of ethical codes of three national counseling associations and three states that license rehabilitation counselors for the amount of guidance these codes provide regarding Internet activities. Results indicated that although the ethical use of technology has been identified in the codes, there are still areas in which the guidance is only indirect at best.

Vocational Rehabilitation Agency Guidance on Social Media Use: A Policy Analysis

“…Data from a study about social media use among counseling staff ( n = 1,447) indicated that only 28% of counselors feel prepared to assist consumers with improving their online reputations and only 31% feel prepared to assist them with online professional development activities (Goe & Ipsen, 2016). In part, this may relate to concerns over ethics in counseling practice or lack of clear procedures or guidelines for working with consumers in online job search activities (Barros-Bailey & Saunders, 2010; Chapin & Byrne, 2013; Lehmann & Crimando, 2011).…”

“…Lack of supporting or clarifying policies and procedures makes it difficult for staff to confidently use social media within a counseling context, particularly where issues of confidentiality and ethics are concerned (Bontke & Lawler, 2012; Ipsen et al, 2013; Lehmann & Crimando, 2011). The diversity of uses, ever-evolving nature of social media platforms, and limited ethical guidance to keep pace with these changes can leave VR professionals unprepared to use social media in VR practice (Garcia et al, 2016; Lehmann & Crimando, 2011). Adding to this confusion has been limited guidance for social media use by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) Code of Ethics (Hartley, Tarvydas, & Johnston, 2015).…”