Rehab Code of Ethics
Adapted from NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals Code Of Ethics
Introduction
This Code of Ethics shall be relevant for ethical deliberation and guidance. The terms “addiction professionals” and “providers” shall include and refer to psychologist, counsellor, professional intern and volunteer serving on the Siam Rehab Thailand team. “Client” shall include and refer to individuals, couples, partners, families, or groups, depending on the setting.
The Siam Rehab Thailand Code of Ethics was written to reflect the ideals and govern the conduct of Siam Rehab Thailand and its staff members, and shall be the accepted standard of conduct for Siam Rehab Thailand Therapeutic Staff Members.
This Code of Ethics shall be a statement of the values of the addictions profession, and the guide for making ethical clinical decisions. When an ethics complaint is filed, the complaint shall be evaluated by consulting the Siam Rehab Thailand Code of Ethics. This Code shall also be utilized to evaluate the behaviors of Therapeutic Staff Members.
In addition to identifying specific ethical standards, Siam Rehab Thailand Therapeutic Staff Members shall also remain mindful of the following values:
- Autonomy: To allow each person the freedom to choose their own destiny.
- Obedience: The responsibility to observe and obey legal and ethical directives.
- Conscientious Refusal: The responsibility to refuse to carry out directives that are illegal and/or unethical.
- Beneficence: To help others.
- Gratitude: To pass along the good that we receive to others.
- Competence: To possess the necessary skills and knowledge to treat the clientele in a chosen discipline and to remain current with treatment modalities, theories and techniques.
- Justice: Fair and equal treatment; to treat others in a just and fair manner.
- Stewardship: To use available resources in a judicious and conscientious manner; to give back
- Honesty and Candor: To tell the truth in all dealing with clients, colleagues, business associates and the community
The Counseling Relationship
1.1. Client Welfare
Therapeutic Staff Members shall accept their responsibility to ensure the safety and welfare of their client, and shall act for the good of each client while exercising respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Providers shall treat each client with dignity, honor, and respect, and act in the best interest of each client.
1.2. Informed Consent
Therapeutic Staff Members shall ensure that each client shall be fully informed about treatment, and shall provide clients with information in clear and understandable language regarding the purposes, risks, limitations, and costs of treatment services, reasonable alternatives, their right to refuse services, and their right to withdraw consent within time frames established within the consent. Providers shall review with their client, both verbally and in writing, the rights and responsibilities of both the provider and the client. Providers shall have the client attest to their understanding of the information presented in the Informed Consent by signing the Informed Consent document.
1.3. Mandatory Disclosure
Mandatory Disclosure shall include:
- Explicit explanation as to the nature of all services to be provided and methodologies and theories typically utilized
- Purposes, goals, techniques, procedures, limitations, potential risks, and benefits of services,
- The Therapeutic Staff Members, credentials, relevant experience, and approach to counsell ning
- Confidentiality and explanation of its limits, including duty to warn
- The role of technology, including boundaries with electronic transmissions and social networking
- Implications of diagnosis and the intended use of tests and reports
- The client’s right to refuse services
- The client’s right to refuse to be treated by a person‐in‐training, without fear of retribution.
1.4. Limits of Confidentiality
Therapeutic Staff Members shall clarify the nature of their relationship with each party, and the limits of confidentiality, at the outset of services when agreeing to provide services to a person at the request or direction of a third party.
1.5. Diversity
Therapeutic Staff Members shall respect the diversity of clients and provide culturally‐responsive and culturally‐sensitive services to all clients.
1.6. Discrimination
Therapeutic Staff Members shall not practice, condone, facilitate, or collaborate with any form of discrimination against any client on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religious or spiritual beliefs, age, gender identification, national origin, sexual orientation or expression, marital status, political affiliation, physical or mental handicap, health condition, housing status or economic status.
1.7. Mandated Clients
Therapeutic Staff Members who work with clients who have been mandated to counseling and related services, shall discuss legal and ethical limitations to confidentiality. Providers shall explain confidentiality, limits to confidentiality, and the sharing of information for supervision and consultation purposes prior to the beginning of the therapeutic or service relationship. If the client refuses services, the provider shall discuss with the client potential consequences of refusing mandated services, while respecting client autonomy.
1.8. Multiple Therapists
Therapeutic Staff Members shall obtain a signed Release of Information (ROI) from the client if the client is working with another substance use or mental health professional. The ROI shall allow the provider to establish a collaborative professional relationship.
1.9. Boundaries
Therapeutic Staff Members shall consider the inherent risks and benefits associated with moving the boundaries of a counseling relationship beyond the standard parameters. Providers shall obtain consultation and supervision, and recommendations shall be documented.
1.10. Multiple/Dual Relationships
Therapeutic Staff Members shall make every effort to avoid multiple relationships with a client. When a dual relationship is unavoidable, the professional shall take extra care to ensure professional judgment is not impaired and there is no risk of client exploitation. Such relationships shall include, but are not limited to, members of the provider’s immediate or extended family, business associates of the professional, or individuals who have a close personal relationship with the professional or the professional’s family. When extending these boundaries, providers shall take appropriate professional precautions such as informed consent, consultation, supervision, and documentation to ensure that their judgment is not impaired and no harm occurs. Consultation and supervision shall be obtained, and the recommendations shall be documented.
