Be informed of the
qualifications of your counselor; education, experience, professional
counseling certification(s) and state license(s). Receive an explanation
of services offered, your time commitments, and fee scales and billing
practices prior to receipt of services.
Be informed of limitations
of the counselor's practice to special areas of expertise (e.g. career
development, ethnic groups, etc.) or age group (e.g., adolescents, older
adults, etc.).
Have all that you
say treated confidentially and be informed of any state laws placing
limitations on confidentiality in the counseling relationship.
Ask questions about
the counseling techniques and strategies and be informed of your progress.
Participate in setting
goals and evaluating progress toward meeting them.
Be informed of how
to contact the counselor in an emergency situation.
Request referral
for a second opinion at any time.
Request copies of
records and reports to be used by other counseling professionals.
Receive a copy of
the code of ethics to which your counselor adheres.
Contact the appropriate
professional organization if you have doubts or complaints relative
to the counselor's conduct.
Terminate the counseling
relationship at any time.
Consumer
Responsibilities
Set and keep appointments
with your counselor. Let him/her know as soon as possible if you cannot
keep an appointment. Pay your fees in accordance with the schedule you
preestablished with the counselor.
Help plan your goals.
Follow through with
agreed upon goals.
Keep your counselor
informed of your progress toward meeting your goals.
Terminate your counseling
relationship before entering into arrangements with another counselor.
