Professional Ethics in Mental Health Coaching
Matthew Stanford
Summary A code of ethics is very important and the speaker goes through the mental health coaching Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics contains statements on faith, the professional role and responsibilities of a mental health coach, as well as the client – coach relationships. The speaker goes through how to be an ethical mental health coach and the ethical decision-making process.
Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will learn the functions of a code of ethics 2. Participants will look at the mental health coaching Code of Ethics 3. Participants will learn what it is to be an ethical mental health coach
I.
Introduction A. Functions of the Code of Ethics
1. To safeguard the care of your client •
To build trust
•
Keep the client safe and healthy
2. To outline the ethical conduct with the profession 3. To help define the standard of practice
B. The mental health coach Code of Ethics
C. What it is to be an ethical mental health coach
II.
The Code of Ethics
A. Section on Faith
1. Mental health coaches consider the Bible to be the final authoritative basis for faith, values and ethics 2. Mental health coaches maintain committed, intimate and dedicated relationship with local body of believers 3. Mental health coaches recognize and uphold inherent God-given worth and dignity of those they serve 4. Mental health coaches maintain Godly standards of personal conduct
B. Section on Professional Role and Responsibilities
1. Mental health coaches will represent themselves accurately in the interest of the client’s welfare. Competent mental health coaches represent their qualifications fairly and accurately, correcting any misunderstandings clients may have about their qualifications 2. Mental health coaches will keep current with emerging knowledge relevant to mental illness and openly share this knowledge with their colleagues 3. Mental health coaches will recognize their boundaries of competence and provide only those services and use only those techniques for which they are qualified by training or experience 4. Mental health coaches should be able to recognize when a situation calls for a response which exceeds what they are able to provide and to assist their clients in obtaining the professional services they need 5. Mental health coaches will never intimidate, threaten, harass, use undue influence, physical force or verbal abuse or make unwarranted promises and benefits to the individuals they serve 6. Mental health coaches will advocate for those they serve that they may make their own decisions in all matters when dealing with mental health professionals 7. Mental health coaches will respect the privacy and confidentiality of those they serve 8. Mental health coaches will be guided by the principle of self-determination for all and help those they serve to achieve their own needs, wants and goals
C. Section on Client – Coach Relationships
1. Mental health coaches will not enter into dual or multiple relationships that conflict with the interest of those they support 2. Mental health coaches will not engage in romantic or intimate activities with those to whom they are currently providing support or have worked with in a professional role in the past 2 years
3. Mental health coaches will not engage in business, extend or receive loans or receive gifts of significant value from those they serve 4. Mental health coaches are sensitive to human diversity and will not practice, condone, facilitate or collaborate in discrimination of any form
III.
What it is to be an ethical mental health coach A. Ethical decision-making process:
1. Define problem or dilemma 2. Identify potential issues 3. Pray and consult scripture 4. Look at the Code of Ethics for guidance on the matter 5. Consider any applicable laws or regulation 6. Seek consultation from more than one trusted source 7. Brainstorm various possible courses of action 8. Determine consequences of various decisions 9. Decide on what appears to be best course of action
B. Things to make sure you do daily as a mental health coach:
1. Observe the Code of Ethics 2. Be accountable to local church and ministry staff 3. Practice ethical decision making 4. Love your neighbor as yourself