PSYC 557: Professional Issues and Ethics

The purpose of this course is to provide students with a working knowledge of ethical issues in mental health care practice. The course will consider the manner in which governing principles of health care ethics are articulated within the general values and specific prescriptions/proscriptions (legal and moral) which constitute current moral wisdom of the mental health professional. Ethical codes of the American Counseling Association, American Mental Health Counselors Association, and the American Psychological Association will be examined. Lectures, case analysis, class discussion of assigned readings, and written assignments will provide both the conceptual and practical tools for addressing the critical ethical issues which arise in counseling practice.