Ethics in Therapy

We believe it's important to become familiar with basic ethical guidelines before beginning psychotherapy and we encourage you to do so.

 

Although all the therapists and counselors listed in GoodTherapy.org certify that the therapy they provide accords in orientation and attitude to the Elements of Good Therapy, GoodTherapy.org does not provide a set of specific Code of Ethics for therapists to follow. However, Ethical Codes have been developed by mental health associations for the purpose of setting professional standards for appropriate behavior, defining professional expectations, and preventing harm to consumers. Mental health professionals have an obligation to be familiar with their professional Code of Ethics and its application to their professional services.

 

We provide links to Ethical Codes below because we feel it is very important for consumers of psychotherapy to know the difference between ethical and unethical behavior. Most therapists intend to “do no harm” and strictly follow ethical guidelines. Overall, mental health professionals are a good bunch. However, not only do good therapists make mistakes, there are some providers who, unfortunately, are careless and unaware of the importance and purpose of some ethical guidelines. We believe it is in everyone’s best interest to become familiar with basic ethical guidelines before beginning psychotherapy and we encourage you to do so. Here are links to the Code of Ethics for some of the most common mental health professions: