American Associationof Christian Counselors********************************************************************************************************

AACC Code of Ethics********************************************************************************************************

Y-2014 Code of Ethics
Developed by the

AACC Law and Ethics Committee

AACC Y-2014 Code of Ethics

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) would like to recognize the following
individuals for their time, diligence, contributions and professional expertise given to the AACC
regarding the Y-2014 Code of Ethics for Christian Counselors:
Executive Draft Committee
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Timothy E. Clinton, Ed.D., President, AACC
Eric Scalise, Ph.D., Vice President for Professional Development, AACCDavid Jenkins, Psy.D.
Ken Nichols, Psy.D.
George Ohlschlager, J.D., MSW
Jeanneane Maxon, J.D.
John Sandy, J.D.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface to the Y-2014 Revised Code .............................................................................................. 7
Applicability of the Code ................................................................................................................ 8
Introduction and Mission ............................................................................................................... 9
Biblical and Ethical Foundations of the AACC Ethics Code ......................................................... 12
I. Ethical Standards ...................................................................................................................... 13
ES1-000: A Judeo-Christian Worldview – Practicing through Faith and Values ............... 13
ES1-010: Affirming Human Worth and Dignity ............................................................... 13
ES1-020: An Orientation of Beneficence ......................................................................... 13
ES1-100: Compassion in Christian Counseling – A Call to Servanthood ............................ 13
ES1-110: No Harm or Exploitation Allowed .................................................................... 13
ES1-120: Refusal to Participate in Harmful Activities of Clients ..................................... 14
ES1-130: Sexual Misconduct Forbidden .......................................................................... 16
ES1-140: Dual and Multiple Relationships ...................................................................... 17
ES1-200: Competence in Christian Counseling – A Call to Excellence ............................... 18
ES1-210: Honoring the Call to Competent Christian Counseling .................................... 18
ES1-220: Duties to Study and Maintain Expertise........................................................... 19
ES1-230: Maintaining Integrity in Work, Reports and Relationships .............................. 19
ES1-240: Duties to Consult and/or Refer ........................................................................ 19
ES1-250: Consultation Practice ....................................................................................... 20
ES1-260: Protective Action When Personal Problems Interfere ..................................... 20
ES1-300: Consent in Christian Counseling – A Call to Integrity ......................................... 21
ES1-310: Securing Informed Consent .............................................................................. 21
ES1-320: Consent in the Structure and Process of Counseling ....................................... 21
ES1-330: Consent for Biblical and Spiritual Practices in Counseling ............................... 22
ES1-340: Special Consent for More Difficult Interventions ............................................ 22
ES1-350: Changes in the Counselor’s Role ...................................................................... 22
ES1-400: Confidentiality in Christian Counseling – A Call to Trustworthiness .................. 22
ES1-410: Maintaining Client Confidentiality ................................................................... 23
ES1-420: Asserting Confidentiality or Privilege Following Demands for Disclosure ....... 23
ES1-430: Protecting Persons from Deadly Harm – The Rule of Mandatory Disclosure .. 23
ES1-440: Disclosure for Supervision, Consults, Teaching, Preaching and Publication ... 24
ES1-450: Maintaining Privacy and Preserving Written Records ..................................... 25
ES1-460: Advocacy for Privacy Rights Against intrusive Powers..................................... 25
ES1-500: Cultural Regard in Christian Counseling – A Call to Dignity ............................... 25
ES1-510: Affirming the Worth and Value of Others ........................................................ 25
ES1-520: Cultural Competency ........................................................................................ 25

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ES1-530: Working with Persons of Different Faiths, Religions and Values ..................... 25
ES1-540: Cultural Sensitivity............................................................................................ 26
ES1-550: Action if Value Differences Interfere with Counseling..................................... 26
ES1-600: Case Management in Christian Counseling – A Call to Soundness .................... 26
ES1-610: Treatment Planning .......................................................................................... 26
ES1-620: Case Notes and Proper Record-Keeping .......................................................... 27
ES1-630: Working with Couples, Families, and Groups .................................................. 27
ES1-640: Continuity of Care and Service Interruption .................................................... 28
ES1-700: Collegiality in Christian Counseling – A Call to Relationship .............................. 29
ES1-710: Relationships in the Professional and Ministerial Workplace ......................... 29
ES1-720: Christian Counselors as Employers .................................................................. 30
ES1-730: Christian Counselors as Employees .................................................................. 30
ES1-740: Base Standards for Educators and Supervisors ................................................ 31
ES1-750: Specific Standards for Counselor Education Programs .................................... 32
ES1-760: Specific Standards for Counselor Supervision Programs ................................. 34
ES1-800: Community Presence in Christian Counseling – A Call to Humility .................... 35
ES1-810: Advertising and Public Relations ...................................................................... 36
ES1-820: Statements in Public Communications ............................................................ 36
ES1-830: Communications of Association with the AACC and Other Groups ................ 36
ES1-840: Communication of Work Products and Training Materials ............................. 36
ES1-850: Testimonials ..................................................................................................... 37
ES1-860: Guidelines in Public Statement by Others ....................................................... 37
ES1-870: Ethical Relationships with the State and Other Social Systems ....................... 37
ES1-880: Writing and Publication Ethics in Christian Counseling ................................... 37
ES1-890: Ethical Standards for Christian Counseling Researchers.................................. 38
II. Use of Technology and Technology-related Applications ..................................................... 41
ES2-000: Additional Ethical Standards in the Use of Technology...................................... 41
ES2-010: Technology Orientation.................................................................................... 41
ES2-100: Core Ethical Standards in the Use of Technology ............................................... 41
ES2-110: Compassion in Technology Applications .......................................................... 41
ES2-120: Competence in Technology Applications ......................................................... 42
ES2-130: Consent in Technology Applications ................................................................ 43
ES2-140: Confidentiality in Technology Applications ...................................................... 43
ES2-150: Cultural Regard in Technology Applications .................................................... 44
ES2-160: Case Management in Technology Applications ............................................... 44
ES2-170: Collegiality in Technology Applications ............................................................ 44
ES2-180: Community Presence in Technology Applications ........................................... 44
III. Additional Ethical Standards for Licensed and Professional Christian Counselors ............. 45
ES3-000: Fees, Client Billing and Financial Relationships .................................................. 45
ES3-010: Setting Fees ...................................................................................................... 45
AACC Y-2014 Code of Ethics

4ES3-100: Third-party Payers and Managed Care Entities .................................................. 46
ES3-110: Problems with Managed Care .......................................................................... 46
ES3-200: Testing, Assessment and Clinical Evaluation ...................................................... 46
ES3-210: General Parameters ......................................................................................... 46
IV. Additional Ethical Standards for Pastoral and Lay Christian Counselors............................. 48
ES4-000: Definitions and Roles of Pastors and Pastoral Counselors ................................. 48
ES4-010: The Pastor and Pastoral Counselor – Ordained Ministers of the Gospel ........ 48
ES4-020: Rules of Ethics Code Application and Exemption ............................................ 48
ES4-030: The Call of Christian Counseling to Gospel Fidelity .......................................... 48
ES4-040: The Use of Fees or Communicating False Roles............................................... 48
ES4-050: Aiding and Abetting Unauthorized Practice ..................................................... 49
ES4-100: Definitions and Roles of Lay Caregivers and Non-ordained Ministers .............. 49
ES4-110: The Lay Caregiver and Non-ordained Ministers .............................................. 49
ES4-120: Rules of Ethics Code Application and Exemption ............................................ 49
ES4-130: Lay Caregivers Under Supervision of the Church ............................................. 49
ES4-140: The Use of Fees or Communicating False Roles............................................... 49
ES4-150: Aiding and Abetting Unauthorized Practice ..................................................... 50
V. Standards for Resolving Ethical-legal Conflicts ...................................................................... 51
ES5-000: Base Standards for Ethical Conflict Resolution ................................................... 51
ES5-010: Base Rules for Resolving Ethical-Legal Conflicts .............................................. 51
ES5-020: Attempting First to Harmonize Conflicting Interests ....................................... 51
ES5-030: When Conflict Cannot be Harmonized ............................................................ 51
ES5-100: Resolving Conflicts with Employers and Colleagues .......................................... 51
ES5-110: Ethical and Value Differences with Employers and Colleagues ....................... 51
ES5-120: Christian Counselors Working in Public Agencies ............................................ 52
ES5-130: Conflict Resolution Process with Employers and Colleagues .......................... 52
ES5-140: Law and Ethics Violations by Employers and Colleagues ................................. 52
ES5-200: Resolving Professional and Organizational Conflicts ......................................... 52
ES5-210: The Higher Ethics of Being a Christ Follower ................................................... 52
ES5-220: Acting First to Resolve Conflict with Church or Profession .............................. 52
ES5-230: When Ethical Harmony is not Reached ............................................................ 53
ES5-300: Resolving Conflicts with the State and Its Laws ................................................. 53
ES5-310: The Higher Law of Being a Christ Follower ...................................................... 53
ES5-320: Acting First to Resolve Legal Conflict ............................................................... 53
ES5-330: When Legal Harmony is not Reached .............................................................. 53
VI. Procedural Rules .................................................................................................................... 54
PR6-000: Authority, Jurisdiction and Operation of the AACC Law & Ethics Committee .. 54
PR6-010: Mission, Authority and Jurisdiction of the LEC ................................................ 54

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5PR6-100: General Orientation to Ethical Enforcement ...................................................... 55
PR6-110: Attitudes and Action Toward Ethical Complaints ............................................ 55
PR6-200: Credential Holder, CCN Member and AACC Response to LEC Action ................ 56
PR6-210: Commitment to Cooperate with Ethics Process.............................................. 56
PR6-300: Procedures for the Adjudication of Complaints ................................................. 56
PR6-310: General Rules of LEC Operation....................................................................... 56
PR6-320: LEC Meetings and Officers ............................................................................... 56
PR6-330: Ethical Complaint Procedures.......................................................................... 57
PR6-340: Complaint Assessment and Initial Action by the LEC ...................................... 58
PR6-350: Cause for Further Action .................................................................................. 59
PR6-360: Initial Notification to Complainee .................................................................... 59
PR6-370: Case Closure for Insufficient Evidence............................................................. 60
PR6-380: Case Resolution by Mutual Agreement ........................................................... 60
PR6-390: Cause for Formal Case Review ......................................................................... 60
PR6-400: Formal Case Review Procedures ......................................................................... 60
PR6-410: Selection and Operation of Case Review Subcommittee ................................ 60
PR6-420: Documentation, Review of the Evidence and Recommendations .................. 61
PR6-430: Final Ruling of the Law and Ethics Committee ................................................ 62
PR6-500: Formal Appeal Hearing Procedures .................................................................... 62
PR6-510: Complainee Election of Formal Appeal – Termination Cases Only ................. 62
PR6-520: Standards and Conduct of the Formal Appeal Hearing ................................... 63
PR6-530: Final Order of the Appeals Panel ..................................................................... 63
PR6-600: Procedures Following Action by Churches, Courts and Other Bodies ............... 63
PR6-610: LEC Authorized to Act Independently or With Others .................................... 63
PR6-620: Basis for and Procedure of a Show Cause Hearing .......................................... 64

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Preface to the Y-2014 Final Code
Welcome to the Y-2014 final revision of the AACC Christian Counseling Code of Ethics (herein referred toas the Code). This edition of the Code revises the 1998, 2000, 2001, and 2003 Provisional Codes,
supersedes and replaces those versions of the Code in their entirety.
With the publication of this Code on the AACC website—www.aacc.net—we publicly present our ethicalstandards to all U.S. American Association of Christian Counselors (ACCC) members, as well as thosemembers residing in or citizens of other nations. We also respectfully submit this document to the
Church at large, the helping professions, courts, legislatures, licensure and regulatory boards, and tomental health and health-care organizations everywhere.
Work on this Code has been continuous for over 20 years—since the AACC created the Law and Ethics
Committee in 1993. The 2004 Code has already been adopted, in whole or in part, in nearly two dozen
countries on every continent, and has been translated into Spanish, German, French, Korean and Dutch
languages. We prayerfully believe the revised 2014 Code will provide a solid foundation for a worldwide
statement of Christian counseling ethics and the basis of a 21st century global standard for Christiancounseling care.
The Holy Scriptures and the AACC Doctrinal Statement are foundational to this Code. Other professional
ethics codes, in alphabetical order, that were consulted for this revision include those from the:

American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT), including portions of the
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)



American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC)

American Counseling Association (ACA), including the Association for Counselor Education andSupervision (ACES—ACA related), and the Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values
in Counseling (ASERVIC—also ACA related)American Psychiatric Association (APiA)

American Psychological Association (APoA), including APoA General Guidelines for Providers of
Psychological ServicesChristian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS)National Association of Social Workers (NASW), including NASW Standards for the Private
Practice of Clinical Social WorkThe Society of Professionals in Dispute Resolution (SPDR)

Some rules regarding procedure, the resolution of conflicted values, and the detail in this document wassuggested by the legal profession’s Code of Professional Responsibility, as well as by selected court
cases, mental health license statutes, and licensure board administrative rules from California, Virginia,
Texas, Colorado, Florida, Minnesota, Washington, and New York.
Sincerely,
Eric Scalise, Ph.D., LPC, LMFT
Vice President for Professional Development

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APPLICABILITY OF THE CODE
All members of the AACC, as well as Christian counselors everywhere (both nationally andinternationally) are invited to fully adopt this AACC Code of Ethics in their work as Christianmental health practitioners, lay and pastoral counselors, ministers and chaplains, andcaregivers and helpers. This Code may inform and enlighten all Christian counselors, ministers
and caregivers, but is not strictly enforceable apart from its voluntary acceptance, use andintegration into counseling or ministry-related activities.
Ethics can be viewed as values in action or the practical rules and boundaries that guide our
professional and ministry behavior. Laws can be viewed as codified ethics, which are deemed so
important by the state or federal government that they have attached civil and criminal
penalties when these rules are violated.
The Code does however, represent a mandatory ethical standard for all individuals who elect tobecome credential holders through the International Board of Christian Care (IBCC) or one of its
affiliate boards: the Board of Christian Professional and Pastoral Counselors (BCPPC), the Boardof Christian Life Coaching (BCLC), the Board of Christian Crisis and Trauma Response (BCCTR),
and the Board of Professional Christian Mediators (BPCM)

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INTRODUCTION AND MISSION
The Code is designed to assist AACC members and other Christian counselors and caregivers tobetter serve their clients and congregants and to improve the work of Christian counselingworldwide.
The Mission of the AACC
The AACC is committed to assisting Christian counselors, the entire “community of care,”licensed professionals, pastors, and lay church members with little or no formal training. It is
our intention to equip clinical, pastoral, and lay caregivers with biblical truth and psychosocial
insights that minister to hurting persons and help them move to personal wholeness,interpersonal competence, mental stability, and spiritual maturity.
A New Code for an Emerging Profession
The Code is a comprehensive, detailed, and integrative synthesis of biblical, ethical, legal,
clinical, and systemic information. It was created this way because vaguely worded, contentlimited, and overly generalized codes, are insufficient for the complexities of the modern, 21stcentury counseling environment. A more comprehensive and behavior-specific ethical code isneeded for Christian counselors, as well as other mental health and ministerial professions,because of:
1. the mounting evidence of unprofessional and incompetent practices among Christiancounselors, including increasing complaints of client-parishioner harm;
2. the largely unprotected legal status of Christian counseling, including growing state
scrutiny, excessive litigation, and unrelenting legalization of professional ethics; and3. the vitality and growing maturity of Christian counseling—including its many theories
and approaches—indicating the need for an overarching ethical-legal template to guidethe ongoing development of biblical and empirically-sound Christian counseling models.
This Code—beyond defining the boundaries of unethical practice—affirmatively educatescounselors in the direction of becoming helpers of ethical excellence, capable of moreconsistently securing the best counseling outcomes. Four streams of influence are evident:
1. the Bible (both Old and New Testaments) and historic orthodox Christian theology;
2. accepted standards of counseling and clinical practice from Christian caregiving and theestablished mental health disciplines;
3. codes of ethics from other Christian and mental health professions; and4. current and developing standards derived from mental health and ministry-related law.

