What is the primary purpose of the ACA Code of Ethics?

The primary purpose of the ACA Code of Ethics is to guide counselors in their professional behavior and decision-making. It serves as a framework that helps counselors navigate ethical dilemmas and situations they may encounter in practice. By providing a comprehensive set of ethical guidelines and principles, the Code facilitates self-reflection and professional development, enabling counselors to make informed choices that are consistent with ethical standards.

While ensuring legal compliance and establishing national standards are important aspects of professional practice, they are secondary to the core function of guiding individual behavior within the counseling profession. The Code prioritizes the counselor-client relationship and promotes positive practices that enhance client welfare, emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations in everyday counseling work. Protecting clients from unethical practices is a vital component of these guidelines, but the broader intention is to empower counselors with the tools they need to act ethically and responsibly.