Failure to comply with the CPCS Code of Ethics will be grounds for removal from the CPCS certification program. 

In addition to the CPCS Code of Ethics, a CPCS shall adhere to the Code of Ethics of the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA), the Code of Ethics from the American Counseling Association (ACA), and the Code of Ethics of the Georgia Composite Board of PC, SW, and MFT.

A Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor shall uphold the following standards of professional and ethical conduct:

Ethical Decision Making  Questions use the EThical Decision-Making.jpg by Corey, Corey, & Corey 2024

Professional Conduct. The CPCS discusses with the supervisee and documents conversations surrounding expectations for professional conduct with clients, including, but not limited to, the following: (1) maintenance of professional boundaries with clients and/or their family members, (2) prohibition of personal friendships with clients and/or their family members, (3) intolerance of romantic or sexual relationships with clients and/or their family members, and (4) potential consequences of professional misconduct.

NO SEXUAL Contact or SEXUAL Communication(s) with patient(s) or supervisor or supervisee or office staff, etc.

Supervisee Status Disclosure to Clients. The CPCS shall ensure that supervisees inform clients of their professional status (e.g., intern) and of all conditions of supervision. A CPCS shall ensure that supervisees inform their clients of any status other than being fully licensed or qualified for independent practice. For example, a CPCS shall ensure that supervisees inform clients if they are students, interns, trainees or, if licensed with restrictions, the nature of those restrictions (e.g., associate or license-eligible). Additionally, a CPCS shall ensure that supervisees inform clients of the pertinent requirements of supervision (e.g., the audio recording of all counseling sessions for purposes of supervision).

Supervisee Confidentiality Disclosure to Clients. The CPCS shall ensure that supervisees inform clients of clients’ rights to confidentiality and privileged communication when applicable, as well as the limits of confidentiality and privileged communication.

The general limits of confidentiality are when harm to self or others is threatened; when the abuse (or imminent harm) of children, adolescent, elders or persons with disabilities is suspected; and in cases when the court compels the mental health professional to testify and break confidentiality. This include but is not limited to filing of insurance claims, engagement in supervision, and when clients provide consent to release information. These are the current generally accepted limitations to confidentiality and privileged communication, but they may be modified by state law or federal statute.

Supervisee Informed Consent to Supervision. The CPCS shall inform supervisees about the process of supervision, including supervision goals, case management procedures, evaluation processes, and the CPCS’s preferred supervision model(s). A CPCS shall also inform supervisees of the CPCS’s credentials, areas of expertise, and training in supervision.

Confidentiality of Supervision Records. The CPCS shall keep and secure supervision records and consider all information gained in supervision as confidential.

Supervisor/Supervisee Dual Relationships. The CPCS shall avoid all dual relationships with supervisees that may interfere with the CPCS’s professional judgment or exploit the supervisee, to include social media and other areas not previously addressed. Sexual, romantic, or intimate relationships between a CPCS and supervisees are prohibited. CPCS shall not engage in sexual harassment or sexual bias towards supervisees. Certified Professional Counselor Supervisors shall not supervise relatives, intimate partners, or close personal friends.

Director Status. The CPCS shall not concurrently serve as the supervisee’s Director (for licensure purposes) at the of place of employment.  See Composite Board rules for Dual Relationships.  If you are the Director and Supervisor, please email the reason to BoardChair@ClinicalSupervisors.org

The CPCS should also work with the supervisee on working with clients to develop a crisis plan. (These procedures may or may not be reflective or aligned with the procedures established in their place of employment).

Client Crisis Plan. The CPCS shall work with the supervisee on working with clients to develop a crisis plan. (These procedures may or may not be reflective or aligned with the procedures established in their place of employment).

The CPCS should review the supervisee client crisis plan(s), regarding emergency situations. Information shall include all contact information regarding emergency centers near location.

Evaluation of Supervisee. The CPCS shall provide supervisees with adequate and timely feedback as part of an established evaluation plan. These evaluations may include clinician development plans and/or remediation plans.

Remediating Deficiencies / Intervening for Impaired Supervisees. The CPCS shall render and/or recommend remedial assistance to any supervisee who is unable to provide competent counseling services to clients. The CPCS shall intervene in any situation where the supervisee is impaired, and clients may be at risk. The CPCS may encourage or recommend that a supervisee seek their own services per their discretion and/or consultation.

Endorsing Impaired Supervisees. The CPCS shall refrain from endorsing an impaired supervisee when such impairment deems it unlikely that the supervisee can provide adequate counselor services.

Trained Supervision Only. The CPCS shall offer supervision only for professional services for which the CPCS is trained or has supervised experience. A CPCS shall not assist in diagnosis, assessment, or treatment without prior training or supervision. A CPCS shall correct any misrepresentations of CPCS qualifications made by others.

Legal and Ethical Standards of Practice. The CPCS shall ensure that supervisees are aware of the current ethical standards related to the supervisees’ professional practice, as well as legal standards that regulate the supervisee’s professional practice. However, it is incumbent upon the supervisee to remain abreast of legal and ethical standards of practice.

Supervisor Responsibility for Supervisee’s Clients. The CPCS shall ensure that both supervisees and clients are aware of their rights and of due process procedures. A CPCS shall be ultimately responsible for the welfare of supervisees’ clients.

Professional Conduct with Colleagues. The CPCS shall treat professional colleagues with the same dignity and respect afforded to clients. Professional discourse should be free of personal attacks, foul language, and other inappropriate behaviors.

Professional Conduct with LPCA-GA Staff and Volunteers (which includes LPCA-GA Board Members). The CPCS shall treat LPCA-GA staff and volunteers with the same dignity and respect afforded to clients, colleagues, and supervisees. Professional discourse should be free of personal attacks, foul language, or other inappropriate behaviors.

Form E. The CPCS shall include their CPCS number on the licensing board application Form E. The CPCS is required to sign Form E, regardless of the length of time they supervised the individual.

Supporting the Application Process. The CPCS shall advise the supervisee regarding the license application process, although the CPCS is not expected to serve as the sole resource for information regarding the licensure application process.

Transcript Review. The CPCS shall review supervisees’ transcript for compliance with Rule 135-5-.02

Hours Verification. The CPCS shall periodically review the supervisees’ hours logs to ensure the supervisee is on-track to complete minimum Directed Work Experience and Supervision requirements for licensure.

GA Policies, Rules, and Laws. The CPCS shall direct their supervisee to the policies, rules, and laws as posted on the state licensing website, the GA Composite Board of PC, SW, MFT.

Supervision Agreement Form. The CPCS shall have a signed agreement (contract or MOU) with their supervisee.

CPCS Utilizing Tele-Supervision. Prior to providing supervisory services through electronic means (including but not limited to phone and Internet), the CPCS shall ensure they are compliant with all relevant laws for the delivery of such services, including completion of the standard 6 hours for LPCs and the additional 3 CEs required by the GA Composite Board.

Furthermore, a CPCS must: (a) determine that technologically-assisted supervision is appropriate for supervisees, considering professional, intellectual, emotional, and physical needs; (b) inform supervisees of the potential risks and benefits associated with technologically-assisted services; (c) ensure the security of their communication medium; and (d) only commence electronic supervision after appropriate education, training, or supervised experience using the relevant technology.