Ethics
As a Christian Counselor, I believe we are to uphold a moral, ethical and biblical standard that goes beyond what any state board might require. WCS endeavors to journey alongside people showing respect and dignity to each person. Engaging someone’s belief system is a very sensitive and core aspect of confidentiality. The Bible repeatedly warns against gossip and indicates that a trustworthy person keeps the confidences which are shared. To release counseling information without consent would violate biblical standards as well as commonly accepted codes of counseling ethics.
However, situations in which a client or another person is in imminent danger of physical or sexual abuse may require us to share that information with relevant persons. WCS typically surpasses HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) requirements in an effort to honor God and our clients regarding confidentiality.
The basis of this organization is belief in God, the Father, who creates and sustains us; Jesus Christ, the Son, who redeems and rules us; and the Holy Spirit, who guides us personally and professionally, through God’s inspired Word, the Bible, our infallible guide of faith and conduct, and through the communion of Christians.
Ethics Statement of the Christian Association for Psychological Studies
Preamble
The Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS) presents the following Ethics Standards as a set of ideals for the conduct of its individual members. The Standards derive from the CAPS Statement of Faith, found in Article 11 of the CAPS Constitution and By-Laws:
The basis of this organization is belief in God, the Father, who creates and sustains us; Jesus Christ, the Son, who redeems and rules us; and the Holy Spirit, who guides us personally and professionally, through God’s inspired Word, the Bible, our infallible guide of faith and conduct, and through the communion of Christians.
The Standards are aimed at helping each member apply the message of the Christian faith to his or her professional or pastoral service. As Christian leaders, we are called to be ethical, not as a legalistic obligation, but as part of an ever deepening intimate and covenantal relationship with God in Christ. The following general principles exemplify the foundation upon which the specific Standards are based.
Texas State Guidelines
Wells Counseling Services provides board approved supervision through the state of Texas Department of State Health Services.
The state of Texas wants to ensure that all are following the Licensed Professional Counselor.
If there are unfortunate events that occur and one choses to file a complaint against LPC we first and for most encourage all to work through the issue with Wells Counseling as a primary option. Otherwise please feel free to look over the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors – Home Page and website. One may also consider writing the company or calling.
Complaints Management and Investigative Section P.O. Box 141369
Austin, Texas 78714-1369 or call 1-800-942-5540 to request the appropriate form or obtain more information. This number is for complaints only. Please direct routine calls and correspondence to the phone number and address on the “Contact Us” page.
Other Links of Interest
External links to other sites are intended to be informational and do not have the endorsement of the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Associations
Texas Counseling Association www.txca.org
National Board of Certified Counselors www.nbcc.org
American Association of State Counseling Boards www.aascb.org
American Counseling Association www.counseling.org
American Association of Christian Counselors www.aacc.net
Christian Association of Psychological Studies www.caps.net
PLC Resources for Mental Health Providers Page (contains links to relevant laws and rules)