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PREAMBLE The Board of Directors of the AmericanAssociation for Marriage and FamilyTherapy (AAMFT) hereby promulgates,pursuant to Article 2, Section 2.01.3 of theAssociation's Bylaws, the Revised AAMFTCode of Ethics, effective July 1, 2012.The AAMFT strives to honor the publictrust in marriage and family therapists bysetting standards for ethical practice asdescribed in this Code. The ethicalstandards define professional expectationsand are enforced by the AAMFT EthicsCommittee. The absence of an explicitreference to a specific behavior or situationin the Code does not mean that thebehavior is ethical or unethical. Thestandards are not exhaustive. Marriageand family therapists who are uncertainabout the ethics of a particular course ofaction are encouraged to seek counselfrom consultants, attorneys, supervisors,colleagues, or other appropriateauthorities.
PREAMBLE The Board of Directors of the AmericanAssociation for Marriage and FamilyTherapy (AAMFT) hereby promulgates,pursuant to Article 2, Section 2.01.3 of theAssociation's Bylaws, the Revised AAMFTCode of Ethics, effective January 1, 2015.The AAMFT strives to honor the publictrust in marriage and family therapists bysetting standards for ethical practice asdescribed in this Code. The ethicalstandards define professional expectationsand are enforced by the AAMFT EthicsCommittee. The absence of an explicitreference to a specific behavior or situationin the Code does not mean that thebehavior is ethical or unethical. Thestandards are not exhaustive. Marriageand family therapists who are uncertainabout the ethics of a particular course ofaction are encouraged to seek counselfrom consultants, attorneys, supervisors,colleagues, or other appropriateauthorities.Both law and ethics govern the practice ofmarriage and family therapy. When makingdecisions regarding professional behavior,marriage and family therapists mustconsider the AAMFT Code of Ethics and
Include Core Values as bases foraspirational practice, and draw distinctionbetween aspirational values and ethicalstandards.
Both law and ethics govern the practice ofmarriage and family therapy. When makingdecisions regarding professional behavior,marriage and family therapists mustconsider the AAMFT Code of Ethics andapplicable laws and regulations. If theAAMFT Code of Ethics prescribes astandard higher than that required by law,marriage and family therapists must meetthe higher standard of the AAMFT Code ofEthics. Marriage and family therapistscomply with the mandates of law, butmake known their commitment to theAAMFT Code of Ethics and take steps toresolve the conflict in a responsiblemanner. The AAMFT supports legalmandates for reporting of alleged unethicalconduct. The AAMFT Code of Ethics is binding onmembers of AAMFT in all membershipcategories, all AAMFT ApprovedSupervisors and all applicants formembership or the Approved Supervisordesignation. AAMFT members have anobligation to be familiar with the AAMFTCode of Ethics and its application to theirprofessional services. Lack of awarenessor misunderstanding of an ethical standard
applicable laws and regulations. If theAAMFT Code of Ethics prescribes astandard higher than that required by law,marriage and family therapists must meetthe higher standard of the AAMFT Code ofEthics. Marriage and family therapistscomply with the mandates of law, butmake known their commitment to theAAMFT Code of Ethics and take steps toresolve the conflict in a responsiblemanner. The AAMFT supports legalmandates for reporting of alleged unethicalconduct.The AAMFT Code of Ethics is binding onmembers of AAMFT in all membershipcategories, all AAMFT ApprovedSupervisors and all applicants formembership or the Approved Supervisordesignation. AAMFT members have anobligation to be familiar with the AAMFTCode of Ethics and its application to theirprofessional services. Lack of awarenessor misunderstanding of an ethical standardis not a defense to a charge of unethicalconduct.The process for filing, investigating, andresolving complaints of unethical conductis described in the current AAMFTProcedures for Handling Ethical Matters.Persons accused are considered innocent
honest behavior withinAssociation governance andby members.
Innovation and the advancementof knowledge of systemic andrelational therapies.