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The Mission of the CodeThe mission of this Code is to:
1. help advance the central mission of the AACC—to bring honor to Jesus Christ andpromote excellence and unity in Christian counseling;
2. promote the welfare and protect the dignity and fundamental rights of all individuals,
families, groups, churches, schools, agencies, ministries, and other organizations withwhom Christian counselors work;
3. provide standards of ethical conduct in Christian counseling that are to be advocatedand applied by the AACC and the IBCC, and are respected by other professionals andinstitutions; and4. provide an ethical framework from which to work in order to assure the dignity and careof every individual who seeks and receives services.
Uses and Limits of the CodeThis Code defines biblically-based values and universal behavioral standards for ethical
Christian counseling. The intent is for it to become a core document by which Christiancounselors, clients, and the Church oversee and evaluate Christian counselors and counselingvalues, goals, process, and effectiveness. Furthermore, the Code asserts a Christian counselingstandard of care that invites respect and application by the courts, the regulatory bodies ofchurch and state, insurance and managed care groups, other professions, and by society.
This Code should be seen as normative, but non-exhaustive. It provides a common definition ofawareness, knowledge and practice; however, it does not presume to be a complete picture of
Christian counseling nor does it necessarily cover all ethical issues. This Code outlines afoundation of preferred values and agreed professional behavior upon which Christiancounselors can shape their identity and build their work. It defines principles where practicediversity is acknowledged and encouraged, and also includes limits beyond which practicedeviance is not permitted or tolerated.
The Code is aspirational throughout the AACC and enforceable in the IBCC. It consists of four
major parts—Introduction and Mission, Biblical-Ethical Foundations, Ethical Standards, andProcedural Rules. From time-to-time, the AACC and the Law and Ethics Committee may draft
and offer Guidance Documents to further clarify specific standards of professional and/or
biblical conduct. The Code also aspires to define, in its Mission and the Biblical-EthicalFoundations statements, the best ideals and goals of Christian counseling. The Ethical Standards
and Procedural Rules are the codes of individual practice and organizational behavior that help
guide the AACC membership. These statements can be consulted in working out the problems
and dilemmas of ethics application and procedural rules interpretation.

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Concerning language, the Code endeavors to avoid pedantic, legalese, and sexist language, butalso avoids a radical inclusivism that de-sexes the name of God. Unless otherwise denoted, theterm “client” refers to clients, patients, congregants, parishioners, or helpees. “Counseling” isusually a generic reference to clinical, psychiatric, pastoral, and lay helping.
How the Code is Organized
A significant formatting change in the Y-2014 Code revision is to first define ethical standards
that pertain to the entire continuum of counselors and helpers and to then break out specificindividual sections that pertain first to licensed practitioners, and then to ministry-based
helpers (e.g., pastors, pastoral counselors, chaplains, and lay helpers). This is being done due toongoing confusion across the continuum and to better follow the logic of the IBCC’scredentialing mission and parameters. Additionally, an entirely new section has been addedthat addresses the ongoing development and use of technology in the helping process.
The Code is primarily organized along eight foundational pillars that form the basis for ethicaland Christ-centered practice. These Core Principles include:Compassion in Christian Counseling – A Call to ServanthoodCompetence in Christian Counseling – A Call to Excellence

Consent in Christian Counseling – A Call to IntegrityConfidentiality in Christian Counseling – A Call to Trustworthiness

Cultural Regard in Christian Counseling – A Call to DignityCase Management in Christian Counseling – A Call to SoundnessCollegiality in Christian Counseling – A Call to RelationshipCommunity Presence in Christian Counseling – A Call to Humility

Grace for the Task Ahead
This is a dynamic Code, one that will anchor the mission of the AACC and retain some elements
without change, but one that will also live and grow with the life and growth of the Associationand its membership. The Code calls for a lifelong commitment to ethical, competent andexcellent service, while challenging its adherents to encourage ethical behavior amongcolleagues, churches, organizations, and communities. The sincere prayer of the AACC
leadership team, Executive Board and the Law and Ethics Committee, is that God would give
grace to adopt this Code professionally, the strength to live it honorably, and the hope to see it
as a foundation of common identity and corporate unity.

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BIBLICAL-ETHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF THE AACC ETHICS CODE*
1st FOUNDATION:

Jesus Christ—and His revelation in the Old and New Testaments of the
Bible as the inspired Word of God—is the pre-eminent model for Christiancounseling practice, ethics, caregiving activities and the final authority for
all matters about which it speaks.

2nd FOUNDATION:

Christian counseling maintains a committed, intimate, and dedicatedrelationship with the worldwide church, and individual counselors with alocal body of believers.

3rd FOUNDATION:

Christian counseling, at its best, is a Spirit-led process of change,transformation and growth, geared to help others mature in Christ by theskillful synthesis of counselor-assisted spiritual, psychosocial, familial, biomedical, and environmental interventions.

4th FOUNDATION:

Christian counselors are dedicated to Jesus Christ as their “first love,” toexcellence in client service, to ethical integrity in practice, and to respectfor everyone encountered.

5th FOUNDATION:

Christian counselors accord the highest respect to biblical revelation
regarding the sanctity and defense of human life, the dignity of humanpersonhood, and the sanctity of marriage and family life.

6th FOUNDATION:

The biblical and constitutional rights to Religious Freedom, Free Speech,
and Free Association, protect Christian counselor public identity, and the
explicit incorporation of spiritual practices into all forms of counseling andintervention.

7th FOUNDATION:

Christian counselors are mindful of their representation of Christ and His
church as Ambassadors of Reconciliation and are dedicated to honor theircommitments and obligations in all social and professional relationships.

* NOTE – This statement of “Biblical-Ethical Foundations” is not a Doctrinal Statement, nor is it
intended to substitute for one. The AACC Doctrinal Statement is a separate standard thatreflects the baseline religious beliefs and biblical commitments of AACC members. However,these seven foundation statements are implicitly rooted in the AACC Doctrinal Statement.
Furthermore, when combined with the Scriptures, the AACC Doctrinal Statement, and thestatement of “Introduction and Mission,” this section stands as the baseline ethics policy thatwill ground this Code, assist the search for clear meaning and common interpretation, andguide the resolution of disputed applications of ethical standards and procedural rules.

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ETHICAL STANDARDS
I. ETHICAL STANDARDS FOR ALL CHRISTIAN COUNSELORS
ES1-000: A Judeo-Christian Worldview – Practicing through Faith and Values
This Code—and all who follow it—incorporates a Judeo-Christian worldview and meta-ethic,
one that is derived from both special revelation (recognizing that Jesus Christ is God-come-inthe-flesh) and general revelation (acknowledging that science and the great arts of humanity
also speak a certain measure of truth) as revealed in the 66 books of the Holy Bible. Christiancounselors are rooted in this Revelation and consider the Bible to be the final authoritativebasis for faith, values and all ethics and interventions.
1-010: Affirming Human Worth and Dignity
Christian counselors recognize and uphold the inherent, God-given worth and dignity of
every human person, from the preborn to those on death’s bed. Human beings are God’s
creation and consequently, are due all the rights, respect and ordered logic that this fact of
creation entails. Therefore, Christian counselors express appropriate care towards any client,
service-inquiring person, or anyone encountered in the course of practice or ministry, without
regard to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual behavior or orientation, socioeconomic status, age,disability, marital status, education, occupation, denomination, belief system, values, or
political affiliation. God’s love is unconditional and, at this level of concern, so must that be of
the Christian counselor.
1-020: An Orientation of Beneficence
Christian counselors operate first and foremost from a position of beneficence andendeavor to approach the therapeutic alliance in light of the scriptural admonishments found in
the following passages: (1) Galatians 6:2 – “Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill thelaw of Christ;” (2) Galatians 6:10 – “So then, while we have an opportunity, let us do good to all
people, and especially to those in the household of faith;” and (3) Philippians 2:3-5 – “Donothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as
more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, butalso for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.”

ES1-100: Compassion in Christian Counseling – A Call to Servanthood
Christian counselors acknowledge that the primary rule of professional-ministerial ethicalconduct is: First, do no harm to those who are served.
1-110: No Harm or Exploitation Allowed
Christian counselors proactively avoid every manner of harm, exploitation, and unjust
discrimination in all client-congregant relations, and help ensure the overall safety and wellbeing of clients. Christian counselors are also aware of their psychosocial and spiritual influenceand the inherent power imbalance of helping relationships—power dynamics that can harm
others, even without harmful intent.
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1-110-a: Avoidance of Client Harm, Intended or Not
Christian counselors strictly avoid all behavior or suggestion of practice thatharms or reasonably could harm clients, client families, client social systems andrepresentatives, students, trainees, supervisees, employees, colleagues, andthird-party payers and authorizers.
1-110-b: Managing Client Conflicts
Christian counselors acknowledge that client conflicts are unavoidable andattempt to resolve all counseling conflicts in the client's best interest. Counselors
tempted to respond in harmful ways to clients shall seek out consultative andrestorative help. If self-control is not accomplished—and client harm isunavoidable—counselors shall consider making an appropriate referral in theclient’s best interest.
1-110-c: Action Regarding Clients Harmed by Other Helpers
Christian counselors take appropriate action against the harmful behavior ofother counselors and pastors. They will act assertively to challenge or expose
those who exploit others, especially those who are most vulnerable and/or atrisk, and protect clients against harm wherever it is found, taking care to honorand support client decision-making regarding curative action against violators.
1-120: Refusal to Participate in the Harmful Actions of Clients
Christian counselors do not condone, advocate for, or assist the harmful actions ofclients, especially those that imperil human life, and agree the protection of human life isalways a priority value in any professional or ministerial intervention. Clients who do or intend
harm are not to be abandoned and should continue to be served in these troubles, so far as it ishumanly possible.
1-120-a: Application to Deadly and Threatening Behavior
Christian counselors do not condone, advocate for, or assist the suicidal,
homicidal, or assaultive/abusive harm done to self or others by clients, includingthat which is threatened by verbal or other means. An affirmative ethical duty
shall be assumed to prudently intervene for the sake of protecting life, andunder certain conditions, to report deadly threats to the proper authorities andthose threatened by clients.
1-120-b: Application to Substance Abuse and Other Addictive Behaviors
Christian counselors do not condone, advocate for, or assist substance abuse orother behavioral/process addictions by clients, recognizing and accepting thedistinction between drug dependence and addiction. Support or assistance toclients may be given for limited periods of time in the use of necessary drugs—
even those from which dependencies may occur—when medically justified andunder a physician’s supervision.

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1-120-c: Application to Abortion
Christian counselors do not condone or advocate for abortion or the abortionrelated activities of clients, especially when the life of the fetus and/or motherare not at risk or in jeopardy. Counselors will consider and inform clients ofpotential adverse consequences (emotional and psychological consequences
including any increased risk of depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation), as well
as alternative means to abortion, recognizing the client will ultimately be
responsible for the decision that is made. As far as it is possible, counselors willcontinue to serve clients and work compassionately with them throughout apregnancy, whenever abortion is being considered and/or whenever emotional
and psychological post-abortion consequences may result from a particulardecision.
1-120-d: Application to Separation and Divorce
Christian counselors do not directly advocate for or assume the decision forclient divorce, but may assist clients in understanding biblical parameters, andanalyzing and making decisions to separate and/or divorce—recognizing that thedecision to divorce always resides with the client. Christian counselors working indivorce mediation are careful to communicate that such work is not anendorsement of divorce, but rather, a decision to offer an alternative choice toadversarial litigation and its destructive family impact whenever divorce isinevitable.
1-120-e Application to Premarital and Extramarital Sexual Behavior
Christian counselors do not condone or advocate for the pursuit of or active
involvement in premarital and/or extra-marital sexual behavior by clients,
acknowledging that sex is part of God’s good creation and a gift when confined
to one man and one woman within the boundaries of marriage. Counselors may
agree to and support the client’s desire to work through issues related to sexual
behavior, identity, and attractions, but will encourage sexual celibacy orbiblically-prescribed sexual behavior while such issues are being addressed.
1-120-f: Application to Homosexual, Bisexual and Transgendered Behavior
Christian counselors do not condone or advocate for the pursuit of or active
involvement in homosexual, bisexual or transgendered behaviors and lifestyles.
Counselors may agree to and support the desire to work through issues ofhomosexual and transgendered identity and attractions, but will not describe or
reduce human identity and nature to sexual orientation or reference, and willencourage sexual celibacy or biblically-prescribed sexual behavior while such
issues are being addressed. Counselors acknowledge the client’s fundamental
right to self-determination and further understand that deeply held religious
values and beliefs may conflict with same-sex attraction and/or behavior,
resulting in anxiety, depression, stress, and inner turmoil.

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1-120-g: Application to Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
Christian counselors do not condone or advocate for active forms of euthanasia
and assisted suicide, but may agree to and support the wish not to prolong life
by artificial means, and will often advocate for hospice care, more effective
application of medicine, and other reasonable means to reduce pain andsuffering. Regarding patients or clients who wish to die, counselors will notdeliver, nor advocate for, nor support the use of drugs or devices to be utilized
for the purpose of ending a client’s life. So long as there are no other reasonable
methods to alleviate such pain and suffering, the counselor is free to support,
advocate for, and participate in aggressive pain management in accordance withsound medical practice, and with the informed consent of the patient or thepatient’s authorized representative.
1-130: Sexual Misconduct Forbidden
Christian counselors refrain from all forms of sexual misconduct with clients inprofessional, pastoral or lay relationships, and view such behavior as unethical and forbidden.
This includes any kind of sexual exploitation, abuse, deception, manipulation, harassment,
relationships where the sexual involvement is invited, and relationships where informed
consent presumably exists. Due to the inherent power imbalance of helping relationships, aswell as biblical principles related to sexual behavior outside of marriage, such apparent consent
is considered illusory and illegitimate. Forbidden sexual activities and deceptions include, but
are not limited to: (1) direct sexual touch or contact; (2) seductive sexual speech or non-verbal
behavior; (3) solicitation of sexual or romantic relations; (4) erotic contact or behavior as a
response to the sexual invitation or seductive behavior of clients; (5) unnecessary questioning
and/or excessive probing into the client's sexual history and practices; (6) inappropriate
counselor disclosures of client attractiveness, sexual opinions, or sexual humor; (7) advocacy ofthe healing value of counselor-client sexual relations; (8) secretive sexual communications andanonymous virtual interaction via the Internet, sexting or other electronic and informational
means; (9) sexual harassment by comments, touch, or promises/threats of special action; and(10) sexual misconduct as defined by all applicable laws, ethics, and church, organizational, or
practice policies.
1-130-a: Sexual Relations with Former Clients Forbidden
Christian counselors refrain from all sexual behaviors and/or relationships as
defined in 1-130 above with regard to former clients, and view such behavior as
unethical and forbidden. Furthermore, counselors do not purposely terminate
and refer clients or parishioners, even at first contact, in order to pursue sexualor romantic relationships.
1-130-b: Counseling with Marital/Sexual Partners
Christian counselors do not counsel with current or former sexual and/or marital
partners, but make an appropriate referral.

