Which ethical standard addresses counselor competence?

The Standard of Care is central to ensuring that counselors are providing services that meet the accepted norms and practices within the profession. This standard emphasizes that counselors must remain competent in their skills and knowledge, understanding the limits of their expertise and seeking continuing education or supervision as needed. Adherence to the Standard of Care ensures that counselors are equipped to make informed decisions that protect clients' well-being.

In contrast, the other options primarily focus on different aspects of ethical practice. The Standard of Professionalism refers to maintaining ethics and behavior consistent with professional expectations, while Standard of Integrity emphasizes honesty and ethical conduct in all professional dealings. The Standard of Respect highlights the importance of valuing clients’ dignity and autonomy. While all these standards are important, they do not specifically address the core issue of counselor competence as directly as the Standard of Care does.