These core values speak generally to themembership of AAMFT as a professionalassociation, yet they also inform all thevarieties of practice and service in whichmarriage and family therapists engage.These core values are aspirational innature, and are distinct from ethicalprinciples. These values are intended toprovide an inspirational framework withinwhich marriage and family therapists maypursue the highest goals of practice.Ethical principles, by contrast, areprinciples of practice upon which themarriage and family therapist is obligedand judged.Marriage and family therapists are definedby an enduring dedication to professionaland ethical excellence, as well as thecommitment to service, advocacy, andpublic participation. The areas of service,advocacy, and public participation arerecognized as responsibilities to theprofession equal in importance to all other
aspects. Marriage and family therapistsembody these aspirations by participatingin activities that contribute to a bettercommunity and society, including devotinga portion of their professional activity toservices for which there is little or nofinancial return. Additionally, marriage andfamily therapists are concerned withdeveloping laws and regulations pertainingto marriage and family therapy that servethe public interest, and with altering suchlaws and regulations that are not in thepublic interest. Marriage and familytherapists also encourage publicparticipation in the design and delivery ofprofessional services and in the regulationof practitioners. Professional competencein these areas is essential to the characterof the field, and to the well-being of clientsand their communities.Marriage and family therapists remainaccountable to the AAMFT Code of Ethicswhen acting as members or employees oforganizations. If the mandates of anorganization with which a marriage andfamily therapist is affiliated, throughemployment, contract or otherwise, conflictwith the AAMFT Code of Ethics, marriageand family therapists make known to theorganization their commitment to theAAMFT Code of Ethics and take
content of informed consent may varydepending upon the client and treatmentplan; however, informed consent generallynecessitates that the client: (a) has thecapacity to consent; (b) has beenadequately informed of significantinformation concerning treatmentprocesses and procedures; (c) has beenadequately informed of potential risks andbenefits of treatments for which generallyrecognized standards do not yet exist; (d)has freely and without undue influenceexpressed consent; and (e) has providedconsent that is appropriately documented.When persons, due to age or mentalstatus, are legally incapable of givinginformed consent, marriage and familytherapists obtain informed permission froma legally authorized person, if suchsubstitute consent is legally permissible.
When persons, due to age or mentalstatus, are legally incapable of givinginformed consent, marriage and familytherapists obtain informed permission froma legally authorized person, if suchsubstitute consent is legally permissible.The content of informed consent may varydepending upon the client and treatmentplan; however, informed consent generallynecessitates that the client: (a) has thecapacity to consent; (b) has beenadequately informed of significantinformation concerning treatmentprocesses and procedures; (c) has beenadequately informed of potential risks andbenefits of treatments for which generallyrecognized standards do not yet exist; (d)has freely and without undue influenceexpressed consent; and (e) has providedconsent that is appropriately documented.When persons, due to age or mentalstatus, are legally incapable of givinginformed consent, marriage and familytherapists obtain informed permission froma legally authorized person, if suchsubstitute consent is legally permissible.
Multiple Relationships.
Marriage and
family therapists are aware of theirinfluential positions with respect to clients,and they avoid exploiting the trust anddependency of such persons. Therapists,
Multiple Relationships.
Marriage and
family therapists are aware of theirinfluential positions with respect to clients,and they avoid exploiting the trust anddependency of such persons. Therapists,
No changes recommended.
therefore, make every effort to avoidconditions and multiple relationships withclients that could impair professionaljudgment or increase the risk ofexploitation. Such relationships include,but are not limited to, business or closepersonal relationships with a client or theclient’s immediate family. When the risk ofimpairment or exploitation exists due toconditions or multiple roles, therapistsdocument the appropriate precautionstaken.
therefore, make every effort to avoidconditions and multiple relationships withclients that could impair professionaljudgment or increase the risk ofexploitation. Such relationships include,but are not limited to, business or closepersonal relationships with a client or theclient’s immediate family. When the risk ofimpairment or exploitation exists due toconditions or multiple roles, therapistsdocument the appropriate precautionstaken.
