The Confidentiality and Privacy of the Client

The ethical issue in the case study revolves around the confidentiality and privacy of the client. According to the American Counselling Association (ACA) code of ethics, counselors must observe the confidentiality and privacy of potential and existing clients (Kaplan et al., 2017). In addition, the code of ethics requires counselors to protect the confidential information of clients. A counselor can only share details with valid consent or relevant legislative or ethical grounds. In the case study, Angie shares her worries with Sara about Mike's decision to try meth and other dangerous behavior. Through their interaction, Sara discovers the possibility of Mike having meth within the school. In addition, Mike's other behavior, such as drinking and sexual harassment towards other girls, was a huge worry for the counselor. Based on the ACA code of ethics, the Counselor is expected not to disclose any information discussed in the meeting between her and the client. 

However, in another part, the code of ethics describes potential situations where an exemption from the requirement to maintain respect and confidentiality of client information are provided. The need to keep the information confidential is not applicable when disclosure is necessary to protect other individuals from serious and foreseeable danger (Kaplan et al., 2017). Also, when the legal requirement requires the disclosure of information, the counselor will be forced to reveal confidential information. Aside from having meth within the school being illegal, drug and substance abuse poses a threat to the safety of other individuals within the school. Therefore, while a Counselor may be required to maintain privacy and confidentiality, the professional might be forced to reveal the relevant information, especially if such information can help prevent serious, foreseeable harm (Ordway et al., 2019). Therefore, the ethical issue at hand is the need by the counselor to help Angie's friend, Mike, without revealing the discussion of their meeting. At the same time, the responsibility to adhere to the institutional requirement poses an ethical threat. 

Sara acted ethically in response to the information shared with her by Angie. Although Sections B.1.b and B.1.c of the ACA Code of ethics require Counselors to maintain respect for client's privacy and confidentiality, the issue as described in the case study qualifies to be excepted from the aforementioned requirements (Kaplan et al., 2017). Mike's involvement in substance abuse, along with the cases of sexual harassment towards girls, makes the disclosure of information vital to avert any foreseeable harm. To intervene effectively, Sara had to consult with the football coach, along with other relevant stakeholders. The use of meth is harmful to Mike's health. Besides, the aftereffects of using meth or drinking alcohol are the interference of the judgment capabilities of an individual. Therefore, Sara was ethically justified to share the information as per the ACA code of ethics. 

Furthermore, the decision by Sara to share the disclosure of the information from her session with Angie is in accordance with the ACA ethics guidelines Section C.6. According to Section C.6.a, counselors are expected not to engage in or condone sexual harassment (Kaplan et al., 2017). After intoxication, Mike showcased various characteristics of sexual harassment, including making inappropriate comments and groping girls without their consent. The counselor was expected to deal with the issue of sexual harassment+. Therefore, despite having the knowledge of Mike being one of the best football player and his potential to lose his illegibility to play in upcoming plays, the counselor disclosed the information to other stakeholders due to the ethical requirement to avert any serious and foreseeable harm. 

Ethical Decision Making 

Step1: Becoming Sensitive to the Moral Dimension of Practice 

As a professional, I should have developed a protocol for exploring the ethical dimension of every ongoing session (Welfel, 2016). Therefore, during the session, I will ask myself about the potential ethical issue that might come up. In addition, as a professional who has developed an ethical identity, I will strive to disregard any emotional influence and associated anxiety during the session. In the case that the potential ethical issue is not clear, I will review relevant sources, particularly the ACA code of ethics. 

Step 2: Identify facts, Sociocultural Context, and Stakeholders 

After Angie presents her story, I will organize the relevant case information without exempting the social and cultural context within which the case emerges (Welfel, 2016). Based on the session with Angie, Mike has decided to try meth. There is a possibility that the meth is within the school premise. In addition to his decision to try meth, Mike has been involved in other dangerous behavior, including drinking and sexual harassment towards girls. The affected parties include Mike, the football team and coach, other students, and Angie. 

Step 3: Definition of the Core Issues in Dilemma and the Potential Options 

Mike is potentially in possession of meth within the school premise, which is illegal. In addition, Mike's usage of meth and involvement in other dangerous behaviors has the potential of affecting other students. The ethical dilemma at hand is as to whether I should breach a patient's confidentiality and share the information with relevant authorities. 

Step 4: Refer to Professional Ethical Standards 

Section B of the ACA ethics guidelines demands respect for the privacy and confidentiality of a patient, except for cases where there are foreseeable danger and legal demand. Besides, in Section C, the ACA code of ethics instructs counselors not to condone sexual harassment. 

Step 5: Relevant Ethics Literature 

Health professionals, Counselors, included, may violate client confidentiality to avert adverse risks of considerable danger to others. However, the decision to violate patient privacy should not be arrived at in a hurry or without due care or considering all parties involved. 

Step 6: Fundamental Ethical Principal and Virtues 

The principle of beneficence will be vital when examining the case. According to the principle, a Counselor has the responsibility to do good (Welfel, 2016). Therefore, as a Counselor, I have the duty to help my client, potential clients, and society in general. If sharing the information with Mike's parents and other relevant authorities will help the client as well as the school society, then it is the right thing to do. 

Step 7: Consult with Colleagues 

I will also consult with fellow professionals to help me in analyzing the situation and the potential ways of handling the case. 

Step 8: Deliberate Independently and Decide 

Upon the examination of the ethical issue and consultation with fellow professionals, I will come with the most suitable action. I will have a meeting with Mike's parents as initially planned, where I will share the discoveries. Afterward, I will inform the relevant school authorities to take action. Furthermore, I will invite Mike to some sessions to discuss his situation and find the most appropriate intervention to help him. 

Step 9: Inform Relevant People, and Implement and Document the Deliberations 

I will share the deliberations of the previous step with the relevant stakeholders, who are Mike's parents, the football coach, and other relevant school authorities. Upon the implementation of my deliberations, I will document them. 

Step 10: Reflection 

Upon the implementation and documentation of my decision, I will take time to analyze how ethical I conducted myself throughout the process. 

Review of Literature 

Bolton (2017) discusses the ethical issues which must be put into consideration to develop the best internet-based counseling. The potential threat to confidentiality and privacy in online counseling have been explored in the study. According to Bolton (2017), it is vital to maintain the confidentiality and privacy of client information, and sharing of information should only take place after informed consent. Ordway et al. (2019), on the other hand, discusses the potential exceptions that might force a Counselor to break the confidentiality and privacy of the client. These exceptions include danger to self, danger to others, and child abuse. Therefore, although the privacy and confidentiality of patient information are vital, the potential danger to self and to others forces makes it ethical to disclose information in this case. 

References 

Bolton, J. (2017). The Ethical Issues which must be addressed in online counselling.  Australian Counselling Research Journal ,  11 (1), 1-15. 

Kaplan, D. M., Francis, P. C., Hermann, M. A., Baca, J. V., Goodnough, G. E., Hodges, S., ... & Wade, M. E. (2017). New concepts in the 2014 ACA Code of Ethics.  Journal of Counseling & Development ,  95 (1), 110-120. 

Ordway, A. M., & Casasnovas, A. F. (2019). A Subpoena: The Other Exception to Confidentiality.  The Family Journal ,  27 (4), 352-358. 

Welfel, E., R. (2016). Ethics in counselling and psychotherapy: standards, research, and emerging issues. 6 th Ed. Cengage Learning.