The ACA Code of Ethics (ACA, 2005) guides dealing with counseling ethics in a case of illustrated issues. The presented situation depicts a scenario in which a counselor is forced to make diagnosis representing the higher level of mental illness to secure extra funding even though counselor is sure that there are no mental illness issues. If action is taken as per supervisor’s instructions, then the virtue of decision is highly compromised due to falsification. For such difficult situations, the guidelines provided by ACA states to follow ethical decision-making model. In this case, the moral responsibility of counselor is toward the community (service users), the government (for acquiring funding) and the supervisor as his instructions have to be followed by regulation. When considered from COE perspective the interest of each of the stakeholder is to be secured for community development and health, and wellbeing of the society. From this reference, the counselor’s primary duty is to ensure the health and wellbeing of a community. Thus, making efforts to provide the clients from harmful effects is necessary. If clients will be diagnosed with illness on false grounds that not only will it affect the psychological dimension of customers but also the state will be serving an issue which does not exist. Hence, considering the ethical responsibility counselor should reject the instruction of supervisor and identify the various perspectives of consequences (ACA, 2005; ASCA, 2005; ASCA, 2004). Even though, not complying with instruction is likely to result in power tussle in between counselor and supervisor. Also, the counselor could be charged against the claim of noncompliant behavior. However, the obvious implication of falsified demeanor contains more serious consequences. Hence, either counselor should take the support of whistleblower or should refuse abeyance of instruction in a diplomatic manner.
References
American Counseling Association. (2005). ACA code of Ethics. Alexandria, VA: Author
American School Counselor Association. (2005). The ASCA National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs, Second Edition. Alexandria, VA: Author.
American School Counselor Association (2004). Ethical Standards for School Counselors. Alexandria, VA: Author.
