Ethical Dilemmas: Current and Projected Concerns Reported by Certified Rehabilitation Counselors

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate ethical dilemmas faced by certified rehabilitation counselors. Using a mixed-method survey approach, both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed. Thematic analysis was used to identify common themes among responses including the ethically challenging incident, additional resources to clarify the situation or reach resolution, projecting future ethical issues, approach to resolution for current ethical issues, and additional issues to address or consider in the code of ethics. Results indicated that participants most frequently encountered ethical dilemmas related to Section B. Confidentiality, Privileged Communication and Privacy of the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) Certification Code of Professional Ethics, followed by Section A. The Counseling Relationship. When addressing recognized ethical dilemmas, participants also identified consideration of the counseling relationship and maintaining confidentiality, privileged communication and privacy as the most important sections of the code to consider. Implications include topics identifying current and projected ethical dilemmas faced by CRCs, as well as the need for a variety of topics to be addressed or considered in the new revisions of the CRC Code of Ethics.