1.11. Prior Relationship
Therapeutic Staff Members shall recognize that there are inherent risks and benefits to accepting as a client someone with whom the provider had a prior relationship, which shall include anyone with whom the provider had a casual, distant, or past relationship. Prior to engaging in a counseling relationship with a person from a previous relationship, the provider shall obtain consultation or supervision, and shall document the recommendations. The burden
shall be on the provider to ensure that their judgment is not impaired, and that exploitation is not occurring.
1.12. Previous Client
Therapeutic Staff Members who are considering initiating any type of professional relationship with a previous client shall seek documented consultation or supervision prior to its initiation.
1.13. Group
Therapeutic Staff Members shall clarify who “the client” is, when accepting and working with more than one person as “the client.” Providers shall clarify the relationship the provider will have with each person. In group counseling, providers shall take reasonable precautions to protect group members from harm.
1.14. Communication
Therapeutic Staff Members shall communicate information in ways that are developmentally and culturally appropriate. Providers shall offer clear and understandable language when discussing issues related to informed consent. Cultural implications of informed consent shall be considered and documented by the provider.
1.15. Treatment Planning
Therapeutic Staff Members shall create treatment plans in collaboration with their client. Treatment plans shall be reviewed and revised on an ongoing and intentional basis to ensure their viability and validity.
1.16. Level of Care
Therapeutic Staff Members shall provide their client with the highest quality of care. Providers can use various, relevant and approved criteria, to ensure that clients are appropriately and effectively served.
1.17. Documentation
Therapeutic Staff Members and other service providers shall create, maintain, protect, and store required documentation per government requirements, rules, and organisational policies.
1.18. Advocacy
Therapeutic Staff Members shall advocate on behalf of clients at individual, group, institutional, and societal levels. Providers shall speak out regarding barriers and obstacles that impede access to and/or growth and development of clients. When advocating for a specific client, providers shall obtain written consent prior to engaging in advocacy efforts.
1.19. Referrals
Therapeutic Staff Members shall recognise that each client is entitled to the full extent of physical, social, psychological, spiritual, and emotional care required to meet their needs. Providers shall refer to culturally and linguistically appropriate resources when a client presents with any impairment that is beyond the scope of the provider’s education, training, skills, expertise, and licensure.
1.20. Exploitation
Therapeutic Staff Members shall be aware of their influential positions with respect to clients and shall not exploit the trust and dependency of any client. Providers shall not engage in any activity that violates or diminishes the civil or legal rights of any client. Providers shall not use coercive treatment methods with any client, including threats, negative labels, or attempts to provoke shame or humiliation. Providers shall not impose their personal, religious, or political values on any client. Providers shall not endorse conversion therapy.
1.21. Sexual Relationships
Therapeutic Staff Members shall not engage in any form of sexual or romantic relationship with any current or former client, nor shall they accept as a client anyone with whom they have engaged in a romantic, sexual, social, or familial relationship. This prohibition shall include in‐person and electronic interactions and/or relationships. Therapeutic Staff Members shall be prohibited from engaging in counseling relationships with friends or family members.
1.22. Termination
Therapeutic Staff Members shall terminate services with the client when services are no longer required, no longer serve the client’s needs, or the provider is unable to remain objective. Counselors shall provide pre‐termination counseling and shall offer appropriate referrals as needed. Providers may refer a client, after obtaining and documenting supervision or consultation, when the provider is in danger of harm by the client or by another person with whom the client has a relationship.
1.23. Coverage
Therapeutic Staff Members shall make necessary coverage arrangements to accommodate interruptions in services such as vacations, illness, or any unexpected situation.
1.24. Abandonment
Therapeutic Staff Members shall not abandon any client in treatment. Providers who anticipate termination or interruption of services to clients shall notify each client promptly, and shall arrange for discharge or where relevant seek transfer, referral, or continuation of services in accordance with each client’s needs and preferences.
1.25. Self‐Referrals
Therapeutic Staff Members shall not refer clients to their private practice unless policies at the organisation that is the source of the referral allow for self‐ referrals. When self‐referrals are not permitted, clients shall be informed of other appropriate referral resources.
1.26. Commissions
Therapeutic Staff Members shall not offer or accept any commissions, rebates, kickbacks, bonuses, or any form of remuneration for referral of a client for professional services, nor engage in fee splitting.
1.27. Enterprises
Therapeutic Staff Members shall not use relationships with clients for personal gain or profit.
1.28. Regardless of Compensation
Therapeutic Staff Members shall provide the same level of professional skill and service to each client without regard to the type or amount of compensation provided by a client or third‐party payer.
1.29. Gifts
Therapeutic Staff Members shall recognise that clients may wish to show appreciation for services by offering gifts. Providers shall take into account the therapeutic relationship, the monetary value of the gift, the client’s motivation for giving the gift, and the counselor’s motivation for wanting to accept or decline the gift.
1.30. Virtual
Therapeutic Staff Members shall be prohibited from engaging in a personal or romantic virtual e‐relationship with all current and former clients.
Confidentiality & Priviledged Communication
2.1. Confidentiality
Therapeutic Staff Members shall understand that confidentiality and anonymity are foundational to addiction treatment, and shall accept the duty to protect the identity and privacy of each client as a primary obligation. Providers shall communicate the parameters of confidentiality in a culturally‐sensitive manner.
2.2. Documentation
Therapeutic Staff Members shall create and maintain appropriate documentation. Providers shall ensure that records and documentation created in any medium, which shall include, but shall not be limited to cloud, laptop, flash drive, external hard drive, tablet, computer, and paper shall be securely maintained and that only authorised persons shall have access to documents. Providers shall disclose to clients, within informed consent, how records shall be stored, maintained, and disposed per government laws and regulations.