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1-130-c: Marriage with Former Clients/Patients
Since marriage is deemed to be honorable before God, Christian counselors may
consider marriage with a former client (though it is not advisable in mostcircumstances), so long as the following parameters are met: (1) counseling
relations were properly terminated, and not for the purpose of pursuing
marriage or a romantic relationship; (2) the client is fully informed that any
further counseling must be done by another; (3) there is no harm or exploitationof the client or the client’s family as a result of a different relationship with thecounselor; and (4) the marriage takes place no less than three years after thetermination of a counseling or helping relationship.
1-140: Dual and Multiple Relationships
Dual relationships involve the breakdown of proper professional or ministerialboundaries. A dual relationship exists when two or more roles are mixed in a manner that canharm the counseling relationship and/or the therapeutic process. This includes counseling, as
well as personal, fraternal, business, financial, or sexual and romantic relationships. Not all dual
relationships are necessarily unethical—it is client exploitation that is wrong, not the dual
relationship in and of itself. However, it remains the responsibility of the counselor to monitor
and evaluate any potential harm to clients.
1-140-a: The Rule of Dual Relationships
While in a counseling relationship, or when counseling relationships become
imminent, or for an appropriate time after the termination of counseling,
Christian counselors do not engage in dual relationships with clients. Some dual
relationships are always avoided—sexual or romantic relations, and counselingclose friends, family members, employees, business partners/associates orsupervisees. Other dual relationships should be presumed as potentiallytroublesome and avoided wherever possible.
1-140-b: Proving an Exception to the Rule
Christian counselors have the primary burden of proof for a justified dual
relationship by showing: (1) informed consent, including discussion of how thecounseling relationship might be harmed as other aspects of the relationshipproceed; and (2) lack of harm or exploitation to the client. As a general rule, allclose relationships are unethical if they become counselor-client or formal lay
helping relationships. Dual relationships may be allowable, requiring justificationby the foregoing rule, if the client is an arms-length acquaintance and/or the
relationship is not a close one.
1-140-c: Counseling with Family, Friends, and Acquaintances
Christian counselors do not provide counseling to family members or closefriends, as dual relationships with other family members, acquaintances, andfraternal, club, association, or group members, are potentially troublesome andbest avoided, otherwise requiring justification.

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1-140-d: Business and Economic Relations
Christian counselors avoid partnerships, employment relationships, and closebusiness associations with clients. Barter relationships in exchange for renderedtherapeutic services should be avoided as potentially troublesome, and requirejustification; therefore if done, barter should be considered a rare anduncommon occurrence. Unless justified by compelling necessity, customer
relationships with clients are normally avoided.
1-140-e: Receiving Gifts
Christian counselors recognize that sometimes and for certain cultures, a gift,
when it is given, is a token of respect and a way of showing gratitude to acounselor. Prior to accepting a gift, counselors consider the cultural narrative of
the client, the monetary value of the gift, and any therapeutic implications.
1-140-f: Counseling with Fellow Church Members
Christian counselors do not provide counseling to fellow church members withwhom they have close personal, business, or shared ministry relations. Dualrelationships with any other church members who are clients are potentiallytroublesome and best avoided, otherwise requiring justification. Pastors andchurch staff helpers should take all reasonable precautions to limit the adverse
impact of any dual relationships.
1-140-g: Termination to Engage in Dual Relations Prohibited
Christian counselors do not terminate counseling for the purpose of engaging indual relationships of any kind. Some counselors and their former clients may
agree that any future counseling will be done by another provider if, after
legitimate termination and no identified risks of potential harm to the client,
they decide to pursue another form of relationship.

ES1-200: Competence in Christian Counseling – A Call to Excellence
In addition to being distinctly Christian, faith-based counselors must also uphold a strong
commitment to clinical and professional excellence. Competence makes truthful and realistic
statements about the caregiver and the caregiving process, keeps pace with relevant researchin the field, demonstrates awareness of limitations, avoids dishonest or exaggerated claims,
incorporates accountability when there is awareness of hindering personal issues, and makes
needed and appropriate referrals.
1-210: Honoring the Call to Competent Christian Counseling
Christian counselors maintain the highest standards of competence with integrity,
knowing and respecting the boundaries of competence, both personally and with others.
1-210-a: Knowledge of Standards
Christian counselors who choose to adhere to the AACC Christian Counseling
Code of Ethics, have a responsibility to read, understand and follow the Code, as
well as comply with applicable state/federal laws and regulations.
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1-210-b: Recognizing Limits of Competence
Christian counselors do not offer services or work beyond the limits of theircompetence or scope of practice (i.e., education, knowledge, training andprofessional/ministerial experience), and do not aid or abet the work of Christiancounseling by untrained, unqualified, or unethical practitioners or helpers.
1-220: Duties to Study and Maintain Expertise
Christian counselors keep abreast of and, whenever possible, contribute to newresearch, knowledge, issues, and resources in Christian counseling and their respective fields.
Counselors maintain an active program of personal/professional growth, study, and continuing
education to improve helping effectiveness, biblical integration and ethical practice. They alsoseek out specialized training, supervision and/or advanced certification/credentialing if theychoose to gain expertise in a particular area and before practicing and advertising in recognizedspecialty areas of counseling and clinical practice.
1-230: Maintaining Integrity in Work, Reports, and Relationships
Christian counselors maintain the highest standards of integrity in all their work, in
professional reports, and in all professional relationships. Counselors delegate to employees,
supervisees, and other subordinates only that work these persons can competently perform,
meeting the client's best interests and done with appropriate supervision.
1-240: Duties to Consult and/or Refer
Christian counselors consult with and/or refer to competent colleagues, supervisors andother resources when their limits of counseling competence or effectiveness are reached as
described by the following: (1) when facing issues not dealt with before or not experienced inhandling; (2) when clients need further help outside the scope of one’s training, practice andexpertise; (3) when either counselor or clients are feeling stuck in the therapeutic process orconfused about counseling goals and neither party is clear about how to proceed; (4) whenclients are deteriorating or making no realistic gain over a number of sessions; (5) when clients
present an actual or imminent danger to harm themselves (e.g., severe depression, suicidal
intent/behaviors, running away, excessive substance abuse, severe eating disorders, etc.); (6)when clients present an actual or imminent danger to others (e.g., extreme hostility,
aggression, violence or threats thereof); when clients experience a marked decline in the ability
to care for themselves and function in day-to-day life, whether at home, school or in theworkplace setting; (7) when the client’s excessive alcohol or substance abuse/dependence will
require detoxification; (8) when the client’s reality testing is severely impaired to the extent
that judgment, orientation, emotions, and/or memory is disordered (e.g., delusions,visual/auditory hallucinations, dissociation, severe bipolar cycles, etc.); (9) when there is astrong transference or countertransference dynamic that seems at an impasse despite
attempts to address the issue; (10) when the possibility of a dual relationship exists or arises;and (11) when the client asks for a referral to another counselor or caregiver.

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1-250: Consultation Practice
When counseling help is needed, and with client consent, consultation may be
attempted first, when in the client’s best interests and secondly, to improve the helper’s
knowledge and skill where some competence exists. Counselors shall take all reasonable action
to apply consultative help to the case in order to gain/maintain reasonable progress towardclient objectives. The consultant shall maintain a balanced concern for the client discussed andthe practice/education needs of the consultee, directing the counselor-consultee to further
training or special resources, if needed.
1-250-a: Referral Practice
Referrals should be made in situations where the client’s needs are beyond thecounselor’s ability or scope of practice or when consultation is inappropriate,
unavailable, or unsuccessful. Referrals should be offered only after the client isprovided with informed choices among referral sources. As much as possible,
counselors referred to shall honor prior commitments between client andreferring counselor, organization or church.
1-250-b: Seeking Christian Help, If Available
When consultation and referral services that advocate and support a JudeoChristian worldview are requested by the client, Christian counselors first seekout the best faith-based help available at a higher level of knowledge, skill, andexpertise. If Christian-oriented help is not available, or when professional skill ismore important than the practitioner’s religious beliefs, counselors shall use theentire network of professional services available.
1-250-c: Avoid Counsel against Professional Treatment
Christian counselors do not counsel or advise against professional counseling,
medical or psychiatric treatment, the use of medications, legal counsel, or otherforms of professional service merely because they believe such practice is wrong
or because the provider may not have a Christian orientation.
1-260: Protective Action When Personal Problems Interfere
Christian counselors acknowledge that sin, illnesses, mental disorders, interpersonal
crises, distress, and self-deception, still influence personal well-being and practice—and thatthese problems can adversely affect clients and parishioners. When it is realized or highly likelythat personal problems may incapacitate or bring potential harm to one’s clients, Christiancounselors will refrain from or reduce those particular professional-ministerial activities thatare or could be harmful.
1-260-a: Accountability
Christian counselors seek out regular, ongoing and reasonable accountability
relationships in order to maintain competent and ethical practice, as well as
attend to personal well-being. During times of incapacity or where professional
competence is compromised, the counselor will seek out and use those
reparative resources that allow for problem resolution and a return to a fully
functioning role, if possible.
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ES1-300: Consent in Christian Counseling – A Call to Integrity
The fundamental right of client self-determination is a foundational pillar for counselors andtheir clients. Consent allows for the counselor to operate transparently and with integrity, andfor the client to make an informed and voluntary decision to engage in the helping process.
1-310: Securing Informed Consent
Christian counselors secure client consent for all counseling and related services prior to
the initiation of care or services. This includes the video/audio-taping of client sessions, the useof supervisory and consultative help, the application of special procedures and evaluations, andthe communication of client data with other professionals and institutions. Counselors takecare that: (1) the client has the capacity to give consent; (2) that counseling has been discussed
together with the client and that the client reasonably understands the nature and process ofcounseling; the costs, time, and work required; the limits of counseling; and any appropriate
alternatives; and (3) the client freely gives consent to counseling, without coercion or undue
influence.
1-320: Consent for the Structure and Process of Counseling
Christian counselors respect the need for informed consent regarding the structure andprocess of counseling. At the onset of counseling, counselors and clients should discuss andagree upon the following: (1) the nature and course of counseling, including expectations; (2)client issues and goals; (3) potential problems and risks, as well as reasonable alternatives tocounseling; (4) counselor status and credentials (If the counselor is under supervision, that fact
shall be disclosed and the supervisor's name and role indicated to the client); (5) confidentiality
and its limits; (6) fees and financial procedures; (7) limitations about time and access to thecounselor, including directions in emergency situations; and (8) procedures for resolution of
disputes and misunderstandings.
1-320-a: Consent from Parent, Legal Guardian or Client Representative
Christian counselors obtain consent from parents or the client's legallyauthorized guardian or representative when clients are minors or adults who arelegally incapable of informed judgment or giving consent (e.g., severely,
emotionally or intellectually disabled, organically impaired, those who are
actively psychotic, elderly with significant Alzheimer’s/dementia, etc.).
1-320-b: Documentation of Consent
Christian counselors document client consent in writing by professional service
agreement, contract or consent form.
1-320-c: Negligent or Harmful Practices
Christian counselors do not allow clients to unknowingly or unwittingly consent
to negligent or harmful caregiving practices, especially those that involve dual
relationships with the counselor.

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1-330: Consent for Biblical and Spiritual Practices in Counseling
Christian counselors do not presume that all clients want or will be receptive to explicit,
spiritual Judeo-Christian interventions in counseling and therefore, obtain consent that honors
client choice, receptivity to these practices, and the timing and manner in which these elements
are introduced. This includes, but is not limited to the following: (1) prayer for and with clients;(2) Bible reading and reference; (3) spiritual meditation; (4) the use of biblical and religious
imagery or music; (5) assistance with spiritual formation and discipline; (6) incorporation of
fasting in the treatment plan as a spiritual discipline; and (7) other common spiritual practices.
1-340: Special Consent for More Difficult Interventions
Christian counselors obtain close or special consent for more difficult and potentiallycontroversial practices. These include, but are not limited to: (1) deliverance and spiritual
warfare activities; (2) cult deprogramming work; (3) recovering memories and the treatment of
past abuse or trauma; (4) the use of hypnosis and any kind of induction of altered states; (5)authorizing (by medical doctors) medications, electro-convulsive therapy, or patient restraints;(6) the use of aversive, involuntary, or experimental therapies; and (7) engaging clients who arestruggling with same sex attraction, crisis pregnancy/abortion decision-making and/or end-oflife issues.
1-340-a: Additional Documentation Required
The above listed interventions require a more detailed discussion with clients
and/or client representatives regarding specific procedures, risks, and treatment
alternatives, and a detailed written consent agreement for the procedure should
be obtained.
1-350: Changes in the Counselor’s Role
Christian counselors recognize their role in the helping process can change or transition
from time-to-time (e.g., from individual counselor to marital/family counselor or vice versa;
from evaluator, researcher, mediator or life coach to counselor or vice versa; etc.). Counselors
secure new and/or additional informed consent that is congruent with any new therapeuticrole, as well as discuss the benefits and the risks inherent in the transition.

ES1-400: Confidentiality in Christian Counseling – A Call to Trustworthiness
Confidentiality recognizes that every client has a fundamental, moral and legal right to privacy
and to have a wide range of personal thoughts, opinions, beliefs and behaviors that areprotected from public knowledge. The therapeutic alliance between counselor and client isenhanced whenever there is an environment that offers an appropriate level of confidentiality,
privacy and safety. This dynamic helps promote strong and effective trust relationships and isan essential factor in facilitating self-disclosure and the potential for personal, relational, andspiritual growth and wholeness.

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1-410: Maintaining Client Confidentiality
Christian counselors maintain client confidentiality, privacy and privileged
communication to the fullest extent allowed by law, professional regulations and ethics, andchurch or organizational rules. Confidential client communications include all verbal, written,
telephonic, audio or videotaped, electronic, or Internet and web-based communications arising
within the helping relationship. Apart from consented to, regulatory, mandatory or legallyrequired disclosure, counselors shall not break confidentiality regarding client communications
without first discussing the intended disclosure and securing written consent from the client orclient representative.
1-410-a: Discussing the Limits of Confidentiality
Clients should be informed about both the counselor’s commitment toconfidentiality and its limits before engaging in counseling. Christian counselors
avoid stating or implying that confidentiality is guaranteed or absolute, anddiscuss the limits of confidentiality, privacy and privileged communication withclients at the onset of counseling.
1-420: Asserting Confidentiality or Privilege Following Demands for Disclosure
Protecting confidential communications, including the assertion of privilege in the faceof legal or court subpoenas, shall be the first response of Christian counselors to demands orrequests for client communications and records.
1-420-a: Disclosure of Confidential Client Communications
Christian counselors disclose only that client information they have written
permission from the client to disclose or that which is required by legal or ethicalmandates. Counselors shall maintain confidentiality of client information,
outside the bounds of that narrowly required parameter, to fulfill the disclosureand shall limit disclosures only to those individuals having a direct professional
interest in the case.
1-420-b: The Client as the Holder of the Privilege
Christian counselors understand that disclosure of all client communications(other than those required by regulatory, mandated or legal standards), is at thediscretion of the client or the client’s legal representative and that clients may
both consent to the release of information or revoke consent at any point in thecounseling process.
1-420-c: Subpoenas
In the face of a subpoena, Christian counselors neither deny nor immediately
comply with disclosure demands, but should assert privilege in order to give theclient sufficient time to consult with an attorney to direct disclosures.
1-430: Protecting Persons from Deadly Harm – The Rule of Mandatory Disclosure
Christian counselors accept the limits of confidentiality when human life is imperiled orabused. Counselors take appropriate action, including necessary disclosures of confidential

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information, to protect life in the face of client threats (e.g., suicide, homicide, serious bodily
harm to others, life-threatening disease, and/or the abuse of children, elders, and dependent
persons).
1-430-a: The Duty to Protect Others
The duty to take protective action is triggered when the counselor: (1) has
reasonable suspicion, as specified in state and/or federal statute, that a minor
child (under 18 years), elder person (65 years and older), or dependent adult(regardless of age) has been harmed by the client or has been perpetrated upon
the client; or (2) has direct client admissions of serious and imminent suicidal
threats; or (3) has direct client admissions of harmful acts or threatened actionthat is serious, imminent, and attainable against a clearly identified third person
or group of persons.
1-430-b: Guidelines to Ethical Disclosure and Protective Action
Action to protect life, whether regarding a client or a third-person, shall be thatwhich is reasonably necessary to stop or forestall deadly or harmful action in thepresent situation. This could involve hospitalizing the client, intensifying clinicalintervention to the degree necessary to reasonably protect against harmful
action, consultation and referral with other professionals, or disclosure of harmor threats to law enforcement, protective services, identifiable third-persons,and/or family members able to help with protective action.
1-430-c: Special Guidelines When Violence is Threatened against Others
Action to protect third persons from client violence may involve or—in statesthat have a third-person protection (Tarasoff) duty—require disclosure ofimminent harm to the intended victim, to their family or close friends, and to law
enforcement. When child abuse, elder abuse or abuse of dependent adults
exists, as defined by state law, Christian counselors shall report to child or elder
protective services, or to any designated agency established for protective
services as required by applicable law and regulatory requirements. Counselors
shall also attempt to defuse the situation and/or take preventive action bywhatever means are available and appropriate. When clients threaten serious
and imminent homicide or violence against an identifiable third-person,
counselors shall inform appropriate law enforcement, and/or medical-crisis
personnel, and the at-risk person or close family member of the threat, except
when precluded by compelling circumstances or by state law. When the client
threat is serious but not imminent, the counselor shall take preventive clinicalaction that seeks to forestall any further escalation of threat toward violent
behavior.
1-440: Disclosures for Supervision, Consultation, Teaching, Preaching, and PublicationCounselors under supervision will disclose that fact to their clients, and adequately
disguise client identifiers by various means when presenting cases in group or public forums
Christian counselors do not disclose confidential client communications in any supervisory,

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consultation, teaching, preaching, publishing, or other activity without written or other legal
authorization by the client.. Counselors do not presume that disguise alone is sufficient client
protection, but will consider seeking client authorization when client identity is hard to conceal.
1-450: Maintaining Privacy and Preserving Written Records
Christian counselors will preserve, store, and transfer written records of client
communications in a way that protects client confidentiality and privacy rights, and as may berequired by state/federal law. This requires, at minimum, keeping records and files in locked
storage with access given only to those persons with a direct professional interest in thematerials and with proper consent and authorization, as well as by applicable state and/or
regulatory requirements.
1-460: Advocacy for Privacy Rights Against Intrusive Powers
Christian counselors hear the most private and sensitive details of a client’s life—
information that must be zealously guarded from public disclosure. Rapidly expanding
and interlocking electronic information networks increasingly threaten client privacy
rights. Accordingly, counselors wisely protect and assertively advocate for privacy
protection on behalf of their clients against the pervasive intrusion of personal,
corporate, governmental, and even religious powers.