Sexual Intimacy with Current Clients and Others.
Sexual intimacy with current
clients, or their spouses or partners isprohibited. Engaging in sexual intimacywith individuals who are known to be closerelatives, guardians or significant others ofcurrent clients is prohibited.
Sexual Intimacy with Current Clients and Others.
Sexual intimacy with current
clients or with known members of theclient’s family system , or their spouses orpartners is prohibited. Engaging in sexualintimacy with individuals who are known tobe close relatives, guardians or significantothers of current clients is prohibited.
The subprinciple was revised to improvereadability.
Sexual Intimacy with Former Clients and Others.
Sexual intimacy with former
clients, their spouses or partners, orindividuals who are known to be closerelatives, guardians or significant others ofclients is likely to be harmful and istherefore prohibited for two years followingthe termination of therapy or last
Sexual Intimacy with Former Clients and Others.
Sexual intimacy with former
clients or with known members of theclient’s family system is prohibited. , theirspouses or partners, or individuals who areknown to be close relatives, guardians orsignificant others of clients is likely to beharmful and is therefore prohibited for two
This subprinciple was revised to provideconsistency with the remainder of theCode. The Code currently places otherobligations upon marriage and familytherapist with regard to former clients(confidentiality, record keeping, etc.).
relationships with clients to further theirown interests.
Client Autonomy in Decision Making.
Marriage and family therapists
respect the rights of clients to makedecisions and help them to understand theconsequences of these decisions.Therapists clearly advise clients thatclients have the responsibility to makedecisions regarding relationships such ascohabitation, marriage, divorce,separation, reconciliation, custody, andvisitation.
Client Autonomy in Decision Making.
Marriage and family therapists
respect the rights of clients to makedecisions and help them to understand theconsequences of these decisions.Therapists clearly advise clients thatclients have the responsibility to makedecisions regarding relationships such ascohabitation, marriage, divorce,separation, reconciliation, custody, andvisitation.
No changes recommended
Relationship Beneficial to Client. Marriage and family therapists continuetherapeutic relationships only so long as itis reasonably clear that clients arebenefiting from the relationship.
Relationship Beneficial to Client. Marriage and family therapists continuetherapeutic relationships only so long as itis reasonably clear that clients arebenefiting from the relationship.
No changes recommended.
Referrals.
Marriage and family
therapists assist persons in obtaining othertherapeutic services if the therapist is
Referrals.
Marriage and family
therapists assist persons in obtaining othertherapeutic services if the therapist isunable or unwilling, for appropriatereasons, to provide professional help. The
This subprinciple was revised to deletelanguage that was vague and to addlanguage that placed the emphasis onprotecting the person.
unable or unwilling, for appropriatereasons, to provide professional help.
method of referral must safeguard thewelfare of the person.
Non-Abandonment.
Marriage and
family therapists do not abandon orneglect clients in treatment without makingreasonable arrangements for thecontinuation of treatment.
Non-Abandonment.
Marriage and
family therapists do not abandon orneglect clients in treatment without makingreasonable arrangements for thecontinuation of treatment.
No changes recommended.
Written Consent to Record. Marriage and family therapists obtainwritten informed consent from clientsbefore videotaping, audio recording, orpermitting third-party observation.
Written Consent to Record. Marriage and family therapists obtainwritten informed consent from clientsbefore recording any images or audiovideotaping, audio recording, or permittingthird-party observation.
The subprinciple was revised to addressissues related to changes in technology.
Relationships with Third Parties. Marriage and family therapists, uponagreeing to provide services to a person orentity at the request of a third party, clarify,to the extent feasible and at the outset ofthe service, the nature of the relationshipwith each party and the limits ofconfidentiality.