2.3. Access
Therapeutic Staff Members shall notify the client, during informed consent, about procedures specific to client access to records. Addiction professionals shall provide the client reasonable access to documentation regarding the client upon his/her written request. Providers shall protect the confidentiality of any other persons contained in the records. Providers shall limit access of the client to their records, and provide a summary of the records when there is evidence that full access could cause harm to the client. A treatment summary shall include, and shall be limited to dates of service, diagnoses, treatment plan, and progress in treatment. Providers shall seek supervision or consultation prior to providing the client with documentation and shall document their rationale for releasing or limiting access to records. Providers shall provide assistance and consultation to the client regarding interpretation of counselling records.
2.4. Sharing
Therapeutic Staff Members shall engage in ongoing discussions with the client regarding how, when, and with whom information is to be shared.
2.5. Disclosure
Therapeutic Staff Members shall not disclose confidential information regarding the identity of a client, nor information that could potentially reveal the identity of a client, without written consent by the client. In situations where the disclosure is mandated or permitted by government law, verbal authorisation shall not be sufficient, except in emergencies.
2.6. Privacy
Therapeutic Staff Members and the organisations they work for shall ensure that confidentiality and privacy of clients shall be protected by providers, employees, supervisees, students, office personnel, other staff and volunteers.
2.7. Limits of Confidentiality
Therapeutic Staff Members, during informed consent, shall disclose the legal and ethical limits of confidentiality and shall disclose the legal exceptions to confidentiality. Confidentiality and limitations to confidentiality shall be reviewed as needed during the counselling relationship. Providers shall review with each client all circumstances where confidential information may be requested, and where disclosure of confidential information may be legally required.
2.8. Imminent Danger
Therapeutic Staff Members shall only reveal client identity or confidential information without client consent when a client presents a clear and imminent danger to themselves or to another person, and only to emergency personnel who are directly involved in reducing the danger or threat. Counselors shall obtain supervision or consultation when unsure about the validity of an exception, and shall document the recommendations.
2.9. Courts
Therapeutic Staff Members who are ordered to release confidential and/or privileged information by a court shall obtain written, informed consent from the client, shall take steps to prohibit the disclosure, or shall have the disclosure limited as narrowly as possible because of potential harm to the client or counselling relationship.
2.10. Essential Only
Therapeutic Staff Members shall release only essential information when circumstances require the disclosure of confidential information.
2.11. Multidisciplinary Care
Therapeutic Staff Members shall inform the client when the provider is a participant in a multidisciplinary care team providing coordinated services to the client. The client shall have the right to ask who the members of the team are and what information is being shared.
2.12. Locations
Therapeutic Staff Members shall discuss confidential client information only in locations where they are reasonably certain they can protect client privacy.
2.13. Payers
Therapeutic Staff Members shall obtain client authorization prior to disclosing any information to third party payers (i.e., Medicaid, Medicare, insurance payers, private payers).
2.15. Encryption
Addiction professionals shall use encryption and other necessary precautions to ensure that information being transmitted electronically or in other mediums remains confidential.
2.16. Therapeutic Staff Members
Therapeutic Staff Members shall protect the confidentiality of deceased clients by upholding legal mandates and documented preferences of the client.
2.17. All Parties
Therapeutic Staff Members, who provide group, family, or couples therapy, shall describe the roles and responsibilities of all parties, limits of confidentiality, and the inability to guarantee that confidentiality will be maintained by all parties.
2.18. Storage and Disposal
Therapeutic Staff Members shall create and/or abide by government laws and organisational policies and procedures regarding the storage, transfer, and disposal of confidential client records. Providers shall maintain client confidentiality in all mediums and forms of documentation.
2.19. Video Recording
Therapeutic Staff Members shall obtain informed consent and Releases of Information prior to videotaping, audio recording, or permitting third party observation of any client interaction or group therapy session. Clients shall be fully informed regarding recordings, which shall include, but shall not be limited to the purpose, who shall have access, and the storage, and disposal of recordings prior to recording.
2.20. Recording e‐therapy
Therapeutic Staff Members shall obtain informed consent and a written Release of Information prior to recording an electronic therapy session. Prior to obtaining informed consent for recording e‐therapy, the provider shall obtain supervision or consultation, and shall document the recommendations. Providers shall disclose to clients, in informed consent, how e‐records shall be stored, maintained, and disposed, and in what time frame.
2.21. Government Regulations Statement
Therapeutic Staff Members shall ensure that all written information released to others shall be accompanied by a statement identifying the Government Regulations governing such disclosure, and shall notify clients when a disclosure is made, to whom the disclosure was made, and for what purposes the disclosure was made.
2.22. Transfer Records
Unless exceptions to confidentiality exist, Therapeutic Staff Members shall obtain written permission from clients to disclose or transfer records to legitimate third parties. Providers shall ensure that receivers of counselling records shall be made aware of their confidential nature. All information released shall be appropriately marked as confidential.
2.23. Written Permission
Therapeutic Staff Members who receive confidential information about any past, present, or potential client shall not disclose such information without obtaining written permission from the client allowing such release.
2.24. Multidisciplinary Consultation
Therapeutic Staff Members shall not release confidential information to external professionals, which shall include, but shall not be limited to physicians, probation and parole officers, and psychiatrists without first obtaining written consent to release information.
