A structured ethical consultation tool for Arizona mental health providers — grounded in the ACA Code of Ethics and Arizona-specific statutes, with integrated documentation.
7-step guided process
Walk through the Forester-Miller & Davis ethical decision-making model step by step, with built-in documentation at every stage.
Integrated documentation
Every response is captured and compiled into a printable consultation record suitable for your clinical file — per AZBBHE AAC R4-6-1107.
Arizona-specific statutes
Clickable links to ARS statutes, AZBBHE rules, mandatory reporting laws, and professional associations — all surfaced in context.
Full ACA Code of Ethics ↗
Opens the complete 2014 ACA Code of Ethics PDF directly — all 9 sections for reference when you need the exact language.
Remember
This tool is an educational and documentation aid only — not a substitute for supervision or legal counsel. When in doubt, consult your supervisor or an attorney.
For affiliate therapists of Perry Emerick PLLC. This guide is an educational and clinical documentation reference only. It does not constitute legal advice. Arizona statutes and AZBBHE rules may change — verify with the relevant agency. When legal questions arise, consult a licensed attorney familiar with Arizona behavioral health law.
Complete each step in sequence. Your entries compile into a documentation record at the end.
Step 1 of 7
Identify the Problem
Gather facts carefully. Separate what you know from what you assume or suspect.
📁 Case ID: Not yet assigned
Arizona note: If any legal concerns are checked, consult an attorney familiar with ARS § 32-3283 (duty to warn), § 13-3620 (mandatory reporting), or § 36-2281 (mental health records) before proceeding with clinical decisions.
Step 2 of 7
Apply the 2014 ACA Code of Ethics
Select applicable sections, expand for subsections, and open the full text directly.
Examine the dilemma through each of the five foundational ethical principles.
Select each principle that is implicated, then document the tension it creates in this case.
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Autonomy
Client's right to self-determination and control of their own life
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Non-maleficence
Avoiding actions that cause harm — "first, do no harm"
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Beneficence
Actively promoting client welfare and mental health
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Justice
Treating individuals equitably and fostering fairness
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Fidelity
Honoring commitments and professional trust
AZ Board guidance: AZBBHE rules require that supervision and consultation be documented in the client record. Consultation must be with colleagues who also abide by the ACA Code of Ethics or applicable ethics code.
Step 4 of 7
Generate Potential Courses of Action
Brainstorm all possible responses — don't evaluate yet. Volume and breadth matter here.
List every possible course of action, even those you may ultimately reject. Consider the full spectrum from no action to most extreme.
A
B
C
Tip: Include the option of doing nothing, discussing directly with the client, involving a supervisor (especially for LACs in Arizona), and all applicable mandatory reporting pathways.
Step 5 of 7
Consider Potential Consequences
For each course of action, analyze the impact on all parties involved.
Action
Benefits
Potential Harms / Risks
Parties Most Affected
Step 6 of 7
Evaluate the Selected Course of Action
Apply three ethical tests to stress-test your decision before acting.
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Test of Justice
Would you treat another client the same way in this situation?
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Test of Publicity
Would you be comfortable if this decision was reviewed by the AZ Board or reported publicly?
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Test of Universality
Could you recommend this same course of action to another Arizona LPC or LAC in identical circumstances?
Step 7 of 7
Implement Your Course of Action
Document implementation steps and schedule your follow-up review.
Documentation reminder: AZBBHE rules require contemporaneous documentation. This completed consultation should be saved in the client record or supervision file per AZBBHE AAC R4-6-1107.
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Ethical Consultation Documented
Review the summary below, then export a PDF for your clinical records.