Code of Ethics

Question 1

What is the purpose of Code of Ethics for MFT?

Answer 1

The code of ethics constitutes the standards by which the professional conduct of a provider of MFT is measured.

Question 2

Violation of Code of Ethics

Answer 2

A ciolation is sufficient reason for disciplinary action, corrective action, or denial of licensure.

Question 3

Conflicts

Answer 3

If the provider’s work setting reequires conflict with the MFT code of ethics, the provider should clarify the nature of the conflict, make known the requirement to comply with the MFT code of ethics, and seek to resolve the conflict in a manner that results in compliance with MFT code of ethics.

Question 4

Integrity

Answer 4

Must act in accordance with the highest standard of professional integrity and competence, they must be honest with dealing with clients, students, interns, supervisees, colleagues, and the public.

Such as:
- limit practice tow hich they have competency or for which they are developing. Including student, interns, or supervisees beyond their training.
- Recognize the potential influential position of the therapist to students, interns, employees, and supervisees, and avoid exploiting the trust and dependency. A therapist must make every effort to avoid multiple relationship that could impair their judgement or risk exploitation. Sexual contact is prohibitated after the date the relationship is termindated.

1. Emotional dependent on therapist
2. Sexual contact occurred through therapeutic deception
   - Must not engage in sexual contact or other harassment, therapeutic deception, or explotation in ethical proceedings
   - Must not use or exploit the professional relationship for the therapist’s emotional, financial, sexual, religious, political, or personal advantage or benefit
   - Recognize the limitations to the scope of practice of MFT. When the needs of a client is outside, a therapist must inform the client that there are other professional, technical, community, and administrative resources available. Therapist must make the referrals when it’s in the best interest of the client. Therapist must make a reasonably prompt referral when requested by the client.
   - Therapist must not offer, or accept, payment for referrals.
   - Therapist must not knowingly offer services to a client who is treatment with another professional without consultation among the parties involved. If a client refuses, therapist should delay the administrative services until the client gives consent to consultation. The exception to the consultation requirement would be if the client reports ethical violation by the other professional.
   - Understand areas of competence and act with due regard for the need, special competencies and obligation of their colleague and not disparage the qualifications of any colleague.
   - Must seek professional assistance for th therapist own personal problems that could impair the therapist work performance and clinical judgement. When unable to practice with reasonable skill, should terminate and make arrangement.
   - Must not practice under influence of alcohol or controlled substance not prescribed by a physician.
   - Not allow an individual or agency that is paying for the services to exert undue influence over the therapist’s evaluation or treatment.
   -Must file a complaint with the board when the therapist has reason tob elief another therapist has engaged in conduct that violated code of ethics.
   -Must not deceive or defraud the public or board.
   -Must not advertise in ways that is false, fraudulent, or misleading to the public.
   - Only use academic degrees from regionally accredited institutions that are related to practice of MFT.
   - Must correct, when possible, false, misleading, or inaccurate information and representationsm ade my others concerning their qualifications, services, or products.
   - Must make certain that the qualifcations of thep erson in a therapist’s employ, or under the therapist’s supervision is not false, misleading, or deceptive.
   -Must pursue knowledge of new developments and maintain competence in MFTt hrough education, training, or supervised experience.
   -Maintain current knowledge on the use of technology in providing, documenting, training, and supervising MFT in order to safeguard the welfare of clients, students, interns, and supervisees.
   - Therapist not engage in any unprofessional confuct for the protection of the public interest.