"AMHCA Code of Ethics" addresses CMHC's crucial concerns.

The "AMHCA Code of Ethics" focuses on the specific requirements for the ethical practice of clinical mental health counselors (CMHCs), and is divided into six sections:

1. Commitment to Clients
2. Commitment to Other Professionals
3. Commitment to Students, Supervisees, and Employee Relationships
4. Commitment to the Profession
5. Commitment to the Public
6. Resolution of Ethical Problems

The "AMHCA Code" is an essential component of practicing clinical mental health counseling with professionalism and integrity. While ethical guidance for the practice of clinical mental health counseling is its primary purpose, it is also intended to prompt pondering about ethical thinking and practice. To be an ethical mental health counselor is to practice thinking ethically in an ongoing self-deliberation and in discussions with other mental health professionals.

Other Documents from the AMHCA Ethics Committee

AMHCA Code of Ethics Addendum: Addressing Artificial Intelligence

Publication Date: 2023

CMHCs clearly disclose to clients when clinical services are provided by any modality other than direct person-to-person contact. In order to support client autonomy, CMHCs must disclose the extent, if any, to which clinical services are provided through, or in conjunction with, the use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, or any other human simulation modality. CMHCs must obtain client consent before initiating these clinical services. CMHCs remain ultimately responsible for all clinical services they provide including their choices about client evaluations, treatment planning, interventions, and assessments. When CMHCs use technology to support clinical services, they are also responsible for ensuring that such technology is sufficiently safe, appropriate, and effective.

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AMHCA Code of Ethics Addendum: Addressing Artificial Intelligence

Publication Date: 2022

CMHCs clearly disclose to clients the extent, if any, to which clinical services are being provided through, or in conjunction with, the use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, or any other modality other than direct person-to-person contact.

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The AMHCA Ethical Decision-Making Model

Publication Date: 2020

AMHCA members are encouraged to consult with the AMHCA Ethics Committee regarding processes to resolve ethical dilemmas that may arise in clinical practice. Members are also encouraged to use commonly recognized procedures for ethical decision-making to resolve ethical conflicts. The AMHCA Ethics Committee has developed a tool for licensed clinical mental health counselors seeking a model for ethical decision-making.

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Considerations for Supervisors Related to Ethical Supervision

Publication Date: 2020
Supervisors provide informed consent/contract prior to beginning a supervision relationship. In addition to the recommended contract, there are practice guidelines for clinical supervision that should be communicated between supervisors and supervisees.

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AMHCA members may use this process for guidance and decision-making assistance. Please refer to your state licensing board for specific solution seeking or direction. Since this platform is intended for ethical decision making assistance, it is NOT LEGAL ADVICE. For legal advice, please consult with an attorney in your state.

Click on the button below to submit an ethical concern to the AMHCA Ethics Committee (For AMHCA Members ONLY, must be signed in to see the button).