California Laws & Ethics for Counselors (18 hr Pre-Licensure Course)

Course Level: Intermediate

Course By: Alden Hori, PhD

Dr. Hori earned a PhD in psychology from the University of California at Riverside. He was an Associate-In Professor and Research Assistant at the University of California at Riverside, where he supervised the completion of over 50 research projects in psychology. He is credited with three publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Course Description: This course examines the many nuances of California law and regulation and puts them in digestible, easy-to-apply language. 

Topics covered include:

• Scope of Practice
• Licensing Requirements
• Unprofessional Conduct
• Informed Consent
• Confidentiality and Privilege
• Working with Minors (including detailed information on child abuse reporting)
• Working with Elders and Dependent Adults
• Advertising
• Technology
• Advocacy

This course also reviews recent changes in law and regulations regarding records retention, child abuse reporting, advertising, disciplinary actions, and more.

In addition, this course includes the text of the ACA and NBCC Code of Ethics, and provides a clear and concise discussion of these ethical principles. Topics that are addressed within this course target issues related to multiple and sexual relationships, access to records, storing records, payment for services and resolving ethical violations.

Learning objectives:

1. Define and delineate the scope of practice for professional counselors
2. Summarize the licensing requirements for professional counselors
3. Summarize the actions that constitute unprofessional conduct for professional counselors
4. Define the requirements for informed consent and issues related to disclosure
5. Evaluate the principles underlying confidentiality and privilege and distinguish between them
6. Evaluate key laws related to the treatment of minors
7. Evaluate key laws related to the treatment of elder and dependent adults
8. Evaluate the legal requirements for advertising services
9. Evaluate the legal requirements for telehealth
10. Gain knowledge of the key ethical principles in the ACA and NBCC Code of Ethics
11. Gain knowledge of the range of penalties associated with violations of the statutes and regulations in California

This course meets the CA BBS Pre-Licensure requirement for: California Counselors.

Note- This course is not intended to be used as preparation for the Traditional or Grandparenting LPCC Law and Ethics exams in California.  

If you are taking the Traditional Path Law and Ethics exam, click this link for more information about available study resources: Traditional Path Law and Ethics exam

If you are taking the Grandparenting Path Law and Ethics exam, click this link for more information about available study resources: Grandparenting Path Law and Ethics exam

If you are not sure what resources you need, please call our office at 1-800-472-1931 and we can answer any questions you have to make sure you have the correct material.

NOTE: The information presented in this course is for informational purposes only and is not meant to serve as ethical or legal advice. For ethical or legal advice, please contact a professional organization, state licensing board, or attorney.

AATBS is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP™) and may offer NBCC-approved clock hours for events that meet NBCC requirements. The ACEP solely is responsible for all aspects of the program.