The most recent version of the ACA Code of Ethics does not even use the term “dual relationship.” The reasoning for the removal of this term is that it did not provide sufficient guidance to either the professional or the client (Kaplan, 2006). Instead, the ACA Code of Ethics states that sexual relationships between counselors and current clients, their partners, or their family members are strictly prohibited, and that sexual relationships with former clients must not occur less than five years after the last professional meeting (“ACA Code,” 2005). While the sexual boundaries are defined, other “nonprofessional interactions” are not as well defined; the ACA discourages nonprofessional interactions unless they are “beneficial” to the client, which are more vague (“ACA Code,” 2005). In contrast, the NAADC uses the term “dual relationship” in its code of ethics: “In rural settings and in small communities, dual relationships are evaluated carefully and avoided as much as possible” (“NAADAC Code,” 2013). Similarly to the ACA Code, the NAADC Code of Ethics also establishes mostly vague boundaries for dual relationships, such as avoidance of “situations that might appear to be or could be interpreted as a conflict of interest” (“NAADAC Code,” 2013). The only boundary that the NAADAC is firm about is the sexual boundary: “The addiction professional will not, under any circumstances, engage in sexual behavior with current or former clients” (“NAADAC Code,” 2013). Thus, the difference between the ACA and NAADAC regarding sexual behavior is that sexual interaction is acceptable after five years of nonprofessional contact for the ACA and never acceptable for the NAADAC. As for deciding whether or not to enter a dual relationship, a counselor should evaluate whether or not that relationship will harm to the client: “Counselors should not feel guilty for engaging in more than one role as long as it is potentially beneficial to the client” (Kaplan, 2006). For example, “potentially beneficial interactions,” according to the ACA, include “attending a formal ceremony,” “hospital visits to an ill family member,” or “mutual membership in a professional association, organization, or community” (“ACA Code,” 2005).
- ACA Code of Ethics. (2005). ACA Governing Council. Retrieved from: http://www.counseling.org/
- Kaplan, D. (2006). Allowing dual relationships. Counseling Today. Retrieved from: http://ct.counseling.org/
- NAADAC Code of Ethics. (2013). The Association for Addiction Professionals. Retrieved from: http://www.naadac.org/
