Guideline and Ethics

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The ACA Code of Ethics contains nine main sections that address the following areas:

Section A: The Counseling Relationship

Section B: Confidentiality and Privacy

Section C: Professional Responsibility

Section D: Relationships With Other Professionals

Section E: Evaluation, Assessment, and Interpretation

Section F: Supervision, Training, and Teaching

Section G: Research and PublicationSection H: Distance Counseling, Technology, and

Social Media

Section I: Resolving Ethical Issues

The "AMHCA Code of Ethics" focuses on the specific requirements for the ethical practice of clinical mental health counselors (CMHCs), and is divided into six sections:

1. Commitment to Clients
2. Commitment to Other Professionals
3. Commitment to Students, Supervisees, and Employee Relationships
4. Commitment to the Profession
5. Commitment to the Public
6. Resolution of Ethical Problems

The "AMHCA Code" is an essential component of practicing clinical mental health counseling with professionalism and integrity. While ethical guidance for the practice of clinical mental health counseling is its primary purpose, it is also intended to prompt pondering about ethical thinking and practice. To be an ethical mental health counselor is to practice thinking ethically in an ongoing self-deliberation and in discussions with other mental health professionals.

The Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT®) designation is offered through the International Institute for Trauma & Addiction Professionals (IITAP). The CSAT® certification process is designed

to provide formal knowledge and training in the task-centered approach to the treatment of sexual addiction and sexual compulsivity. 

The CSAT® Legal & Ethical Standards provide a minimal ethical

standard for the professional behavior of all CSATs® by providing an expectation of, and assurance for, the legal and ethical practice for all who use the professional services of a CSAT®. In addition, it serves the purpose of having an enforceable standard for all CSATs® and assures those served of some resource in case of a perceived ethical violation.

The Kink Clinical Guidelines Revision - 2026© The final version of Kink Clinical Guidelines Revision – 2026 (Guidelines) compiled by Charles Moser, PhD, MD, and Peggy J. Kleinplatz, PhD, 

Clinicians (and patients) are not immune from the effects of growing up in a sex-negative, Kink-negative, or Kink-stigmatizing culture and may harbor unrecognized biases. These biases can lead to inappropriate or missed diagnoses, misguided treatment goals, or a lack of engagement in the treatment process. Many Kink-involved patients seek professional assistance for issues unrelated to their Kink. Clinicians should not assume (because of their own biases or discomfort) that Kink should be the focus of therapy. The Kink Guidelines Revision - 2026, is one step towards providing nonjudgmental care for all.