2.25. Health Status
Therapeutic Staff Members shall adhere to relevant government laws concerning the disclosure of a client’s health status.
2.26. Storage and Disposal
Therapeutic Staff Members shall store, safeguard, and dispose of client records in accordance with government law, accepted professional standards, and in ways which protect the confidentiality of clients.
2.27. Temporary Assistance
Therapeutic Staff Members, when serving clients of another colleague during a temporary absence or emergency, shall serve those clients with the same professional consideration and confidentiality as that afforded the professional’s own clients.
2.28. Termination
Therapeutic Staff Members shall protect client confidentiality in the event of the counsellor’s termination of practice, incapacity, or death. Providers shall appoint a records custodian when identified as appropriate, in their organisational or private practice policies or other document.
2.29. Consultation
Therapeutic Staff Members shall share information about a client with a consultant only for professional purposes. Providers shall only release information pertaining to the reason for the consultation. Providers shall protect the client’s identity and prevent breaches of the client’s privacy. Therapeutic Staff Members, when consulting with colleagues or referral sources, shall not share confidential information obtained in clinical or consulting relationships that could lead to identification of the client, unless the provider has obtained prior written consent from the client. Information shall be shared only in appropriate clinical settings and only to the extent necessary to achieve the purposes of the consultation.
Professional Responsibilities & Workplace Standards
3.1. Responsibility
Therapeutic Staff Members shall abide by the Siam Rehab Thailand Code of Ethics. Therapeutic Staff Members shall read, understand and follow the Siam Rehab Thailand Code of Ethics and shall adhere to applicable government laws and regulations.
3.2. Integrity
Therapeutic Staff Members shall conduct themselves with integrity. Providers shall maintain integrity in their professional and personal relationships and activities. Providers shall communicate honestly, accurately, and appropriately to clients, peers, and the public, regardless of the communication medium used.
3.3. Discrimination
Therapeutic Staff Members shall not engage in, endorse or condone discrimination against prospective or current clients and their families, students, employees, volunteers, supervisees, or research participants based on their race, ethnicity, age, disability, religion, spirituality, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital or partnership status, pregnancy, language preference, socioeconomic status, immigration status, or any other basis.
3.4. Nondiscriminatory
Therapeutic Staff Members shall provide services that are nondiscriminatory and nonjudgmental. Providers shall not exploit others in their professional relationships. Providers shall maintain appropriate professional and personal boundaries.
3.5. Fraud
Therapeutic Staff Members shall not participate in, condone, or be associated with any form of dishonesty, fraud, or deceit.
3.6. Violation
Therapeutic Staff Members shall not engage in any criminal activity. Therapeutic Staff Members and service providers shall be in violation of this Code Of Ethics and subject to appropriate sanctions, up to and including permanent revocation of their Siam Rehab Thailand employment or association, if they:
- Fail to disclose conviction of any felony to the appropriate regulatory bodies, if requested.
- Fail to disclose conviction of any misdemeanor related to their qualifications or functions as an addiction professional, to the appropriate regulatory bodies, if requested.
- Engage in conduct which could lead to conviction of a felony or misdemeanor related to their qualifications or functions as an addiction professional.
- Are expelled from or disciplined by other professional organisations.
- Have their licenses or certificates suspended or revoked or are otherwise disciplined by regulatory bodies.
- Continue to practice addiction counseling while impaired.
- Continue to identify themselves as a certified or licensed addiction professional after being denied certification or licensure, allowing their certification or license to lapse, or having their certification or license suspended or revoked.
- Fail to cooperate with the Siam Rehab Thailand Code Of Ethics at any point from the inception of an ethics complaint through the completion of all procedures regarding that complaint.
3.7. Harassment
Therapeutic Staff Members shall not engage in or condone any form of harassment, including sexual harassment.
3.8. Credentials
Therapeutic Staff Members shall claim and present only educational certification conferred upon them by accredited institutions. Providers shall claim and present only those specialised certifications received from a qualified certifying body. Providers shall accurately represent the accreditation status of a specific institution of higher learning or certifying body.
3.9. Credentials
Therapeutic Staff Members shall claim and promote only those licenses and certifications that are current and in good standing.
3.10. Accuracy of References
Therapeutic Staff Members and providers shall correct all references to their credentials and affiliations that are false, deceptive, or misleading. Providers shall advocate for accuracy in statements made by self or others about the addiction profession.
3.11. Accuracy of Representation
Therapeutic Staff Members shall accurately represent professional qualifications, education, experience, memberships, affiliations or recovery history. Providers shall accept employment only on the basis of existing competencies or explicit intent to acquire the necessary competence.
3.12. Scope of Practice
Therapeutic Staff Members shall only provide services within their scope of practice and competency, and shall only offer services that are science‐based, evidence‐based, and outcome‐driven. Providers shall engage in counseling practices that are grounded in rigorous research methodologies. Providers shall maintain adequate knowledge of and adhere to applicable professional standards of practice.
3.13. Boundaries of Competence
Therapeutic Staff Members shall only practice within the boundaries of their competence. Competence shall be established through education, training, skills, and supervised experience, state and national professional credentials and certifications, and relevant professional experience.
3.14. Proficiency
Therapeutic Staff Members shall seek and develop proficiency through relevant education, training, and supervised experience prior to independently delivering specialty services. Providers shall obtain supervised experience and consultation to ensure the validity of their work and shall protect clients from harm when developing skills in new specialty areas.
3.15. Educational Achievement
Therapeutic Staff Members shall recognise that advanced educational achievement shall be necessary to provide the level of service clients deserve. Providers shall accept and acknowledge the need for formal and specialised education as a vital component of professional development, competency, and integrity.
3.16. Continuing Education
Therapeutic Staff Members shall engage in continuing education and professional development opportunities in order to maintain and enhance knowledge of research‐based scientific developments within the profession. Providers shall learn and utilize new procedures relevant to the clients they serve, under supervision. Providers shall remain informed regarding best practices for working with diverse populations.
3.17. Self‐Monitoring
Therapeutic Staff Members shall continuously self‐monitor in order to meet their professional obligations. Providers shall engage in self‐care activities that promote and maintain their physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual well‐being.
3.18. Scientific
Therapeutic Staff Members shall use techniques, procedures, and modalities that have a scientific and empirical foundation. Providers shall utilize counselling techniques and procedures that are grounded in theory, evidence‐based, outcome‐driven and/or a research‐supported promising practice. Providers shall not use techniques, procedures, or modalities that have substantial evidence suggesting harm, even when such services are requested.
3.19. Innovation
Therapeutic Staff Members shall discuss with clients and document the potential risks, benefits and ethical concerns prior to using developing or innovative techniques, procedures, or modalities with a client. Providers shall minimise any potential risks or harm when using developing and/or innovative techniques, procedures, or modalities, and document the steps taken to minimize risks. Providers shall obtain and document supervision and/or consultation regarding potential risks to clients prior to presenting innovative treatment options.
3.20. Multicultural Competency
Therapeutic Staff Members who deliver multiculturally‐sensitive counselling and other services shall do so by gaining knowledge specific to multiculturalism, increasing awareness of the diverse cultural identifications of clients, developing cultural humility, displaying an attitude favorable to differences, and increasing skills pertinent to being culturally‐sensitive.
3.21. Primary Care
Therapeutic Staff Members may work to educate medical professionals about substance use disorders, the need for collaboration between primary care and SUD providers, and the need to limit the use of mood‐altering chemicals for clients in SUD treatment and/or recovery.
3.22. Medical Professionals
Therapeutic Staff Members shall recognize the need for the use of mood‐altering chemicals in limited medical situations, and may work to educate medical professionals to limit, monitor, and closely supervise the administration of such chemicals when their use is necessary.
3.23. Collaborative Care
Therapeutic Staff Members shall collaborate with other health care professionals in providing a supportive environment for any client who receives prescribed medication.
3.24. Multidisciplinary Care
Collaborative multidisciplinary care teams shall be focused on increasing the client’s functionality and wellness. Therapeutic Staff Members who are members of multidisciplinary care teams shall work with team members to clarify professional and ethical obligations of the team as a whole, and its individual members. If ethical concerns develop as a result of a team decision, providers shall attempt to resolve the concern within the team first. If resolution cannot be reached within the team, providers shall obtain and document supervision and/or consultation to address their concerns consistent with client well‐being.
3.25. Collegial
Therapeutic Staff Members shall be aware of the need for collegiality and cooperation in the helping professions. Providers shall act in good faith towards colleagues and other professionals, and shall treat colleagues and other professionals with respect, courtesy, honesty, and fairness.
3.26. Collaborative Care
Therapeutic Staff Members shall develop respectful and collaborative relationships with other professionals who are working with a specific client. Providers shall not offer professional services to a client who is in counselling with another professional, except with the knowledge and documented approval of the other professional, or following termination of services with the other professional.
3.27. Qualified
Providers shall work to promote the practice of addiction counselling by qualified persons and shall only employ individuals who have the appropriate and requisite education, training, licensure and/or certification, and supervised experience.
3.28. Advocacy – 1
Therapeutic Staff Members shall be aware of society’s prejudice and stigma towards people with substance use disorders, and shall, should the opportunity arise, willingly engage in the legislative process, educational institutions, and public forums to educate people about addictive disorders, and shall advocate for opportunities and choices for our clients. Providers shall advocate for their clients as needed.
3.29. Advocacy – 2
Therapeutic Staff Members may contribute to informing the public of the impact of substance use disorders through active participation in civic affairs and community organisations where relevant. Providers may help educate the public about substance use disorders, and work to dispel negative myths, stereotypes, and misconceptions about substance use disorders and the people who have them.
3.30. Present Knowledge
Therapeutic Staff Members shall respect the limits of present knowledge in public statements concerning addictions treatment, and shall report that knowledge accurately, without distortion or misrepresentation to the public and others.
3.31. Organisational vs. Private
Therapeutic Staff Members shall distinguish clearly between statements made and actions taken as a private individual, and statements made and actions taken as a representative Siam Rehab Thailand, or the addiction profession.
3.32. Public Comments
Therapeutic Staff Members shall make no public comments disparaging Siam Rehab Thailand or the addictions profession, substance use disorders, the legislative process, or any person involved in the legislative process. The term “public comments” shall include, but shall not be limited to any and all forms of oral, written, and electronic communication.
3.33. Development
Therapeutic Staff Members may actively participate in local and national associations that promote professional development.
3.34. Policy
Therapeutic Staff Members may support the formulation, development, enactment, and implementation of public policy and legislation concerning the addiction profession and our clients.
3.35. Impairment – 1
Therapeutic Staff Members shall recognise the effect of impairment on professional performance and shall seek appropriate professional assistance for any personal problems or conflicts that may impair work performance or clinical judgment. Providers shall continuously monitor themselves for signs of physical, psychological, social and emotional impairment. Providers, with the guidance of supervision or consultation, shall obtain appropriate assistance in the event they are professionally impaired. Providers shall abide by statutory mandates specific to professional impairment when addressing one’s own impairment.
3.36. Impairment – 2
Therapeutic Staff Members shall offer and provide assistance as needed to peers, coworkers who are demonstrating professional impairment, and shall intervene to prevent harm to clients. Providers shall abide by statutory mandates specific to reporting the professional impairment of peers and coworkers.
3.37. Referrals
Therapeutic Staff Members shall not refer clients, nor recruit colleagues or supervisors, from their places of employment or professional affiliations to their private practice without prior documented authorisation. Providers shall offer multiple referral options to clients when referrals are necessary. Providers shall obtain supervision or consultation to address any potential or real conflicts of interest, and shall document the recommendations.
3.38. Termination
Therapeutic Staff Members shall create a written plan or policy for addressing situations involving the provider’s incapacitation, termination of practice, retirement, or death. Siam Rehab Thailand shall develop policies regarding continuation of services upon the incapacitation, termination, retirement or death of the provider.
3.39. Testimonials
Therapeutic Staff Members who solicit testimonials from former clients or any other persons shall discuss with clients the implications of, and potential concerns, regarding testimonials, prior to obtaining written permission for the use of specific testimonials.
3.40. Reports
Therapeutic Staff Members shall accurately, honestly and objectively report professional activities and judgments to appropriate third parties, which shall include, but shall not be limited to courts, probation/parole, insurance organisations and providers, recipients of evaluation reports, referral sources, professional organisations, regulatory agencies, regulatory boards, and ethics committees.
3.41. Advice
Therapeutic Staff Members, when offering advice or comments using any platform, which shall include, but shall not limited to presentations and lectures, demonstrations, printed articles, mailed materials, television or radio programs, video or audio recordings, technology‐based applications, or other media shall ensure that their statements are based on academic, research, and evidence‐based, outcome‐driven literature and practice. The advice or comments shall be consistent with the Siam Rehab Thailand Code of Ethics.
3.42. Dual Relationship
Therapeutic Staff Members who are required by law, institutional policy, or extraordinary circumstances to serve in more than one role in judicial or administrative proceedings shall clarify role expectations and the parameters of confidentiality with all parties involved.
3.43. Illegal Practices
Therapeutic Staff Members who become aware of inappropriate, illegal, discriminatory, and/or unethical policies, procedures and practices at Siam Rehab Thailand shall alert management. When there is potential for harm to clients or limitations on the effectiveness of services, providers shall seek supervision and/or consultation to determine appropriate next steps and further action. Providers and supervisors shall not harass or terminate an employee or colleague who has acted in a responsible and ethical manner to expose inappropriate employer/employee policies, procedures and/ or practices.
3.41. Supervision – 1
Therapeutic Staff Members who act in the role of supervisor or consultant, shall ensure that they have appropriate resources and competencies prior to providing supervisory or consultation services. Supervisors or consultants shall provide appropriate referrals to resources when requested or needed.
3.42. Supervision – 2
Therapeutic Staff Members who offer supervisory or consultation services shall review with the consultee/supervisee, both verbally and in writing, the rights and responsibilities of both the supervisor/consultant and supervisee/consultee. Providers shall inform all parties involved about the purpose, costs, risks and benefits, and the limits of confidentiality of the services to be provided.
3.43. Credit
Therapeutic Staff Members shall give appropriate credit to the authors or creators of all materials used in the course of their work. Providers shall not plagiarise another person’s work.
Working in a Culturally Diverse World
4.1. Respect
Therapeutic Staff Members shall be knowledgeable and aware of diverse cultural, individual, societal, and role differences amongst the clients they serve in a diversity of settings along the continuum of care. Providers shall offer services that demonstrate appropriate respect for the fundamental rights, dignity and worth of all clients.
4.2. Cultural Humility
Therapeutic Staff Members shall demonstrate cultural humility. Providers shall maintain an interpersonal perspective that is other‐oriented and accepting of the cultural identities of the other person, which shall include, but shall not be limited to clients, colleagues, peers, employees, employers, volunteers,supervisors, and supervisee.
4.3. Meanings
Therapeutic Staff Members shall be willing to discuss the diverse cultural meanings associated with confidentiality and privacy. Providers shall be willing to discuss differing opinions regarding the disclosure of information with client(s) and supervisor(s).
4.4. Personal Beliefs
Therapeutic Staff Members shall develop an understanding of their own personal, professional, and cultural values and beliefs. Providers shall recognise which personal and professional values may be in alignment with or in conflict with the values and needs of the client. Providers shall not use cultural or values differences as a reason to engage in discrimination. Providers shall obtain supervision and/or consultation to address areas of difference and to decrease bias, judgment, and micro‐aggressions, and shall document the recommendations.
4.5. Heritage
Therapeutic Staff Members shall practice cultural humility, and shall accept the values, norms, and cultural heritage of their clients. Providers shall not impose his or her values and/or beliefs on the client.
4.6. Credibility
Therapeutic Staff Members shall practice cultural humility, and shall be credible, capable, and trustworthy. Providers shall use a cultural humility framework to consider diversity of values, interactional styles, and cultural expectations.
