The ACA Code of Ethics outlines enduring ethical obligations for counselors.

• A. The ACA Code of Ethics outlines enduring ethical obligations for counselors.
• B. The ACA Code of Ethics updates quarterly.
• C. The ACA Code of Ethics is optional for licensed counselors.
• D. The ACA Code of Ethics focuses only on record keeping.

Answer: (A)

Enduring ethical obligations are the steady duties counselors owe to clients and the profession, guiding behavior across settings and over time. The ACA Code of Ethics spells out these timeless responsibilities, such as respecting client autonomy and confidentiality, obtaining informed consent, practicing within one’s competence, avoiding harm, maintaining professional boundaries, and engaging in culturally competent and socially just practice. These obligations persist even as practice evolves, because the code anchors professional conduct in stable ethical principles rather than transient rules. Updates to the code occur to address new issues and changing contexts, but they aren’t issued on a fixed quarterly schedule, and adherence is not optional for licensed counselors who are bound by professional and regulatory standards. The code covers a broad range of ethical areas beyond record keeping, including consultation, supervision, assessment, disclosure, and advocacy.