ES1-500: Cultural Regard in Christian Counseling – A Call to Dignity
Cultural, ethnic and racial diversity are important factors for consideration in the delivery ofcounseling related services. Cultural competency signifies a minimal level of knowledge andawareness that represents such things as the values, norms, and traditions of another that
influence perception, thoughts, attitudes, beliefs, identity, communication, relational dynamics,
behaviors, life experiences, customs, spirituality and the understanding of the cause,
symptomology and remedy of human problems.
1-510: Affirming the Worth and Value of Others
Christian counselors recognize and acknowledge that all people have been created in
the image of a Holy God and therefore, all clients have an innate right to be valued andrespected, to receive ethical care, and to be treated with the utmost dignity.
1-520: Cultural Competency
Christian counselors earnestly strive to develop and maintain culturally competentawareness and practices such as, but not limited to: (1) awareness of one’s personal worldview
and its impact on the counseling process; (2) knowledge of various cultural practices andworldviews, including those that may conflict with a Judeo-Christian worldview; and (3) crosscultural sensitivity and skills that enhance the helping process.
1-530: Working with Persons of Different Faiths, Religions, and Values
Counselors work to understand the client's belief system, always maintain respect forthe client and strive to understand when faith and values issues are important to the client and

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foster values-informed client decision-making in counseling. Counselors share their own faithorientation only as a function of legitimate self-disclosure and when appropriate to client need,always maintaining a posture of humility. Christian counselors do not withhold services toanyone of a different race, ethnic group, faith, religion, denomination, or value system.
1-530-a: Not Imposing Values
While Christian counselors may expose clients and/or the community at large totheir faith orientation, they do not impose their religious beliefs or practices onclients.
1-540: Cultural Sensitivity
Christian counselors proactively communicate with clients in a culturally sensitive
manner, especially when obtaining consent, defining the scope of care, during assessment andevaluation procedures (including instruments that are selected), and addressing any
developmental and/or linguistic issues that may be present.
1-550: Action if Value Differences Interfere with Counseling
Christian counselors work to resolve problems—always in the client's best interest—
when differences between counselor and client values become too great and adversely affectthe counseling process. This may include: (1) discussion of the issue as a therapeutic matter; (2)renegotiation of the counseling agreement; (3) consultation with a supervisor or trusted
colleague or; as a last resort (4) referral to another counselor if the differences cannot be
reduced or bridged (and then only in compliance with applicable state and federal law and/or
regulatory requirements).

ES1-600: Case Management in Christian Counseling – A Call to Soundness
Comprehensive and thorough case management always considers the whole person—
biologically, psychologically, emotionally, cognitively, socially, culturally, relationally andspiritually. It requires a thoughtful and systematic coordination of needed services that are in
the best interests of the client, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, care
implementation, ongoing therapeutic review, and discharge and aftercare coordination.
Soundness for Christian counselors implies the use of empirically validated and evidence-based
treatments that also integrate biblical principles.
1-610: Treatment Planning
Christian counselors actively involve clients in the treatment planning process and indoing so, identify potential support systems and resources that may be engaged, and which aresensitive to sociocultural dynamics.
1-610-a: Treatment Plan Considerations and Principles
Treatment plans are developed utilizing the following principles: (1) based on theclient’s presenting problem(s) and/or issue(s); (2) promote a sense of client
ownership; (3) incorporate the results of any assessment and diagnostic work;(4) based on client strengths; (5) identify clear treatment goals and parameters
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with specific objectives; (6) ensure that whenever possible, treatment goals andobjectives are attainable, behavioral and measureable; (7) are sensitive tosociocultural factors and seek to treat clients within the confines of his/herworldview; and (8) provide ongoing case review and adjustments as needed.
1-620: Case Notes and Proper Record-keeping
Christian counselors maintain appropriate documentation of their counseling activities,
adequate for competent recall of prior sessions and the provision of later services by oneself orothers. Records used in legal and other official capacities will show the quality, detail,objectivity, and timeliness of production expected by professionals who practice in these
arenas.
1-620-a: Client Record Composition
Protected client information should be collectively maintained in an appropriate
file and includes, but is not limited to: (1) client service agreement or contract
for services; (2) all necessary consent forms; (3) assessments and assessment
results; (4) treatment plan documentation; (5) case notes, including non-session
communication with clients, family members and other pertinent contacts; (6)record of service dates and fees/remuneration (where applicable); (7) relevantcorrespondence and documents from the client or outside sources; and (8)discharge and aftercare planning.
1-620-a: Records Maintenance and Ownership
Records of professional activities will be created, maintained, stored, anddisposed of in accordance with the law and the ethical duties of the counselor,with an emphasis on preserving client confidentiality. Typically, original client
records belong to an employing organization or to the therapist/caregiver in a
private, group practice, agency or organization. Due to the expanding right ofclient record access and the ethic of continuity of care, client records may follow
the client, pending appropriate consent for the release of confidential
information.
1-630: Working with Couples, Families, and Groups
Christian counselors often work with multiple persons in session—marriage couples,families or parts of families, partners and small groups—and should know when these forms ofcounseling are preferred over or used as an adjunct to individual counseling. In these
relationships counselors should identify a primary client—the group as a unit or the individual
members—and discuss how differing roles, counseling goals, confidentiality and consent issues
are affected by these dynamics.
1-630-a: Safety and Integrity in Family and Group Counseling
Christian counselors maintain their role as fair, unbiased, and effective helpers inall marital, family, partner and group work, and should remain accessible to all
persons, avoiding enmeshed alliances and taking sides unjustly. Counselors also
respect the boundary between constructive confrontation and verbal abuse

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within group, marital/partner and family relationships, and will take reasonableprecautions to protect client members from any physical, psychological,
emotional or verbal abuse from other members.
1-630-b: Confidentiality in Family and Group Counseling
Christian counselors do not promise or guarantee confidentiality among clientsin marital, family, partner and group counseling, but rather explain the problems
and limits of keeping confidences in these modes of therapy and avoid the roleof keeping secrets. Counselors communicate the importance of confidentiality
and encourage family or group members to honor this principle, as well as
include discussion of consequences for its breach. Christian counselors also do
not share confidences by one family or group member to others without
permission or prior agreement, unless maintaining the secret will likely lead tograve and serious harm to a family member or someone else.
1-630-c: Avoiding and Resolving Role Conflicts
If/when Christian counselors are asked to perform conflicting roles with possible
unethical consequences (e.g., pressure to keep “secrets” or called to testify as anadverse witness in a client’s divorce or custody hearing), they should clarify their
therapeutic, neutral, and mediation role and/or decline to serve in a conflicted
capacity, if possible. Counselors may consider contracting for professional
neutrality at the beginning of the helping process, securing client agreement not
to have oneself or one’s records subpoenaed or deposed in any legal proceeding.
1-630-d: Screening for Group Work
Christian counselors provide appropriate screening and assessment of client
readiness and efficacy for participation in group counseling prior to the onset of
the group process.
1-640: Continuity of Care and Service Interruption
Christian counselors maintain continuity of care for all clients and avoid interruptions inservice to clients that are too lengthy or disruptive. Care is taken to refer clients as necessaryand network with other professionals and resources to provide emergency services when facedwith counselor vacations, illnesses, job changes, financial hardships, or for any other reason
where services are interrupted or limited.
1-640-a: Avoiding Abandonment and Improper Counseling Termination
Christian counselors do not abandon clients. To the extent the counselor is able,client services are never abruptly cut-off or ended without giving appropriate
notice and adequately preparing the client for termination and/or referral.
1-640-b: Termination of Counseling
Discussion and action toward counseling termination and/or referral is indicatedwhen: (1) counseling goals have been achieved; (2) when the client no longer
wants or does not return to counseling; (3) when the client is no longer
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when the client asks for a referral. Christian counselors discuss termination
and/or referral with clients, offer referral if wanted or appropriate, and facilitate
termination in the client’s best interest. If crisis events alter or end counselingprematurely, the counselor (if it is safe and proper) should follow-through withthe client to ensure proper termination and referral.

ES1-700: Collegiality in Christian Counseling – A Call to Relationship
Christian counselors and counseling leaders recognize the value and benefit of forming andmaintaining effective professional and ministry relationships with colleagues across multiple
domains. These include, but are not limited to: (1) fellow mental health practitioners; (2)community and ministry leaders; (3) supervisors and supervisees; (4) mentors and mentees; (5)educators and students; (6) researchers; and (7) counseling related referral sources. Collegiality,
cooperation and professional respect are encouraged, as are opportunities to work on common
ground and for common purposes—to the extent that these activities do not violate one’s
conscious or constitute an egregious disregard for Judeo-Christian principles.
1-710: Relationships in the Professional and Ministerial Workplace
Some Christian counselors serve in senior professional roles—as administrators,
supervisors, teachers, consultants, researchers, and writers. They are recognized for theircounseling expertise, their dedication to Christ, the ministry or profession to which they belong,and for their exemplary ethics. These individuals demonstrate responsible leadership for: (1)the development and maturation of the Christian counseling profession; (2) serving as active
and ethical role models; (3) raising up the next generation of Christian counselors and leaders;(4) creating and preserving honorable relationships in the professional workplace, whether
church, counseling agency, or other setting; (5) maintaining the utmost honesty, respect, andintegrity in all employment and collegial relationships; (6) contracting relationships that balance
the best interests of clients, colleagues, and organizations; (7) avoiding all actions andappearances of greed, fraud, manipulation, and self-serving action in collegial and employment
relationships; and (8) disclosing and discussing all reasonably foreseen problems to colleagues
before they enter into relationships.
1-710-a: Honorable Relations between Professional and Ministerial Colleagues
Christian counselors respect professional and ministerial colleagues, both within
and outside the church. Counselors strive to understand and, wherever able,
respect differing approaches to counseling, and maintain collaborative andconstructive relations with other professionals serving their clients—in theclient’s best interest.
1-710-b: Solicitation of Clients Under Another’s Care
Christian counselors do not solicit clients nor do they knowingly offer
professional services to those under the care of another mental healthpractitioner or caregiver, except with that provider’s knowledge, or whensomeone is in crisis. When approached by clients being served by other

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counselors and caregivers, due regard will be given that relationship with acommitment to encourage client resolution with the other party before starting
new professional relations.
1-710-c: Maintaining Honor Toward Others When in Conflict
If a counselor learns that a current client is receiving care from another mental
health practitioner or caregiver, reasonable steps should be taken to inform theother party and resolve the situation. Professional relations in this case are to be
maintained, as much as is possible, with a priority of Christian love and peace.
Any action to challenge or confront the wrongdoing of other service providers
will be done with accuracy, humility, and protecting the dignity and reputation ofothers. Behavior that slanders, libels, or gossips about colleagues, or uncritically
accepts these things from others about other service providers, should be strictly
avoided.
1-720: Christian Counselors as Employers
Employers of Christian counselors should provide a personnel program that honors the
dignity and promotes the welfare of employees. Information should be given about the mission,
goals, programs, policies, and procedures of the employing person or organization. Employers
should deliver regular programs of in-service training, supervision of staff, and evaluation andreview of employee work performance. Employers do not coerce, manipulate, threaten, or
exploit employees or colleagues.
1-720-a: Employers Avoid Discrimination and Promote Meritoriously
Employers do not discriminate in hiring or promotion practices on the basis ofage, race, ethnicity, gender, disability, medical status, socioeconomic status, or
special relationship with employer or other staff. Employers hire, evaluate, andpromote staff meritoriously—based on staff training, experience, credentials,
competence, performance, responsibility, integrity, and ethical excellence.
1-710-d: Toward Clear Role Boundaries and Work Definitions
All professional/employment relations should be mutually understood anddescribed in sufficient detail by work agreement. Administrators and staff should
reasonably understand: (1) required work behavior, expectations, and limits; (2)lines of authority and responsibility; (3) bases for and boundaries ofaccountability; and (4) procedures for voicing and curing disagreements andsubstandard work performance. When such guidelines do not exist, employers
encourage the development of sound collegial and employer-employee rules
and relations.
1-730: Christian Counselors as Employees
Counselors accept employment only when they are qualified for the position—byeducation, supervised training, credentials, skill, and/or experience. They honor and advancethe mission, goals, and policies of employing organizations. Since employees have duties to

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both employers and clients, in the event of conflict between these duties, they strive to resolve
those conflicts in ways that harmonize the best interests of both parties.
1-730-a: Employees Serve with Integrity and Dedication
Employees serve with dedication, diligence, and honesty, maintaining highprofessional and ethical standards, and do not abuse their employment positions
or presume excessive demands or rights against an employer.
1-730-b: Moving From an Agency to Private Practice
While employed in a counseling agency or organization, and for a reasonable
time after employment, employees do not take clients from an employing
organization to develop a private or group practice of a competing kind. Any
part-time practice while employed must be kept strictly separate from theclients and resources of the employing agency. If an independent full-time
private practice is developed with intent to resign employment and take current
clients, each client shall be apprised of his/her right to choose to stay with theemploying organization or go with the counselor.
1-740: Base Standards for Educators and Supervisors
Christian counseling educators and supervisors maintain the highest levels of clinicalknowledge and experience, professional skill, biblical integration and ethical excellence in allteaching and supervision responsibilities. They are knowledgeable about the latest professionaland ministerial developments and responsibly transmit this knowledge to students andsupervisees.
1-740-a: Preparation for Teaching and Supervision
Christian counseling educators and supervisors have received adequate training
and experience in teaching and supervision methods before they deliver these
services. Educators and supervisors are encouraged to maintain and enhancetheir skills through continued clinical practice, advanced training, and continuing
education.
1-740-b: Educators and Supervisors Do Not Exploit Students and Trainees
Christian counseling educators and supervisors avoid exploitation, appearancesof exploitation, and harmful dual relations with students and trainees. Students
and trainees are taught by example and by explanation, with the mentor
responsible to define and maintain clear, proper, and ethical professional andsocial boundaries.
1-740-c: Sexual and Romantic Relations Forbidden
Christian counseling educators and supervisors: (1) shall not engage in any formof sexual or romantic relationships with their students and trainees; (2) shall not
subject them, by relationship with others, to any form of sexual exploitation,
abuse, or harassment; and (3) shall not pressure them to engage in any
questionable social relationships. The standards of Section 1-130, “Sexual
Misconduct Forbidden,” shall fully apply here.
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1-740-d: Dual Relationships Cautioned
Integrity and caution shall be the hallmark of dual relationships between
educator and student and between supervisors and supervisees. Those relations
that harm or are likely to harm students and trainees, or that impair or are likely
to distort the professional judgment of supervisors and teachers shall be
avoided. The standards of Sections 1-140-a through f, “Dual and Multiple
Relationships,” and 1-740-e-f below shall apply here.
1-740-e: Educators and Supervisors Do Not Provide Counseling
Christian counseling educators and supervisors do not engage in counseling
relationships with students or supervisees. Personal issues can be addressed inteaching and supervision only insofar as they adversely impact counselor training
and supervision. Students and supervisees needing or wanting counseling or
psychotherapy shall be referred to appropriate resources.
1-740-f: Acknowledgement of Professional Contributions
Christian counseling educators and supervisors fully acknowledge thecontributions of students and trainees in any creative professional activity,
scholarly work, research, or published material. This shall be done by coauthorship, assistance in speaking or project presentation, or other accepted
forms of public acknowledgement.
1-750: Specific Standards for Counselor Education Programs
Christian counselor education programs are dedicated to train students as competent
practitioners using current theories, techniques, biblical integration and ethical-legal
knowledge. Christian counseling educators ensure that prospective students and trainees are
fully informed and able to make responsible decisions about program involvement.
1-750-a: Baseline Program Standards
Christian counseling educators accept students on the basis of their educational
background, professional promise, ethical integrity, and ability to reasonably
complete the program. Program information should clearly disclose: (1) the
subject matter and coursework to be covered; (2) program relationship tonational accreditation and credentialing organizations; (3) the kinds and level ofcounseling skills necessary to learn; (4) personal and professional growthrequirements and opportunities; (5) the requirements and kinds of supervised
clinical practicums and field placements offered; (6) the kinds and quality of
research opportunities, including thesis/dissertation possibilities andrequirements; (7) the basis for student evaluation, including appeal and dismissal
policies and procedures; and (8) the latest employment prospects and program
placement figures.

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1-750-b: Student and Faculty Diversity
Christian counseling educators ensure that their programs seek and attempt toretain students and faculty of a diverse background, including representation by
women, minorities, and people with special needs.
1-750-c: Student and Trainee Evaluation
Christian counseling educators provide students and trainees with periodic andongoing evaluation of their progress in classroom, practice, and experiential
learning settings. Policies and procedures for student evaluation, remedialtraining requirements, and program dismissal and appeal shall be clearly statedand delivered to student-trainees. Both the method and timing of evaluations
are disclosed to students in advance of program involvement.
1-750-d: Overcoming Student Limitations
Christian counseling educators help students overcome limitations anddeficiencies that might impede performance as Christian counselors. Studenttrainees will be assisted and encouraged to secure remedial help to improve
substandard professional development. Honoring student due process,supervisors and educators will retain and fairly exercise their duty to dismiss
from programs student-trainees who are unable to overcome substandard
performance.
1-750-e: Student-Trainee Endorsement
Christian counseling educators and field supervisors endorse the competence ofstudent-trainees for graduation, admission to other degree programs,
employment, certification, or licensure only when they have adequate
knowledge to judge that the student-trainee is qualified.
1-750-f: Integration Study and Training
Christian counseling educators ensure that programs include both academic andpractice dimensions in counselor training and integrate biblical-theological study
with learning in the bio-psycho-social sciences, however these are emphasized.
Students, if not producing research, should learn to be effective research
consumers.
1-750-g: Exposure to Various Counseling Theories Encouraged
Christian counseling educators develop programs that expose students tovarious accepted theoretical models for counseling and evidence-based
treatments, including data on their relative efficacy, and will give students
opportunities to develop their own practice orientations. If a program adheres toor emphasizes one particular theoretical model, that fact should be clearlystated in all public communications without asserting that the model is superior
to all others.

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1-750-h: Teaching Law, Ethics, and the Business of PracticeTraining programs should teach students about the legal, ethical, and businessdimensions of Christian counseling and incorporates the eight Core Principles
described in the Code (Compassion, Competence, Consent, Confidentiality,
Cultural Regard, Case Management, Collegiality and Community Presence). This
includes study of these issues throughout didactic and clinical training. Students
should be able to make competent ethical judgments and assess their own
practice limitations, learning how to analyze and resolve ethical-legal conflicts
and do consultation and referral competently.
1-750-i: Field Placement, Practicum, and Intern Training
Educators develop clear policies and procedures for all field experience,practicum, and intern training experiences. Roles and responsibilities are clearlydelineated for student-trainees, site supervisors, and academic supervisors.
Training sites shall meet required training standards, including national
accreditation standards if applicable. Field supervisors shall be competent andethical in their clinical and supervisory work. Educators do not solicit and will not
accept any form of fee, service, or remuneration for the field placement of a
student-trainee.
1-750-j: Clients of Student-Trainees
Academic and field supervisors ensure that clients of student-trainees are fully
informed of trainee status, and the trainee’s duty to honor all professional
obligations. Trainees shall secure client permission to use, within the bounds ofconfidential duties, information from the counseling work to advance theircounseling education.
1-760: Specific Standards for Counselor Supervision Programs
Christian counseling supervisors ensure that supervision programs integrate theory andpractice and train counselors to respect client rights, promote client welfare, and assist clientsin the acquisition of mutually agreed goals in the counseling process. Supervision programs in
Christian counseling shall adhere to the Code, to those of other applicable professional groups,
and to all applicable state and federal laws. Counseling programs shall only accept supervisees
who are capable of professional practice, are fully informed about the program, and arecommitted to engage in counselor training following: (1) mutual agreement that the supervisee
meets base standards of education and experience; (2) disclosure of the training goals,
supervisory site policies and procedures, and theoretical orientations to be used; (3)understanding of program relationship to national accreditation and credentialingorganizations; (4) understanding of the standards, procedures, and time of evaluations ofsupervisee skill, professional-ethical awareness, and clinical effectiveness; and (5) disclosure of
the manner and expectations regarding remediation of professional deficiencies andsubstandard performance.

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1-760-a: Supervisor Training
Supervisors have undergone specific supervision related education, courseworkand training that qualifies them for the role and meets all necessary legal or
regulatory requirements.
1-760-b: Supervisors to Provide a Varied Experience
Christian counseling supervisors provide a varied counseling experience,
exposing the trainee to different client populations, clinical activities, andtheoretical approaches to counseling. Supervisees should gain experience indirect counseling practice, clinical evaluation, treatment planning, record
keeping, case management and consultative presentation, legal and ethicaldecision-making, and the development of professional identity.
1-760-c: Supervisors Are Responsible for Services to Clients
Christian counselor supervisors ensure that each supervisee’s work with clients
maintains accepted professional and ministerial standards. Supervisors do notallow supervisees to work with clients or in situations where they are notadequately prepared. Supervisors retain full professional, clinical and ethicalresponsibility for all supervisee cases.
1-760-d: Supervision Evaluation and Feedback
Christian counseling supervisors meet frequently and regularly with supervisees
and give timely, informative feedback about counselor performance andeffectiveness. These evaluations shall minimally require supervisor review ofcase notes and discussion or brief check of each client case. Evaluative feedback
is given in both verbal and written forms, covering counseling content, process,and ethical-legal issues of counselor training.
1-760-e: Supervisors Are Aware of Licensure and Certification Requirements
Christian counseling supervisors are aware of and honor the legal, ethical, andprofessional requirements of supervisees who are pursuing state licensure andspecialized certification standards.

ES1-800: Community Presence in Christian Counseling – A Call to Humility
Christian counselors are aware of the larger role they play in their communities, as well associety in general. Christian counselors further acknowledge they may live in a post-Christian,post-modern and pluralistic culture that no longer shares a common Judeo-Christian value baseand therefore, are mindful to present themselves at all times as “Salt and Light” and as “God’s
Ambassadors.” In doing so, they conduct themselves with the utmost dignity and humility,
avoiding any behaviors and practices that may bring dishonor to themselves as caregivers or to
the name of Christ.

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1-810: Advertising and Public Relations
All advertising and public communications by Christian counselors shall be done withaccuracy and humility, with a primary goal of assisting clients to make informed choices about
counseling services.
1-820: Statements in Public Communications
Christian counselors make only factual and straightforward public communications andavoid statements that: (1) are false, inaccurate, exaggerated or sensational; (2) are likely to
deceive or mislead others because it is partial or taken out of context; (3) are testimonials by
current clients; (4) exploit the fears or distressing emotions of others; (5) note the inferiority or
negative characteristics of another counselor; and (6) express unique or unusual helping
abilities outside the range of accepted Christian counseling practices.
1-830: Communication of Association with the AACC and Other Groups
Public communication of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) orother professional membership should adhere to all the requirements of this section andshould not express or imply that such membership confers special status, expertise, or
extraordinary competence in counseling.
1-830-a: Communication about Professional Status and Credentials
Christian counselors do not state that professional credentials—state licenses,
graduate degrees, specialized training, church, professional, or governmental
certifications, or any other credentials—confer greater status or power than thecredentials actually represented (e.g., using the title of “Dr.” when a degree isunearned, from an unaccredited institution or not in counseling or a related
field). Advanced credentials shall be communicated with accuracy and humility,
adhering to the guidelines of the credential itself.
1-830-b: Communication of Unaccredited and Unrelated Credentials
Christian counselors avoid public communication of degrees or credentials
received from schools and organizations: (1) not holding or maintaining a
reputable and widely-known national stature; (2) not accredited by recognizedstate, regional, or national authorities; (3) not substantially related to counseling,
pastoral counseling, or mental health services; and (4) denoting the distinction
between earned and honorary degrees. Holders of only a religious license orcredential for church ministry, shall not state or imply that they are counselingprofessionals or that they hold a mental health practice license.
1-840: Communication of Work Products and Training Materials
Christian counselors ensure that advertisements about work products and training
events adhere to these ethics. They take care to avoid undue influence and respect informed
consumer choice in promoting their work to anyone under their professional influence or
authority.

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1-850: Testimonials
Christian counselors do not solicit testimonial statements from current clients and fromformer clients, unless and only if after obtaining proper consent and ensuring there is noapparent harm or risk to the client in doing so.
1-860: Guidelines in Public Statements by Others
Christian counselors ensure adherence to these ethics by third parties they engage tocreate and make public statements about their work—employers, publishers, producers,
sponsors, marketers, organizational clients, and representatives of the media. Christiancounselors do not pay for or compensate the news media for news items about their work, andare responsible to correct, in timely fashion, any misinformation by third parties.
1-870: Ethical Relationships with the State and Other Social Systems
Christian counselors will strive to maintain ethical relations with the local and worldwide
church, with the state in its various forms, with the mental health professions and associations
to which they belong, with other professions and organizations, and with society-at-large.
1-870-a: Ethical Relationships to Other Professions and Institutions
Christian counselors recognize and respect that they are part of larger networks
of Christian ministry and of mental health care. Christian counselors honor andpreserve these relations, challenge value differences with respect, and build thebest relations possible with all professions and institutions.
1-870-b: Working for a Caring Church, a Just Government, and a Better Society
Christian counselors are dedicated to build a more caring church, a more justgovernment, and a better society in which to live. In doing so, Christiancounselors: (1) honor the laws and customs of their culture, and challenge themwhen they threaten or abuse freedoms, dishonor God, or deny the rights of
those most vulnerable and powerless; (2) strive to offer better alternatives
where appropriate—model programs to govern ecclesiastical, socio-cultural, andgovernmental life; (3) support the cause of Christ and advocate for Christiancounseling in the church, in ministries and professions, and in society; (4) work
to shape laws and policies that encourage the acceptance and growth ofChristian ministry generally and Christian counseling in particular; and (5)facilitate harmonious relations between church and state, to serve and advocate
in the best interests of their clients.
1-880: Writing and Publication Ethics in Christian Counseling
Christian counselors maintain honesty and integrity in all writing and publication
ventures, giving full credit to whom credit is due. Christian counselors recognize the work ofothers on all projects, avoid plagiarism of another’s work, share credit by joint authorship or
acknowledgement with others who have directly and substantially contributed to the work
published, and honor all copyright and other laws applicable to the work.

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1-880-a: Submission of Manuscripts
Christian counselors honor all publication deadlines, rules of submission ofmanuscripts, and rules of format when submitting manuscripts or agreeing towrite invited works. Articles published whole or in major part in other works
shall be done only with the acknowledgement and the permission of theprevious publisher.
1-880-b: Review of Manuscripts
Christian counselors and editors who review manuscripts for publication shallconsider the work strictly on its merits, avoiding prejudice for or against aparticular author. Reviewers will diligently protect the confidential, reputational,
and proprietary rights of all persons submitting materials for publication.
1-880-c: Avoiding Ghost Writers
Christian counselors shall resist use of ghostwriters, where the name of aprominent leader-author is attached to work substantially or wholly written bysomeone else. Authors give due authorship credit to anyone who has
substantially contributed to the published text. Order of authorship should
typically reflect the level of substantive contribution to a work.
1-890: Ethical Standards for Christian Counseling Researchers
Christian counseling researchers honor and respect accepted scientific standards andresearch protocols in all research activities. Research is ethically planned and competently
conducted. Researchers do not undertake nor do they allow subordinates to initiate research
activities they are not adequately trained for or prepared to conduct.
1-890-a: Protecting Human Research Participants and Human Rights
Researchers maintain the highest care for human participants and respecthuman rights in all bio-psycho-social-spiritual research activities. Researchersplan, design, conduct, and report research projects according to all applicablestate and federal laws, ethical mandates, and institutional regulations regarding
human participants.
1-890-b: Special Precautions to Protect Persons
Researchers take special precautions and observe stringent standards when: (1)a research design suggests deviation from accepted protocol; or (2) when there
is any risk of pain or injury to participants, whether of a physical, psychosocial,
spiritual, reputational, or financial nature. In all such cases, appropriate
consultation is obtained that apprises participants of these risks and securesinformed consent.
1-890-c: Minimizing Undesirable Consequences
Researchers reasonably anticipate and diligently work to minimize any adverse
or undesirable consequences of the research on human participants. This
includes a commitment to minimize any possible long-term research effects,

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including those on the participants’ person, family and family life, spiritualbeliefs, moral values, reputation, relationships, vocation, finances, or cultural
system.
1-890-d: Informed Consent and Confidentiality in Research
Researchers obtain informed consent from research participants using languagethat the participant can understand. This consent shall disclose: (1) a clear
explanation of research purposes and procedures; (2) any risk of harm, injury, or
discomfort that the participant might experience; (3) any benefits that theparticipant might experience; (4) any limitations on confidentiality; (5) acommitment to discuss all concerns of the participant about the research; and(6) instructions on the right and the way to honorably withdraw from theresearch project. Researchers shall honor all commitments made to research
participants. Data and results shall be explained to participants in ways that areunderstandable and that clarify any confusion or misconceptions.
1-890-e: Consent from Those Legally Incapable
Researchers obtain consent from parents or a participant’s legal representative
when the research participants are minors or adults incapable of giving consent.
Researchers inform all participants about the research in understandable
language, seeking the participant’s understanding and assent.
1-890-f: Concealment and Deception in Research
When a research design requires concealment or deception, the researcher shallapply these methods most narrowly and will inform participants as soon as
possible after the procedure. The research value of a deceptive practice mustclearly outweigh any reasonably foreseen consequences, especially how suchdeception may reflect adversely on Christ and the church. Normally, methods ofdeception and concealment are not used when alternative research procedures
are available to accomplish the project objectives.
1-890-g: Protecting Confidentiality and Voluntary Participation
Researchers ensure participant confidentiality and privacy, and that subjects are
participating voluntarily in the project. Any deviation from these ethics shall: (1)be necessary to the project and justifiable upon panel review; (2) shall not harm
the participants; and (3) shall be disclosed to the participants, ensuring theirconsent.
1-890-h: Reporting Research Results
Researchers report research results fully, accurately, and without alteration or
distortion of data. Data and conclusions are reported clearly and simply, withany problems with the research design fully discussed. Researchers do not
conduct fraudulent research, distort or misrepresent data, manipulate results, orbias conclusions to conform to preferred agendas or desired outcomes.

