Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling COUC-501

Spring D 2020 Section D07 Dates: 03/16/2020 to 05/08/2020 Modified: 03/03/2020

Contact Information

See detailed faculty information in Blackboard.

Course Description

This course introduces students to the ethical and legal issues encountered by professional counselors and marriage and family therapists. It covers ethical principles, professional codes, decision-making models, and legalities relevant to various professional settings.

Rationale

The course aims to develop excellence in counseling through a thorough understanding of ethical, legal, and professional issues, combining biblical and clinical perspectives to prepare students for the challenges in the field.

Method of Instruction

• Duration: 8 weeks, online format.
• Platform: Blackboard®.
• Schedule: One module per week.

Measurable Learning Outcomes

• Understand main ethical and legal issues in professional counseling.
• Compare and contrast different professional ethics codes.
• Apply ethical codes to common clinical situations.
• Develop personal counselor wellness plans.
• Explore ethical methods of spiritual integration in counseling settings.

Course Matrix and Assessments

• Quizzes: Chapters 1–2, 13 on professional counseling roles.
• Reaction Papers: On ethical standards and the impact of technology.
• Ethical Decision Making Paper: Application of ACA ethical decision-making model.

Course Resources

• Primary Textbook: Remley & Herlihy, Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in Counseling (Custom 6th ed., Pearson).
• Online Resources: Access through Liberty University’s Blackboard and Tevera for assignment submissions.
• Optional Purchases: Physical textbook available through MBS Direct.

Course Assignments and Grading

• Discussion Boards: Collaborative forums with prompts provided.
• Video Forums: Creation and upload of 3-5 minute videos.
• Quizzes: 16 quizzes covering reading and study materials.
• Papers: Reaction papers and an Ethical Decision Making Paper.
• Total Points: 1010

Policies and Additional Supports

• Tevera Submission Policy: All assignments need to be submitted via Tevera.
• Late Assignment Policy: Deductions apply for late submissions without prior approval.
• Disability Assistance: Contact Liberty University’s ODAS for accommodations.

Schedule

Note: Each course week begins on Monday at 12:00 a.m. (ET) and ends on Sunday at 11:59 p.m. (ET). The final week ends on a Friday.

• Week 1: Introduction, Professional Values Case Study.
• Week 2: Advanced topics in ethics and professional roles.
• Week 3: Integration of spiritual beliefs, ethical minute paper.
• Week 4: Systematic approaches to client conceptualization.
• Week 5: Focus on counseling children and families.
• Week 6: Professional consultation, second video forum.
• Week 7: Ethical decision-making in practice.
• Week 8: Course wrap-up and final discussions.