4.7. Roles
Therapeutic Staff Members shall respect the roles of family members, social supports, and community structures, hierarchies, values and beliefs within the client’s culture. Providers shall consider the impact of adverse social, environmental, and political factors in assessing concerns and designing interventions.
4.8. Methodologies
Therapeutic Staff Members shall only use methodologies, skills, and practices that are evidence‐based and outcome‐driven for the populations being served. Providers shall obtain ongoing professional development opportunities to develop specialised knowledge and understanding of the groups they serve. Providers shall obtain the necessary knowledge and training to maintain humility and sensitivity when working with clients of diverse backgrounds.
4.9. Advocacy
Therapeutic Staff Members shall advocate for the needs of the diverse populations they serve.
4.10. Recruitment
Therapeutic Staff Members may engage in and advocate for the recruitment and retention of professionals and service providers who represent diverse cultural groups.
4.11. Culturally‐Driven Needs
Therapeutic Staff Members shall recognise that conventional counselling styles may not meet the needs of all clients. Providers shall discuss with the client how to determine the best manner in which to service the client. Providers shall obtain supervision and consultation when working with individuals with specific culturally‐driven needs, and shall document the recommendations.
Assesment, Evaluation & Interpretation
5.1. Assessment
Therapeutic Staff Members shall use assessments appropriately within the counselling process, considering the clients’ personal and cultural contexts when assessing and evaluating a client. Providers shall develop and/or use appropriate and verified mental health, substance use disorder, and other relevant assessments tools.
5.2. Reliability
Therapeutic Staff Members shall utilise only those assessment instruments whose validity and reliability have been established for the population being tested, and for which they have received adequate training in administration and interpretation. Counsellors who use technology‐assisted test interpretations shall be trained in the construct being measured and the specific instrument being used prior to using its technology‐based application.
5.3. Validity
Therapeutic Staff Members shall consider the validity, reliability, psychometric limitations, and appropriateness of instruments when selecting assessments. Providers shall use data from several relevant assessment tools and/or instruments to form conclusions, diagnoses, and recommendations.
5.4. Explanation
Therapeutic Staff Members shall explain to clients the nature and purposes of each assessment and the intended use of results, prior to administration of the assessment. Providers shall offer explanations in terms and language that the client or other legally authorized person can understand.
5.6. Administration
Therapeutic Staff Members shall provide an appropriate environment, free from distractions, for the administration of assessments. Providers shall ensure that technologically‐administered assessments are functioning appropriately and providing accurate results.
5.7. Cultural Influences
Therapeutic Staff Members shall recognise and understand that culture influences the manner in which clients’ concerns are defined and experienced. Providers shall be aware of historical traumas and social prejudices in the misdiagnosis and pathologizing of specific individuals and groups. Providers shall develop awareness of prejudices and biases within self and others and shall address such biases in themselves or others. Providers shall consider the client’s cultural experiences when diagnosing and planning for mental health and substance use disorder treatment.
5.8. Diagnosing
Therapeutic Staff Members shall provide proper diagnosis or assessment of mental health and substance use disorders, within their scope and licensure. Assessment techniques used to determine client placement for care shall be carefully selected and appropriately used.
5.9. Results
Therapeutic Staff Members shall consider the client’s welfare, explicit understandings, and previous agreements in determining when and how to provide assessment results.
5.10. Misusing Results
Therapeutic Staff Members shall not misuse assessment results and interpretations. Providers shall respect the client’s right to know the results, diagnoses and assessments made and shall provide results and interpretations in a manner that is understandable and does not cause harm. Providers shall adopt practices that prevent others from misusing assessment results and interpretations.
5.11. Normed Population
Therapeutic Staff Members shall select and use, with caution, assessment tools and techniques normed on populations other than that of the client. Providers shall obtain supervision or consultation when using assessment tools that are not normed to the client’s cultural identities, and shall document the recommendations.
5.12. Referral
Therapeutic Staff Members shall provide specific and relevant data about the client, when referring a client to a third party for assessment or evaluation, to ensure that appropriate instruments are used.
5.13. Security
Therapeutic Staff Members shall maintain the integrity and security of tests and assessment data, thereby addressing legal and contractual obligations. Providers shall not reproduce or modify published assessments, or parts thereof, without written permission from the publisher. Providers shall give credit to the developer and/or publisher of the test or assessment.
5.14. Forensic – 1
Therapeutic Staff Members who conduct a forensic evaluation shall inform the client, verbally and in writing, that the current relationship is for the specific purpose of forensic evaluation, and that the evaluation shall not be therapeutic. Entities or individuals who shall receive the evaluation report shall be identified prior to conducting the evaluation. Providers performing forensic evaluations shall obtain written consent from those being evaluated, or from their legal representative, unless a court orders the evaluation to be conducted without the written consent of the individual being evaluated. Informed written consent shall be obtained from a parent or guardian prior to evaluation, when the child or adult lacks the capacity to give voluntary consent.
5.15. Forensic – 2
Therapeutic Staff Members conducting forensic evaluations shall provide verifiable objective findings based on the data gathered during the assessment/evaluation process and review of records. Providers shall offer unbiased professional opinions based on the data gathered and analysis performed.