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1-890-i: Protecting Participant Identity
Researchers are diligent to protect the identity of research participants in all
research reports. Due care will be taken to disguise participant identity in theabsence of consent by participants.
1-890-j: Reporting Challenging or Unfavorable Data
Outcomes that challenge accepted policies, programs, donor/sponsor priorities,
and prevailing theory, shall be reported and all variables known to have affected
the outcomes shall be disclosed. Upon formal request, researchers shall provide
sufficient original data to qualified others who wish to replicate the study.

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II. USE OF TECHNOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY-RELATED APPLICATIONS
ES2-000: Additional Ethical Standards in the Use of Technology
Christian counselors are aware of and knowledgeable regarding rapidly expanding technologies
that have created opportunities for electronic and distance forms of care, billing services andclient record storage, transfer and maintenance.
2-010: Technology Orientation
Christian counselors are well versed in current mental health related technologies andunderstand these application may include, but are not limited to computer use (hardware andsoftware applications); telephones (landlines and cellular services/devices); facsimile, theInternet and World Wide Web; social media applications and outlets; online assessment,
diagnostic and treatment planning applications; and other communication and electronic
devices.
2-010-a: Computer Systems
Christian counselors ensure that they are up-to-date on current e-counseling ande-care technology, including but not limited to issues such as data encryption,system back-up and restore functions, password and virus protection protocols,
Internet firewalls, etc.

ES2-100: Core Ethical Standards in the Use of Technology
As with Section I. of this Code, core ethical principles inform and set appropriate standards ofcare whenever technology is used in the delivery of services.
2-110: Compassion in Technology Applications
Christian counselors understand the potential risks for harm to clients in the exposure
to certain technologies or in having client information stored and/or transmitted electronically.
Christian counselors therefore limit their practice of e-counseling/e-care only to counselingrelated activities likely to be of benefit to their clients in areas such as, but not limited to intake,screening, assessment, spiritual care or direction, psychoeducation, supportive counseling, brief
interventions, motivational enhancement, etc.
2-110-a: Social Media
Christian counselors do not engage with active clients through social media sites,
virtual communities or social networks (e.g., Facebook, MySpace, Twitter,
Instant Messenger, Instagram, etc.) and avoid dual relationships.
2-110-b: Application to Addictive Behaviors
Christian counselors do not condone, advocate for, or assist behavioral and/or
process addictions by clients that utilize technology sources (e.g., online
gambling, Internet pornography, etc.).

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2-110-c: Potential Benefits of E-counseling and E-care
Christian counselors are aware that potential benefits include, but are notlimited to alleviating geographic isolation; provision of services to those withphysical disability and/or illness; counseling for those who might not seek
traditional counseling; and counseling for clients who have greater comfort withwritten expression.
2-110-d: Potential Limitations of E-counseling and E-care
Christian counselors are aware that potential limitations include, but are notlimited to concerns with confidentiality; challenges to developing andmaintaining the therapeutic alliance; the lack of nonverbal communication
information; clarifying and resolving practice and licensure jurisdiction issues;
provision of emergency services; the relative lack of efficacy studies; and the lackof ethical guidance.
2-110-e: Accountability and Availability
Christian counselors enhance client accountability through availability andresponsiveness to clients between appointments, when emergencies arise, andduring the termination process.
2-120: Competence in Technology Applications
Christian counselors who use electronic means of communication in the provision ofcounseling services clearly operate within the bounds of competence to do so.
2-120-a: Scope of Practice
Christian counselors utilize available technology only if sufficient education,knowledge, training, experience and skills can be demonstrated. Christiancounselors are accountable for being adequately trained and current in theirknowledge of e-counseling technologies and techniques.
2-120-b: Supervision and Consultation
Christian counselors seek appropriate supervision, consultation and oversight in
the provision of e-counseling services when their education, training, andexperience are inadequate.
2-120-c: Practice Standards
Christian counselors understand that the emphasis in training, knowledge, andexperience in e-counseling and e-care continues to reflect traditional face-toface clinical standards.
2-120-d: Legal, Statutory and Regulatory Issues
Christian counselors are informed of and apply legal, statutory and regulatory
issues related to: (1) jurisdiction for both counselor and client location regarding
the delivery of services across state or national lines; (2) informed consent forelectronic services; (3) applicable licensure requirements for multistate services;(4) any relevant third party payer protocols; and (5) use and maintenance of

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electronic client records (e.g., compliance with the Health Insurance Portability
and Accountability Act [HIPAA]).
2-130: Consent in Technology Applications
Christian counselors fully inform potential and actual clients about the nature, quality,
extent, and types of electronic services available. Types of services to discuss as part of theinformed consent process include applications that utilize landline and cell phones,
asynchronous email, text messaging, synchronous chat, and videoconferencing.
2-130-a: Benefits and Limitations
Christian counselors thoroughly discuss the benefits and limitations of ecounseling and e-care, coping with potential misunderstandings due to lack ofvisual/auditory cues, the role ambiguity often present in electronic means ofcounseling, issues related to the security and privacy of information, matters ofjurisdiction relevant to both counselor and client, and the reality that electronic
counseling is not necessarily a substitute or replacement for face-to-facecounseling, but is, instead, a unique form and process of counseling in its own
right.
2-130-b: Access to Counselor and Technology
Christian counselors should fully inform clients about the degree and means ofaccess to counseling services and to technology assistance when using electronic
forms of counseling. This includes informing clients of alternative means ofservice provision in the event that technology fails or changes.
2-130-c: Client Capacity
Christian counselors assess a client’s capacity to understand, utilize and benefit
from e-counseling and e-care applications and whether these approaches areappropriate to the delivery of effective care.
2-130-d: Standard Operating Procedures
As in face-to-face counseling, standard procedures for how the Christiancounselor’s practice operates should be discussed with clients. These include
how to access services, billing protocols, records maintenance and therapist
ownership, handling emergencies, limitations of confidentiality, and theprovision of remote and local backup in the case of counselor unavailability.
2-140: Confidentiality in Technology Applications
Christian counselors utilize technology systems, data storage and transfer, andtelecommunication records that incorporate the use of secure Internet sites and encryption
coding, as well as adhere to the following:
2-140-a: Limits of Confidentiality
Christian counselors are aware that electronic data can be compromised andsubject to Internet hacking and that the same standards defined in Section 1-430
are applicable to e-counseling and e-care.

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2-140-b: Maintaining Privacy in Electronic Databases
Christian counselors take special precautions to protect client privacy rights withrecords stored and transferred by electronic means. This requires, at minimum,use of password entry into all electronic client files and/or coded files that do
not use client names or easy identifiers, as well as abiding by any state andfederal privacy laws. Client information transferred electronically—facsimile,email, Internet or other computerized network transfer—shall be done only after
the counselor determines that the process of transmission and reception of data
is reasonably protected from interception and unauthorized disclosures.
2-150: Cultural Regard in Technology Applications
Christian counselors demonstrate high levels of cultural competence in the delivery of ecounseling and e-care, including sensitive responsiveness to issues related to time zone
differences, local customs of clients in different geographic regions, and cultural and language
differences.
2-160: Case Management in Technology Applications
As with traditional face-to-face counseling practices, Christian counselors who provide
e-counseling and e-care must engage in thorough intake, screening, and assessment processes.
While this principle is important for effective counseling generally, it is especially important for
e-counseling due to the possible need for referral when certain client issues are present.
2-160-a: Referral for E-counseling and E-care
Christian counselors make referral to more traditional counseling settings asclinically indicated in certain cases (e.g., sexual abuse, domestic and otherviolence, eating disorders, severe substance abuse or dependence, thought
disorders, suicidal/homicidal ideation, etc.).
2-160-b: Referral Source List
Christian counselors proactively and intentionally develop appropriate andvaried referral and community resources in any geographic area in which they
provide e-counseling and e-care.
2-170: Collegiality in Technology Applications
Christian counselors endeavor to represent themselves with dignity and humility in all
forms of electronic communication and are mindful of their professional and leadership statuswhen utilizing various forms of social media.
2-180: Community Presence in Technology Applications
Christian counselors accurately portray their education, knowledge, training andexperience in providing e-counseling and e-care to the public. Counselors also provide thoroughand accurate information on web sites and other forms of electronic communication that
includes, but is not limited to the counselor’s qualifications, practice credentials, practicelocations, and services provided.

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III. ADDITIONAL ETHICAL STANDARDS FOR LICENSED AND PROFESSIONAL CHRISTIAN COUNSELORS
ES3-000: Fees, Client Billing and Financial Relationships
3-010: Setting Fees
Professional Christian counselors set fees for services that are fair, customary andreasonable, according to the services contracted and time performed, and with due regard forthe client’s ability to pay. Counselors avoid all deception, confusion, and misrepresentation
about fees and in their financial relationships with clients and client systems.
3-010-a: Disclosure of Fees and Payment History
Fee schedules and rules for payment shall be outlined clearly for client review atthe outset of counseling. Moreover, agreement about fees and payment
schedules will be made as early as possible in the course of professional
relations. Christian counselors provide clients or their representatives with a fulland accurate account of previous and current charges upon request.
3-010-b: Sliding Fee Scales Encouraged
Christian counselors are free, within the bounds of biblical, professional, andcommunity standards, to set their own fees. Clinicians are encouraged, however,to utilize sliding fee schedules, scaled to a client’s ability to pay, and otherreduced payment methods to increase counseling accessibility to those of lesser
financial means. These adjustments are also reflected in the fee structure used
for third-party billing.
3-010-c: Pro Bono Work
Christian counselors are encouraged, beyond their fee schedule, to make a
portion of their time and services available without cost or at a greatly reduced
fee to those unable to pay.
3-010-d: Avoiding Self-serving Financial Relations
Christian counselors avoid financial practices that result or appear to result inpoor stewardship and self-serving outcomes. Counselors do not select clients or
prolong therapy based on their ability to pay high fees, nor do they quickly
terminate counseling with low-fee clients. When making referrals, counselors do
not divide fees with other professionals nor accept or give anything of value formaking the referral. Christian counselors also do not exaggerate problems nor
refer exclusively for specialized services to get clients into special programs or
institutions in which they have a proprietary interest.
3-010-e: Financial Integrity with Insurance and Third-party Payers
Christian counselors maintain financial integrity with client insurers and otherthird-party payers. Christian counselors do not charge third-party payers forservices not rendered, nor for missed or cancelled appointments, unless speciallyauthorized to do so. They do not distort or change diagnoses to fit restricted

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reimbursement categories. Any special benefits or reductions in client fees are
typically extended in full to third-party payers.

ES3-100: Third-party Payers and Managed Care Entities
3-110: Problems with Managed Care
Christian counselors acknowledge that the managed care system has expanded its
influence in health and mental health service delivery, including problems in client-providermanaged care relations such as breach of confidentiality, client abandonment, failure to
maintain continuity of care, incompetent care, restriction of therapist choice and access, andthe infliction of emotional distress.
3-110-a: Responsible Action
Christian counselors work to correct any unethical entanglement andunintended client harm due to managed care relations, including, but not limitedto: (1) diligence in protecting client confidences in relations with insurance andthird party payers, employee assistance programs, and managed care groups; (2)exercising caution regarding demands for confidential client information thatexceed the need for validation of services rendered or continued care; (3). Not
disclosing or submitting session notes and details of client admissions solely on
demand of third-party payers; and (4) narrowly disclosing information that theclient has given written authorization only after discussion with the client andwith assurance that the client understands the full implications of authorizations
signed or is contemplating to sign.

ES3-200: Testing, Assessment and Clinical Evaluation
3-210: General Parameters
Christian counselors conduct clinical evaluations only in the context of professional
relations, in the best interests of clients, and with the proper training and supervision. Christiancounselors avoid: (1) incompetent and inaccurate evaluations; (2) clinically unnecessary andexcessively expensive testing; and (3) unauthorized practice of testing and evaluation that is theprovince of another clinical or counseling discipline. Referral and consultation are used whenevaluation is desired or necessary beyond the competence and/or role of the counselor.
3-210-a: Use of Appropriate Assessments
Christian counselors use tests and assessment techniques that are appropriate to
the needs, resources, capabilities, and understanding of the client. They selectappropriate assessment instruments for the purpose of answering any referral
questions and consider measurement validity, reliability and psychometriclimitations. Christian counselors apply tests skillfully, administer tests properly
and safely and substantiate findings with knowledge of the reliability, validity,
outcome results, and limits of the tests used. They avoid both the misuse of
testing procedures and the creation of confusion or misunderstanding by clients
about testing purposes, procedures, and findings.
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3-210-b: Reporting and Interpreting Assessment Results
Christian counselors report testing results in a fair, understandable, andobjective manner. Counselors avoid undue testing bias and honor the limits oftest results, ensuring verifiable means to substantiate conclusions andrecommendations. They recognize the limits of test interpretation, and avoid
exaggeration and absolute statements about the certainty of client diagnoses,
behavior predictions, clinical judgments, and recommendations. Due regard isgiven to the unique history, values, family dynamics, sociocultural influences,economic realities, and spiritual maturity of the client. Counselors also state any
and all reservations about the validity of test results and present reports andrecommendations in tentative language and with alternative possibilities.

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IV. ADDITIONAL ETHICAL STANDARDS FOR PASTORAL AND LAY CHRISTIAN COUNSELORS
ES4-000: Definitions and Roles of Pastors and Pastoral Counselors
4-010: The Pastor and Pastoral Counselor – Ordained Ministers of the Gospel
Pastors and pastoral counselors have central roles in the counseling and care ministry of
the church. They are normally ordained ministers, recognized by a reputable church
denomination as called of God, set apart for special church ministry, and have fulfilled theeducation and preparatory tasks the church and/or denominational authority requires for that
ministry.
4-010-a: The Specialized Pastoral Counselor
Pastoral counselors and psychotherapists have received advanced training incounseling and psychotherapy and typically counsel in a church or a specialized
counseling setting. Pastoral counselors often have advanced degrees incounseling, have undergone counseling practicum training under supervision,and may be certified by national associations as a pastoral counselor or pastoral
psychotherapist.
4-020: Rules of Ethics Code Application and Exemption
Pastors and unlicensed pastoral counselors—by law and/or regulation—are not typicallyrequired or held to the same standard of professional conduct as licensed practitioners.
Nevertheless, they recognize possible moral and/or ethical imperatives that may still exist as
part of a Judeo-Christian ethic.
4-020-a: Incorporating and Honoring the Code
Pastors and pastoral counselors are encouraged to incorporate and honor thisCode in its entirety, except for those code sections: (1) not applicable due totheir clinical professional nature; or (2) because a higher duty to church orministry rules require a narrow exemption from this Code.
4-030: The Call of Christian Counseling to Gospel Fidelity
Pastors and pastoral counselors have a special call as intermediaries between Christiancounseling and the church. In their pastoral role, they can: (1) challenge Christian counselors tohold faith to the Gospel and to apply counseling ministry to the mission and work of the church;(2) mediate, explain, and refer parishioners to Christian counselors; (3) encourage involvement
for those who need help; and (4) communicate and explain the guidelines of the Code so thatparishioners can better judge the value and safety of the Christian counseling work.
4-040: Accepting Fees or Communicating False Roles
Pastors and pastoral counselors typically should not seek or accept personal fees orother remuneration for direct ministry-based counseling and people helping services (i.e.,
individual, couple, family, or group counseling). They do not state or allow helpees to believe
they are licensed or professional counselors. Some pastoral counselors may receive a salary as achurch or ministry employee, perform certain ceremonial or professional functions associated

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with their roles (e.g., weddings, funerals, seminars, training, etc.) or through “suggested
donations” made to a non-profit ministry. However, this income should not be confused with afee for service arrangement for direct counseling activities.
4-050: Aiding and Abetting Unauthorized Practice
Pastors and pastoral counselors do not aid and abet the practice of unlicensed,
untrained, unqualified, or unethical counseling or lay helping by anyone. In counselingsituations requiring help clearly beyond the scope, training, experience, or license required of
the helper, appropriate consultation and/or referral should be pursued.

