Clients' Rights & Responsibilities
Counseling is effective only when you are actively involved in the counseling process. One of the factors that facilitates this process is your awareness of your rights and responsibilities as a client. The following is a summary of your rights and responsibilities based on the American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of ethics. Please take a few minutes to review this and feel free to discuss any concerns/questions you may have regarding your rights and responsibilities.
As our client you have the right:
- To be treated with respect, consideration, and dignity.
- To receive services from the center without discrimination on nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, and disability.
- To be informed about the services available at the center.
- To timely and prompt access to the services at the center.
- To decide whether or not to utilize the services from the center.
- To know the goals/treatment plan for the counseling sessions as well as your counselor’s assessment and evaluation on your presenting issues.
- To participate in all decisions regarding counseling goals, referrals to another healthcare professional, termination of services etc.
- To refuse any assessments or evaluations whether as part of or independent of the counseling sessions.
- To be given a full explanation or information on any research that you may be requested to participate in, while at the center.
- To refuse participation in research carried out by the center.
- To know in advance the expected length of counseling process.
- To request a different counselor if you are not satisfied with the assigned counselor. [Rescheduling sessions with another counselors will depend upon availability of your chosen counselor].
- To stop receiving services at any point of time within a session or during any stages of the counseling process.
- To confidentiality of information that you share with the counselor (please see the section on “Exceptions to Confidentiality”).
- To question or ask for more information on the progress/focus/direction of the counseling sessions.
- To know the credentials and educational background of your counselor.
- To contact another counselor at the center if needed while you are receiving services from your assigned counselor.
- To file and forward a complaint regarding a counselor or services from the center to the Director (SCC) without fear of reprisal or compromise on the quality of services and care.
- To review and retain copies of your session and progress records.
- To have access to other services such as programs and workshops.
When you are our client you have the responsibility:
- To provide to the best of your knowledge, accurate and complete information.
- To be on time for appointments and to inform the center well in advance if you may not be able to keep the appointment.
- To be honest with your counselor regarding your experiences in the counseling sessions.
- To be mindful of the effects of counseling on you and to engage in a self-reflection to check whether counseling is meeting your needs and expectations. To ask questions and clarify your concerns and doubts on matters related to counseling services such as for eg. Confidentiality, purpose of need of a proposed assessment, relevance of a homework assignment etc.
- To be actively involved in the counseling process by participating in the formulation of your counseling goals and helping to determine the direction and focus of the sessions.
- To assume responsibility of one’s psychological wellbeing and personal growth following termination of counseling sessions.
- To follow the counseling plan/homework assignments as discussed and recommended by the counselors and to assume responsibility for your counseling progress.
- To assume responsibility if you refuse participation in counseling or don't follow the plan.
- To treat ZU Counseling Center staff with respect, consideration, and dignity.
- To inform the Director [SCC] or person in charge as soon as possible if you believe your rights have been violated, to express grievances, or to offer suggestions.
- To tell your counselor if you wish to terminate the counseling relationship or wish to request a different counselor.
- To request more information from the counseling center staff if you need to learn about other services available to you.
Exceptions to Confidentiality:
- If needed and appropriate, your counselor may refer you to another healthcare or community services professional in order to provide you with the best care possible. [However, in such situations he/she may inform you in advance and request your permission to release information].
- If your counselor unmistakably notices that you pose a threat of harm or danger to yourself or to another person, she/ he is permitted by the code of ethics to help prevent the potential harm from happening even if it means having to disclose some of the information you shared privately in your counseling session. This may include contacting your family and/or ZU officials. The same stands if your counselor notices from your accounts that a third person is suffering harm, abuse or danger.
