Ethics

This course will introduce students to the theory and practice of professional ethics as it relates to the duties and responsibilities of helping professionals. While the clinical focus of the course centers on issues typically arising in addictions and mental health work, it applies equally to the work of helping professionals across a broad range of health and community services. Students will learn about the nature, purpose, and application of professional ethics; critical thinking and ethical biases; ethical decision-making models; the conflict between personal ethics and professional responsibilities; and key issues in professional ethics, including informed consent, confidentiality, boundaries, and ethical self-regulation. Understanding and integration of content will be assessed on the basis of written, oral, and experiential assignments—with particular emphasis on the application of skills required in ethical decision-making.