ES4-100: Definitions and Roles of Lay Caregivers and Non-ordained Ministers
4-110: The Lay Caregiver and Non-ordained Ministers
Lay caregivers and non-ordained ministers have a significant role in the counseling and careministry of the church. They are not professional clinicians nor ordained ministers, but may
work as salaried staff or as volunteers in designated helping roles. These caregivers often
function in one-to-one crisis care and helping roles and are increasingly involved in developing
and leading the many small support and recovery group ministries of the contemporary church.
4-120: Rules of Ethics Code Application and Exemption
Lay caregivers and non-ordained ministers—by law and/or regulation—are not typicallyrequired or held to the same standard of professional conduct as licensed practitioners.
Nevertheless, they recognize possible moral and/or ethical imperatives that may still exist as
part of a Judeo-Christian ethic.
4-120-a: Incorporating and Honoring the CodeLay caregivers and non-ordained ministers are encouraged to incorporate andhonor this Code in its entirety, except for those code sections: (1) not applicabledue to their clinical professional nature; or (2) because a higher duty to church orministry rules require a narrow exemption from this Code.
4-130: Lay Caregivers Under Supervision of the Church
Lay caregivers minister only under the supervision of the church, a Christian counselor
or a Christian counseling organization. They seek out and secure supervision and spiritualethical covering by pastors and professional clinicians. Independent, unsupervised, and solo
practice or ministry by lay and unlicensed caregivers and non-ordained staff should be avoided
due to the excessive risk for legal, ethical, spiritual, interpersonal, and ecclesiastical problems.
4-140: Accepting Fees or Communicating False Roles
Lay caregivers typically should not seek or accept personal fees or other remuneration
for ministry-based counseling and people helping services (i.e., individual, couple, family, orgroup counseling). They do not state or allow helpees to believe they are licensed, professionalor trained pastoral counselors. Some lay or non-ordained caregivers may receive a salary as achurch or ministry employee, perform certain professional functions associated with their roles

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(e.g., seminars, training, etc.) or through “suggested donations” made to a non-profit ministry.
However, this income should not be confused with a fee for service arrangement for direct
counseling activities.
4-150: Aiding and Abetting Unauthorized Practice
Lay caregivers and non-ordained minsters do not aid and abet the practice of
unlicensed, untrained, unqualified, or unethical counseling or lay helping by anyone. In
counseling situations requiring help clearly beyond the scope, training, experience, or license
required of the helper, appropriate consultation and/or referral should be pursued.

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V. STANDARDS FOR RESOLVING ETHICAL-LEGAL CONFLICTS
ES5-000: Base Standards for Ethical Conflict Resolution
5-010: Base Rules for Resolving Ethical-Legal Conflicts
Christian counselors acknowledge there are sometimes conflicting responsibilities toclients, to colleagues and employing organizations, to professional ethics, to the law, and to
Christ. If a higher obligation to Christ or to the client’s best interest suggests or requires action
against legal, ethical, or organizational rules, they will act peaceably and humbly in its
outworking, and in a way that honors God and their role as Christian counselors.
5-020: Attempting First to Harmonize Conflicting Interests
When caught between legal-ethical demands and the way of Christ or the best interestsof the client, Christian counselors first attempt to harmonize biblical, clinical, legal, ethical, andclient interests, if possible. Christian counselors secure proper consultation and take action thatdefines and offers a better and harmonious standard of professional conduct.
5-030: When Conflicts Cannot Be Harmonized
Christian counselors’ fidelity to Christ sometimes calls them to respectfully decline
adherence to non-Christian values and behavior. When such conflicts cannot be harmonized,
some Christian counselors may choose to stand firm or act on Christian principle against the lawof the state, the ethics of one’s profession, or the rules of one’s employing organization.
5-030-a: Responsible Action
Such action should be: (1) defensible biblically and ethically; (2) according to theclient’s best interest; (3) done without self-seeking purposes; (4) done withsober consideration after consulting with informed colleagues and Christiancounseling leaders; and (5) done with a willingness to face any adverse
consequences. Such action must never be done to hide wrongdoing or to justify
an obscure or self-promoting position.
5-030-b: Resolution Parameters
The AACC suggests that priority values in the resolution of these conflicts be: (1)integrity to Christ and the revelation of Scripture; (b) in the client's bestinterests; and (c) fulfilling one’s legal, ethical, and organizational obligations in a
way that is least harmful to Christ or to a client’s interest.

ES5-100: Resolving Conflicts with Employers and Colleagues
5-110: Ethical and Value Differences with Employers and Colleagues
If values and other differences with employers or colleagues become a source of conflictor influence client injustice, Christian counselors take appropriate action to resolve these
problems in a way that honors Christ while also serving the client’s best interest.

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5-120: Christian Counselors Working in Public Agencies
Christian counselors working in public agencies will respect fair and circumspect rules
against client evangelism or communicating Christian values without client consent. However,they may also challenge unjust prohibitions against the free expression of beliefs, grounded in
the biblical and Constitutional right to religious freedom. These legitimate expressions ofChristian beliefs include, but are not limited to: (1) serving Christian clients from a JudeoChristian value base; (2) sharing Christian values as a legitimate part of counselor selfdisclosure; (3) responding to spiritual needs expressed by clients from a Christian frame ofreference; and (4) displaying Christian symbols and literature in an office or place of work.
5-130: Conflict Resolution Process with Employers and Colleagues
Resolution of conflicts with employers or colleagues honor the following process: (1)first attempt direct negotiations; (2) then proceed to mediation; and (3) then arbitration and/or
binding arbitration. Litigation (4), when considered at all, shall be only as a last resort and only
in cases of gross injustice where the offending party refuses or disdains all reasonable offers of
non-litigated dispute resolution.
5-140: Law and Ethics Violations by Employers and Colleagues
Christian counselors with credible knowledge of legal or ethical violations by employers
and colleagues shall take appropriate action to cure this problem, in the best interests ofclients, and according to the requirements of applicable law, ethics and statutory or regulatory
requirements. Curative action might include: (1) confidential consultations (usually the firststep); (2) direct communications with the violator; (3) report to one’s own or the violator’s
supervisor; (4) assisting violated clients to take action; (5) report/complaint to the appropriate
state agency or professional association; or (6) any other action appropriate to the matter.

ES5-200: Resolving Professional and Organizational Conflicts
5-210: The Higher Ethics of being a Christ Follower
Christian counselors are bound to honor the ethics and rules of one’s profession,
church, or employing organization in every way possible. However, when these ethics and rules
are in direct opposition to God, and if unable to harmonize the mandates of Scripture withthese rules, Christian counselors support their right to elect nonadherence to those ethics andrules that offend the way of Christ.
5-220: Acting First to Resolve Conflict with Church or Profession
Christian counselors always first seek peaceable and biblically-defensible resolution of
disputes. After proper consultation with colleagues and Christian counseling leaders, they
define and advocate for a new ethical standard as an alternative to the offensive rule—one that
honors Christ, protects the client’s interest, and attempts to fulfill the policy behind the ethicalrule.

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5-230: When Ethical Harmony Is Not Reached
If ethical harmony is not possible, and after all attempts at resolution have been
exhausted, Christian counselors may elect to violate the offending rule for the sake of Christ or
the client. The violative action should be defensible biblically, logically, and clinically and, if
possible, in accordance with the ethics intent. Christian counselors should: (1) define the rulethat cannot be respected in the narrowest form possible; (2) declare to honor all other ethicalmandates; (3) consult with other colleagues; (4) soberly count the cost of such action; and (5)be prepared to face any consequences for breach of ethics or rules.

ES5-300: Resolving Conflicts with the State and Its Laws
5-310 The Higher Law of Being a Christ Follower
Christian counselors are bound to honor the law in every way possible. However, when
the law is in direct opposition to God, and if unable to harmonize the mandates of Scripture andthe law, counselors support their right to elect nonadherence to those laws that offend the wayof Christ.
5-320: Acting First to Resolve Legal Conflict
Christian counselors always seek first the peaceable and biblically-defensible resolutionof disputes with the state and its laws. After proper consultation, including consulting with anattorney and with Christian counseling colleagues and leaders, Christian counselors attempt todefine and advocate for a new and harmonious legal standard as an alternative to the lawoffending rule at issue—one that honors Christ, protects the client’s best interest, and shows
how the action of the new rule fulfills the intent or policy behind the law.
5-330: When Legal Harmony Is Not Reached
If harmony is not possible with the state and its laws, and after all attempts to resolve
the issue have been exhausted, Christian counselors may elect action that violates the law for
the sake of Christ or the client. The violative action should be defensible biblically, logically,clinically and, if possible, by the law's intent or policy. Christian counselors should: (1) define
the law that cannot be respected in the narrowest form possible; (2) declare to honor all otherlegal mandates; (3) consult with other colleagues, including lawyers; (4) soberly count the costof such action, and (5) be prepared to face any consequences that may be imposed for violationof the law.

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VI. PROCEDURAL RULES
In order to fulfill its professional and ethical mission, the AACC adopts these procedural rules
for accurate assessment and the fair hearing and resolution of ethical complaints against its
duly credentialed members through the International Board of Christian Care (IBCC) and/or the
AACC Christian Care Network (CCN). These rules purpose to: (1) show society, the church,
related professions, and the multitude of clients and parishioners who are provided with care,that the AACC has a serious commitment to live by and enforce these ethics; and (2) show
stakeholders that the AACC is serious about protecting their ministries and reputations byhonoring their right to justice and due process. In any action under these rules, the AACC shallconsider this Ethics Code, its corporate bylaws, and the mandates of Scripture in the resolutionof any problems in rule interpretation.

PR6-000: Authority, Jurisdiction and Operation of the AACC Law & Ethics
Committee (LEC)
6-010: Mission, Authority and Jurisdiction of the LEC
6-010-a: LEC Mission
The mission of the AACC Law and Ethics Committee is to educate, encourage,
and help maintain the highest levels of ethical conduct, practice excellence, andministerial integrity among Christian counselors. This includes protecting clientsand society-at-large from unethical conduct, educating and advocating this Codeto the AACC and the larger church and society, and to aid the AACC in its mission
to bring unity and excellence to the Christian counseling field.
6-010-b: LEC Authority
The LEC or any committee it designates is authorized as follows: (1) to formulate
and promulgate ethical standards for Christian counseling that are to beavailable to AACC members, the CCN and IBCC Credential Holders particularly,
and to the church and larger society more generally; (2) to investigate, hear, andact to justly resolve ethical complaints; (3) to have authority to adopt rules andprocedures, as needed, to govern the conduct of LEC and any person or matterwithin its jurisdiction; and (4) to have authority to publish and publicly
communicate its official actions, including disciplinary actions toward its
members.
6-010-c: LEC Jurisdiction
The LEC has personal jurisdiction with any IBCC Credential Holder and any
member in the CCN, as well as subject matter jurisdiction regarding the ethicalbehavior and rules defined in this Code. The LEC may, by the AACC’s direction,
address any issue or matter that affects the Association’s integrity and ethicalachievement of its mission.

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PR6-100: General Orientation to Ethical Enforcement
6-110: Attitude and Action Toward Ethical Complaints
Neither the LEC nor any IBCC Credential Holder nor CCN member shall refuse to hear nor
uncritically accept a complaint against another member. Any LEC member, IBCC Credential
Holder or CCN member hearing a complaint individually shall take whatever action deemed
appropriate to address and resolve the matter. When appropriate and feasible, this shall bedone by direct consultation with violators or by working through local or regional collegial
networks, taking care to honor the confidential and reputational rights of all those concerned in
the matter.
6-110-a: Reporting Violations to LEC
If resolution attempts were unsuccessful by the AACC member, CCN member or
IBCC Credential Holder, or if the matter is more serious, or cannot be resolved bypersonal intervention, the individual may direct the complainant to the LEC.
6-110-b: Respecting Fundamental Rights of All Parties Involved
When the LEC must act against an IBCC Credential Holder or CCN member, it
shall take care to maintain respect for the person’s rights and reputation. The
entire membership shall support the LEC in this process, both to honor its rulingand to check and warn it when it might begin to stray from these values andpurposes. Whenever possible, the LEC shall balance and protect the multiple
interests of client and community protection, Association integrity, and the legal
and ethical rights and professional reputations of both complainants andcomplainees.
6-110-c: LEC Duties Toward the Complainant
Toward the complainant, the LEC will honor his or her concerns, invite a fullhearing of the complaint if needed, will seek to separate fact from rumor, andwill take appropriate action to resolve the matter to the best of its ability tohonor Christ and the complainant.
6-110-d: LEC Duties Toward the Complainee
Toward the complainee, the LEC will honor his or her right to be heard anddefend against allegations, will protect the complainee’s professional reputationand due process rights, will invite and give reasonable time to fairly respond to acomplaint, and will narrow the issue(s) to that which is reasonably beyond
dispute. The LEC will always pursue the most just result, avoiding the extremesof minimized justice or excessive sanction.

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PR6-200: Credential Holder, CCN Member, and AACC Member Response to LEC
Action6-210: Commitment to Cooperate with Ethics Process
IBCC Credential Holders, CCN members and AACC members assist the Association tohonor and help enforce these ethical standards and rules. All IBCC Credential Holders and CCN
members shall cooperate fully and in a timely way with the LEC and the entire ethics mission toassure the best achievement of the core commitment to excellence and unity in Christiancounseling.
6-210-a: Failure to Cooperate with Ethics Process
Failure to cooperate with the LEC or the ethics process in any manner shall notstop the LEC from executing its duty. Failure to cooperate is itself a Codeviolation and can result in ethical sanction.

PR6-300: Procedures for the Adjudication of Complaints Against IBCC Credential
Holders and CCN Members
6-310: General Rules of LEC Operation
6-310-a: Making and Amending Rules and Procedures
The LEC may adopt and amend rules and procedures to govern the conduct ofany matter within its jurisdiction. Any new or amended rule must be approvedby a two-thirds vote of the Committee and also be ratified by a majority of the
AACC Executive Board. No new or amended rule shall adversely affect the rights
of an IBCC Credential Holder or CCN member under investigation by the LEC at
the time of the rules adoption.
6-310-b: Choice of Procedures and Action
Except as otherwise denoted in these ethics and rules, the LEC reserves the rightto choose the appropriate procedures to resolve matters justly and efficiently,
balancing the interests of the general public, affected clients, the AACC, the
IBCC, the CCN and its members.
6-320: LEC Meetings and Officers
6-320-a: Frequency of Meeting and Quorum
The LEC shall meet at regular intervals, as needed. Conference calls cansubstitute for face-to-face meetings. A quorum shall consist of the majority of
LEC members and official actions may be authorized by the LEC when its
members respond in person, by phone, by fax, by letter, or any other agreed
means of action.

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6-320-b: Selection of Officers and Subcommittees
Officers and Subcommittees may be appointed by the LEC and/or AACC
executive leadership action to serve terms and engage issues as are agreed
among LEC members and AACC executive leadership.
6-320-c: Duties of the Chairperson and the Vice-chair
The Chairperson of the LEC is responsible for the executive leadership of theCommittee. He or she shall direct, in person or through appropriate designees,
the work and process of the LEC in all its responsibilities to the AACC. The Vicechair shall be empowered to perform all the duties of Chair when s/he is not able
to perform them, and shall perform other duties as are assigned by the Chair.
6-320-d: Majority Rule
Unless otherwise directed by these rules, all official actions of the LEC shall beauthorized by a majority vote of its members present, or by any other authorizedmeans of voting.
6-320-e: Open vs. Confidential LEC Process
LEC meetings and activities shall be either open to the AACC membership, CCN
members and IBCC Credential Holders or closed and confidential, with access inclosed meetings given only to those designated parties with an interest in theparticular matter. Closed meetings shall be done in ethical adjudications where
the privacy interests of AACC members, CCN members and IBCC Credential
Holders or others deserve confidential process. All other LEC meetings may be
open to any interested member at the discretion of the LEC.
6-320-f: Access to Closed Meetings
The LEC and the AACC reserve the right to invite AACC executives or otherdesired personnel, experts, or consultants into confidential meetings, as may benecessary or desired to assist the adjudicatory process.
6-320-g: Open vs. Confidential Records
Except to inform the AACC membership, CCN members or IBCC Credential
Holders of final official disposition of a formal case and to assist the
information/disclosure needs of the Association and the parties to the matter, allinformation and records of ethical adjudication against a member shall be held in
confidence by the LEC. This may be further accepted in cases where clientparishioner risk or risk to the public welfare is judged by the LEC to be significant.
6-330: Ethical Complaint Procedures
6-330-a: Reception of a Complaint.
Proceedings against an IBCC Credential Holder or CCN member are initiated by
the reception of a formal complaint, in verbal and written form, by the LEC.
Complaints may be received from members or nonmembers of the AACC, the
CCN or the IBCC.