5.16. Dual Relationships
Therapeutic Staff Members shall not perform a forensic evaluation on current or former clients, spouses or partners of current or former clients, or the clients’ family members. Providers shall not provide counselling to the individuals who they forensically evaluate. Providers shall avoid potentially harmful dual relationships with the family members, romantic partners, and close friends of individuals they forensically evaluate.
Social Media
6.1. Friends
Therapeutic Staff Members shall practise caution in accepting client “friend” requests on social networking sites or via email, only after termination of therapeutic relationship with clients. Providers who choose to maintain a professional and personal presence for social media use, shall create separate professional and personal web pages, and profiles, which shall clearly distinguish between the professional and personal virtual presence.
6.2. Social Media
Therapeutic Staff Members shall clearly explain to their clients, as part of informed consent, the benefits, inherent risks, including lack of confidentiality, and necessary boundaries surrounding the use of social media. Providers shall clearly explain their policies and procedures specific to the use of social media in clinical relationships with the client. Providers shall respect the client’s rights to privacy on social media, and shall not investigate the client/supe without prior consent.
Resolving Ethical Concerns
7.1. Code of Ethics
Therapeutic Staff Members shall adhere to and uphold the Siam Rehab Thailand Code of Ethics and shall be knowledgeable regarding established policies and procedures for handling concerns related to unethical behavior at any level. Therapeutic Staff Members shall hold other providers to the same ethical and legal standards and shall be willing to take appropriate action to ensure that these standards shall be upheld. Providers shall resolve ethical dilemmas with direct and open communication among all parties involved and shall obtain supervision and/or consultation when necessary. Providers shall incorporate ethical practice into their daily professional work. Providers shall engage in ongoing professional development regarding ethical and legal issues in counseling. Providers shall be aware that client welfare and trust depend on a high level of professional conduct.
7.2. Endorsement
Therapeutic Staff Members shall abide by and endorse the Siam Rehab Thailand Code of Ethics and other applicable ethics codes from professional organisations or certification and licensure bodies of which they are members. Providers shall not be able to use lack of knowledge or misunderstanding of an ethical responsibility as a defense against a complaint of unethical conduct.
7.3. Decision Making Model
Therapeutic Staff Members shall utilize and document, when appropriate, an ethical decision‐making model when faced with an ethical dilemma. A viable ethical decision‐making model shall include, but shall not be limited to:
- Supervision and/or consultation regarding the concern
- Consideration of relevant ethical standards, principles, and laws
- Generation of potential courses of action
- Deliberation of risks and benefits of each potential course of action
- Selection of an objective decision based on the circumstances and welfare
- Reflection upon, and re‐direction when necessary, after implementing the decision.
7.4. Investigations
The Siam Rehab Thailand Ethics Committee or management shall have authority to conduct investigations, issue rulings, and invoke disciplinary action in any instance of alleged misconduct by Therapeutic Staff Member.
7.5. Participation
Therapeutic Staff Members shall be required to cooperate with the implementation of the Siam Rehab Thailand Code of Ethics, and to participate in, and abide by, any and all disciplinary actions and rulings based on the Code. Failure to participate or cooperate shall be a violation of the Siam Rehab Thailand Code of Ethics.
7.6. Cooperation
Therapeutic Staff Members shall assist in the process of enforcing the Siam Rehab Thailand Code of Ethics. Providers shall cooperate with investigations, proceedings, and requirements of the Ethics Committee, ethics committees of other professional associations, and/or licensing and certification boards having jurisdiction over those charged with a violation.
7.7. Agency Conflict
Therapeutic Staff Members shall seek and document supervision and/or consultation in the event that ethical responsibilities conflict with agency policies and procedures and regulations, and/or other governing legal authority. Supervision and/or consultation shall be obtained and documented to determine the next best steps.
7.8. Crossroads
Therapeutic Staff Members may find themselves with a dilemma when the demands of an organisation where the provider is affiliated poses a conflict with the Siam Rehab Thailand Code of Ethics. Providers shall determine the nature of the conflict and shall discuss the conflict with their supervisor or other relevant person, and shall express their commitment to the Siam Rehab Thailand Code of Ethics. Providers shall attempt to work through the appropriate channels to address their concern.
7.9. Violations without Harm
Therapeutic Staff Members who become aware of evidence to suggest that another provider is violating or has violated an ethical standard where no harm has occurred shall attempt to resolve the issue informally with the other provider, if feasible, provided such action does not violate confidentiality rights that may be involved.
7.10. Violations with Harm
Therapeutic Staff Members shall report unethical conduct or unprofessional modes of practice of which they become aware where the potential for harm exists, or actual harm has occurred, to Siam Rehab Thailand and their staff and clients. Providers shall obtain supervision/consultation prior to filing a complaint, and document recommendations and the decision regarding filing or not filing a complaint.
7.11. Non‐Respondent
Siam Rehab Thailand Ethics Committee, Directors or Staff shall not be named as a respondent under these policies and procedures as a result of any decision, action, or exercise of discretion arising directly from their conduct or involvement in carrying out adjudication responsibilities.
7.12. Consultation
Therapeutic Staff Members shall obtain and document consultation and direction from supervisors, consultants or the Siam Rehab Thailand Ethics Committee when uncertain about whether a particular situation or course of action may be in violation of the Siam Rehab Thailand Code of Ethics. Providers shall consult with persons who are knowledgeable about ethical behaviors, the Siam Rehab Thailand Code of Ethics, and legal requirements specific to the situation.
Feel free to contact us with any concerns relating to our rehab Code of Ethics.