ASCA and ACA Ethical Codes Comparison

Megan McDowell

1. What are the differences?

The main difference between the ASCA code of ethics and the ACA code of ethics is that
the ASCA code specifically focuses on preK-12 school counselors, interns, educators, etc and as
opposed to counselors in general. The ASCA code address what school counselors should be
doing as a part of their job, and the ethical considerations that go along with each duty or
responsibility. This code also puts a heavy emphasis on advocacy as well as enacting systemic
change within the school and/or community. The ASCA code is also different in the sense that it
specifically names the student as the client, as everything is done for their benefit. Most of the
code ties back into the school counselor addressing students’ academic, career, and social
emotional needs. Counselors do this through interventions, using data to ensure equity across
demographics. The code even encourages counselors to engage in interventions such as running
groups and developing peer support programs. The ASCA code does not just focus on the student,
as it addresses parent rights as well. For example, the code states that when a student is a threat to
self or others, the parent should be notified. It also states the importance of collaboration with
parents, staff, and the community in order to best serve the student. Additionally, the ASCA code
states that counselors should refer students to community resources for continued services that the
school counselor is unable provide. Finally, the code states that above all, the counselor’s
responsibility is to the school.

2. How do you understand those differences?

To me, the differences between the ASCA code of ethics and the ACA code of ethics mean
that school counselors do a lot more than just counseling. We do interventions, use data, and
ensure that everything we do is comprehensive and part of our plan for our school counseling
program. In doing this, we recognize that communication and collaboration with others is vital,
especially teachers, administrators, and parents, who are all stakeholders in our school counseling
program. The differences between the codes also mean that advocacy is one of our main duties, as
school counselors are required to advocate for our students and our school.

3. How might those differences impact you as a future counselor?

These differences mean that there is more stake in the position of school counselor as
opposed to a mental health or marriage and family counselor, simply because we are responsible for more
students/clients and our job descriptions encompass more. We are also responsible for working with
parents, teachers, administrators, and community members and do so more frequently than another type of
counselor might. The data component in the ASCA code of ethics means that we must be able to show the
impact of everything we do and prove our effectiveness in counseling and in the interventions we
implement. Finally, these differences mean that we must be aware of both state laws and school/district
policies that might influence, impact, or interfere with our ethical code.