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6-330-b: LEC (Sua Sponte) Action
The LEC may initiate proceedings on its own when it has sufficient evidence to doso, or as a response against an IBCC Credential Holder or CCN member who files
a frivolous complaint, or if the complainant has a primary intention to willfully or
maliciously harm another.
6-330-c: Procedure for Making a Complaint
AACC members, CCN members and IBCC Credential Holders shall contact the LEC
or Association offices to present their complaint. The complaint should beoutlined in writing, in no more than one page initially, and note both the alleged
violation of AACC ethics or rules, and any direct and other evidence thecomplainant has to support it.
6-330-d: Unacceptable Complaints
The LEC will not initiate proceedings in situations of anonymous complaints,
complaints against nonmembers, non-CCN members, or non-IBCC Credential
Holders, or in counter complaints. In the latter case, the LEC may consider
whether a counter complaint has cause to proceed further only after the initial
complaint is fully resolved.
6-330-e: Multiple Complaints
When numerous complaints against an IBCC Credential Holder or CCN member
are received simultaneously, the LEC may elect to combine them into one action
or deal with them separately. When consecutive complaints are heard, the LEC
may elect to consider the disposition of any previous case against the IBCC
Credential Holder or CCN member in its resolution of a current complaint.
6-330-f: Warning Against Frivolous and Vindictive Complaints
AACC members, CCN members and IBCC Credential Holders shall not makefrivolous reports, without substantiation, or that are primarily motivated byanger or vindictiveness, or with an intent to harm the alleged violator. The
primary motivations in reporting ethical misconduct are to protect clients andparishioners, to maintain the honor of Christ and the church, the honor of our
professions, and to assist the cure and restoration of violators to ethical andeffective ministry, if possible.
6-340: Complaint Assessment and Initial Action by the LEC
6-340-a: Inability to Take Further Action
Failure of any one of the following standards (6-340-b, c & d) shall render the
LEC unable to take further action against an IBCC Credential Holder or CCN
member. If it is dismissed, the LEC shall so rule, the complainant notified of the
LEC's decision, and the matter closed.

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6-340-b: Lack of Jurisdiction
The LEC shall first determine whether it has jurisdiction. Personal jurisdiction is
met if the complaint is directed toward an IBCC Credential Holder or CCN
member in good standing. Subject matter jurisdiction is met when the alleged
wrongdoing of the individual in question, acting in a professional-ministerial
capacity, intersects the standards of this code.
6-340-c: Insufficient Information to Act Further
The LEC shall then determine whether it has sufficient information to takefurther action. There must be: (a) a clear violation of the Association's ethics,
policies, or procedural rules; and (b) the information supporting the violationmust be of sufficient weight and quality that, in the LEC's judgment, it cannot bedismissed.
6-340-d: Failure of Procedure or Time Limits
Finally, the LEC shall determine that proper procedures and time limits havebeen honored in the complaint process, as defined by this Code.
6-350: Cause for Further Action
If, in the LEC's judgment, the standards of filing a complaint are satisfied, then it shallrule that cause for further action exists. It shall then review and decide the steps necessary toseek the most just, restorative, and least costly resolution. It shall gather the most reputableevidence that applies to the matter at hand, rejecting evidence that is speculative, incredible,
and unsupportable.
6-350-a: LEC May Seek Informal Resolution of the Matter
The LEC may empower the Chair or a committee to address the matter directlywith the complainee to seek a just resolution. The intervener may thenrecommend to the LEC whether or not to close the matter at this stage and thereasons for its recommendation, and LEC may elect whether or not to accept therecommendation of the committee or pursue further action.
6-360: Initial Notification to Complainee
If informal resolution is not elected or does not work, the violations and evidence
supporting it shall be simply and clearly outlined in a query letter signed by the Chair and Vicechair of the LEC. This letter and a copy of the applicable ethics and rules shall be delivered tothe complainee by mail, electronic notification or in person by the LEC.
6-360-a: Requests for Additional Information
The LEC may request additional information from the complainant, thecomplainee, or any appropriate source to assist resolution of the matter.
6-360-b: Time for and Response from Complainee—Complaint Stage
Within 30 days of reception of the letter, the complainee may respond in writing
to the allegations. The complainee must respond personally and not through athird-party. The LEC Chairman may waive or adjust the time requirement if goodcause is shown.
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6-370: Case Closure for Insufficient Evidence
If it becomes clear that insufficient or competing evidence raises substantial doubt
about the occurrence of ethical violation, then the LEC will close the case. If this action is taken,
the LEC shall promptly notify both complainant and complainee of its decision and reasoning.
6-370-a: Reopening a Closed Case
A case closed for insufficient evidence may be reopened upon the receipt of new
evidence significant enough to justify reopening the matter within a reasonable
time from the reception of the original complaint.
6-370-b: Alternative/Supplementary Action May Be Recommended
The LEC reserves the right, whether a case is closed or stays open, torecommend alternative or supplementary action—referral to any relevant
professional association, denomination, state licensure board, administrative
agency, or any other appropriate body to hear the complaint.
6-380: Case Resolution by Mutual Agreement
The LEC may pursue case closure through a pre-formal agreement with the complaineethat is restorative and corrective. By discussion, prayer, reasoning together, and negotiation,
the LEC will seek to resolve the matter in a way that serves the best interests of the AACC, the
CCN and its IBCC Credential Holders.
6-380-a: Structure of Agreement
Such agreement will usually clarify misunderstandings, direct corrective action,
establish a time-frame for renewal of ethical relations and proper trust, define afair assessment of these objectives, or any combination of these things. Thisagreement shall be signed by the LEC Chair and the complainee and shall be
disclosed to the complainant, the complainee, and anyone else agreed to by thesignatories.
6-390: Cause for Formal Case Review
If the matter cannot be closed or resolved as defined above and in the judgment of the
LEC, sufficient cause exists to pursue the matter further, the LEC shall then decide that “cause
for formal case review” exists, so shall rule, will notify the applicable parties, and then moveprayerfully to the next level of adjudication.

PR6-400: Formal Case Review Procedures
6-410: Selection and Operation of Case Review Subcommittee
The LEC shall form a three-person subcommittee (sub-com), chaired by the Chair orVice-chair, to hear and resolve a formal ethics complaint. This subcommittee shall be given
sufficient authority and the necessary resources to resolve the matter, consistent with these
ethics and rules, in a just and timely manner. Subcommittee recommendations shall be
forwarded to and accepted by the LEC when two votes of the subcommittee exist.

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6-410-a: Presentation of a Charge Letter
The complainee shall receive a formal charge letter from the LEC, detailing thealleged wrongdoing, the specific code sections implicated, and the supporting
evidence. The letter shall instruct the complainee as to the manner and time forresponse to allegations. Any supporting materials that the LEC will use to assist
its review shall be copied and sent with the letter.
6-410-b: Time for and Response from Complainee—Review Stage
The complainee has 30 days from the letter date to respond to the allegations,either in person or in writing. The complainee must follow all charge letter
instructions and rules. Any waiver of time and action requirements must be
made, in person or in writing, within the 30-day timeframe. Legal counsel orother help may be consulted and can attend the case hearing for consultation,
but cannot speak directly for his or her client at the hearing—this representationmust be done directly by the complainee.
6-420: Documentation, Review of the Evidence and Recommendations
Additional documentation may be sent to the LEC by the complainee within the 30-day
period. The LEC will, within this 30-day period, forward any additional information it receives
to the complainee. The LEC will review the case and render a judgment no later than 120 days
from the date of the charge letter. One of four recommendations will be made to the LEC by
the subcommittee and the appropriate parties notified of this decision.
6-420-a: Recommendation to Dismiss Charges
If the subcommittee finds: (1) no evidence or very weak evidence of violation; or(2) has insufficient evidence to render an informed judgment; or (3) finds a slightviolation that has been or is in process of being corrected, it shall recommendthat the LEC dismiss the charge(s).
6-420-b: Recommendation to Educate and Repair
If the subcommittee finds a more weighty violation, or a pattern of violation thatis not too serious, and there is evidence of some correction, it may elect torecommend the complainee educate him or herself and repair the violation.
Notification of such action will be communicated to the complainee andcomplainant only.
6-420-c: Recommendation to Reprimand and Suspend
If the subcommittee finds a more serious violation, or a pattern of continuing
violations with no repair started, but the likelihood of correction and restored
practice is significant, it may recommend that the LEC reprimand and suspend
the IBCC Credential Holder or CCN member, with instructions for possible
reinstatement. Such action, and the violations related to it, may be
communicated to AACC members, IBCC Credential Holders and CCN members in
official publications at the discretion of the AACC executive leadership.

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6-420-d: Recommendation to Terminate MembershipIf the subcommittee finds a very serious violation, or a pattern of continuing
serious violations, especially after being challenged to change, and the likelihoodof correction or value of it is slight (compared to the harm done), it may
recommend to the LEC that credentialing in the IBCC be terminated. Such action,and the violations related to it, will be communicated to AACC members, IBCC
Credential Holders and CCN members in official publications at the discretion of
the AACC executive leadership.
6-420-e: Agreed Resignation of Member
An IBCC Credential Holder or CCN member may elect to resign his or her
credential, or the LEC may elect to offer such resignation to the IBCC Credential
Holder prior to termination of credentialing. Such action, and the violations
related to it, may be communicated to AACC members, IBCC Credential Holders
and CCN members in official publications at the discretion of the AACC executive
leadership.
6-430: Final Ruling of the Law and Ethics Committee
Recommendations for case disposition from the subcommittee shall be heard andaccepted by the LEC. LEC rulings, tracking the recommendations of the subcommittee, shall
include sufficient information and instruction to satisfactorily achieve the stated objectives of
the LEC ruling. Except in the case of termination of credential status, all rulings by the LEC at
this stage shall be final, with no consequent appeal.
6-430-a: Limited Discretion to Modify Subcommittee Recommendations
The LEC shall retain limited discretion to modify the recommendations of thesubcommittee if there is good reason to find that such change will yield a morejust and restorative outcome. This discretion shall be used sparingly, and only incases where there is a general consensus for such change among LEC members.

PR6-500: Formal Appeal Hearing Procedures
6-510: Complainee Election of Formal Appeal—Termination Cases Only
Appeal of rulings by the LEC shall be allowed only in case of termination of IBCC
credential status or CCN membership.
6-510-a: Time and Documentation
Both the LEC and the complainee shall receive and argue from the samematerials that formed the original judgment, plus any additional materials thatare deemed necessary to support the appellate challenge. No hearing will takeplace within 30 days of the receipt of all relevant documents by both the LEC andthe complainee.

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6-510-b: LEC Represented by the Chair or Vice-chair
The LEC shall be represented by the Chair or Vice-chair of the LEC (the other will
sit on the appeals panel). They shall be responsible for arguing the case to theappeals panel to support the LEC ruling.
6-520: Standards and Conduct of the Formal Appeal Hearing
There shall be one appeals hearing only, on a date and at a place that is mostconvenient for the appeals panel, whose ruling shall be final as to all matters concerning thecase. The appeals panel will review the appeal and render a judgment no later than 30 days
from the date of the appeals hearing.
6-520-a: The Appeals Panel
Appeals shall be heard by a five-person panel, consisting of the LEC Chair or Vicechair (whoever is not representing the LEC in the appeal) and at least two other
LEC members (not those hearing the original action). Other panel members, if
needed, shall be invited by the AACC executive Leadership.
6-520-b: The Appeals Standard—Unjust Result
The appellate panel must rule against the termination of credentialing status if
the complainee can show substantial evidence that: (1) the subcommittee panel
or a member of it showed a clear intent to harm the complainee; or (2) thatfindings of fact or application of the ethics code were clearly erroneous; or (3)the application of termination was a clearly excessive and punitive sanction.
6-520-c: Representation by Self or with Legal Counsel
The complainee shall represent and speak for him or herself in all appellate
actions, though he/she may choose to retain legal or other counsel who may
help the complainee before and during the hearing.
6-520-d: Retention of Legal Counsel by the AACC
The LEC may elect to retain legal counsel, or any other expert help it deems
necessary.
6-530: Final Order of the Appeals Panel
The appeals panel shall rule, by at least three votes, either to uphold the prior LEC rulingor to reverse it. Upholding the rule will end the matter for the AACC, the IBCC and the CCN. A
reversal will lead to a dismissal of the prior ruling and an order for a new case review hearing
with at least two new panel members on the subcommittee.

PR6-600: Procedures Following Action by Churches, Courts, and Other Bodies
6-610: LEC Authorized to Act Independently or With Others
6-610-a: Litigation, License Revocation, or Other Disciplinary Action Not a Bar
to Action by LEC

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The LEC reserves the right to proceed with an ethics action even if the IBCC
Credential Holder or CCN member is engaged in litigation, license revocation, orother disciplinary action for the same or similar issues.
6-610-b: LEC Election to Stay Process Pending Resolution
The LEC reserves the right to suspend an ethics action until case disposition inanother legal or disciplinary forum is completed. Any delay in action by the LEC
shall not waive jurisdiction and any time constraints shall be suspended until theaction is begun or resumed.
6-610-c: Retention and Referral of Jurisdiction to Other Bodies
The LEC reserves the right to refer a case to another recognized body for action,and to cooperate or work jointly with another tribunal. Any referral to anotherbody shall not constitute waiver of jurisdiction by the LEC, nor shall the LEC bebarred from acting on its own following referral.
6-620: Basis for and Procedure of a Show Cause Hearing
6-620-a: Five Bases for a Show Cause Hearing
An IBCC Credential Holder or CCN member may be directed by the LEC to showcause why official action by the LEC should not be taken if the member issanctioned for misbehavior substantially related to his or her professional or
ministerial tasks, in the form of: (1) conviction of a criminal offense; (2) amalpractice judgment; (3) a malpractice settlement of $25,000 or more; (4) alicense revocation or suspension action; or (5) any church, denominational, or
any other official organizational act of expulsion, suspension, or de-ordination.
6-620-b: Notice by LEC and Response of Member
Upon receipt from the LEC of a show cause letter, the IBCC Credential Holder or
CCN member will have 30 days from the letter date in which to respond. The
IBCC Credential Holder or CCN member may show cause based on either theunjust result standard, or the lack of due process in the other proceeding.
6-620-c: Review of Prior Action and Recommendation
The LEC Chair or Vice-chair will review the evidence and prior proceeding anddetermine whether just cause exists to challenge its rule. If so, arecommendation will be made to start a formal case review on the merits
according to the procedures of this code. If cause is not shown, arecommendation of termination of credential status will be made based of thefinding of the prior proceeding.
6-620-d: Stipulated Resignations
The AACC, the IBCC Credential Holder or the CCN member may stipulate andagree on the resignation of the IBCC Credential Holder or CCN member. Whether
termination or resignation, the result will be published in official AACC and IBCC
publications at the discretion of the AACC executive leadership.

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6-620-e: Final Order of the Law and Ethics Committee
Recommendations for case disposition shall be heard and accepted by the LEC.
LEC rulings, tracking these recommendations, shall include sufficient informationand instruction to satisfactorily achieve the stated objectives of the LEC ruling.
All rulings by the LEC in a show cause hearing shall be final, with no consequentappeal.

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