Relationships with Third Parties. Marriage and family therapists, uponagreeing to provide services to a person orentity at the request of a third party, clarify,to the extent feasible and at the outset ofthe service, the nature of the relationshipwith each party and the limits ofconfidentiality.
No changes recommended.
Electronic Therapy.
Prior to
commencing therapy services through
Electronic Therapy.
Prior to
commencing therapy services through
Disclosing Limits of Confidentiality. Marriage and family therapists disclose toclients and other interested parties, asearly as feasible in their professionalcontacts, the nature of confidentiality andpossible limitations of the clients’ right toconfidentiality. Therapists review withclients the circumstances whereconfidential information may be requestedand where disclosure of confidentialinformation may be legally required.Circumstances may necessitate repeateddisclosures.
Disclosing Limits of Confidentiality. Marriage and family therapists disclose toclients and other interested parties , at theoutset of servicesas early as feasible intheir professional contacts, the nature ofconfidentiality and possible limitations ofthe clients’ right to confidentiality.Therapists review with clients thecircumstances where confidentialinformation may be requested and wheredisclosure of confidential information maybe legally required. Circumstances maynecessitate repeated disclosures.
Clarification of “as early as feasible”
Written Authorization to Release Client Information.
Marriage and family
therapists do not disclose clientconfidences except by writtenauthorization or waiver, or wheremandated or permitted by law. Verbalauthorization will not be sufficient except inemergency situations, unless prohibited bylaw. When providing couple, family orgroup treatment, the therapist does notdisclose information outside the treatmentcontext without a written authorization fromeach individual competent to execute awaiver. In the context of couple, family orgroup treatment, the therapist may notreveal any individual’s confidences to
Written Authorization to Release Client Information.
Marriage and family
therapists do not disclose clientconfidences except by writtenauthorization or waiver, or wheremandated or permitted by law. Verbalauthorization will not be sufficient except inemergency situations, unless prohibited bylaw. When providing couple, family orgroup treatment, the therapist does notdisclose information outside the treatmentcontext without a written authorization fromeach individual competent to execute awaiver. In the context of couple, family orgroup treatment, the therapist may notreveal any individual’s confidences to
others in the client unit without the priorwritten permission of that individual.
others in the client unit without the priorwritten permission of that individual.
New Subprinciple to address clientaccess to records
2.3 Client Aaccess to Records
. Marriage
and family therapists provide clients withreasonable access to records concerningthe clients. Marriage and family therapistslimit client’s access to their records only inexceptional circumstances when they areconcerned, based on compelling evidence,that such access could cause seriousharm to the client. The client’s requestand the rationale for withholding some orall of the record should be documented inthe client’s file. Marriage and familytherapists take steps to protect theconfidentiality of other individuals identifiedin client records.
This subprinciple was added to addressthe lack of specific language in the existingcode regarding client access to theirrecords. Currently, the only mention ofclient access to records appears in7.6 Withholding Records for Non-payment, and this language is insufficientin terms of addressing both the client’sright to access their records, as well asunder what conditions a marriage andfamily therapist might limit such access.
Confidentiality in Non-Clinical Activities.
Marriage and family therapists
use client and/or clinical materials inteaching, writing, consulting, research, andpublic presentations only if a written waiverhas been obtained in accordance withSubprinciple 2.2, or when appropriatesteps have been taken to protect clientidentity and confidentiality.
Confidentiality in Non-Clinical Activities.
Marriage and family therapists
use client and/or clinical materials inteaching, writing, consulting, research, andpublic presentations only if a written waiverhas been obtained in accordance withSubprinciple 2.2, or when appropriatesteps have been taken to protect clientidentity and confidentiality.
No proposed changes
only to the extent necessary to achieve thepurposes of the consultation.
only to the extent necessary to achieve thepurposes of the consultation.
Protection of Electronic Information. When using electronic methods forcommunication, billing, recordkeeping, orother elements of client care, marriage andfamily therapists ensure that theirelectronic data storage andcommunications are privacy protectedconsistent with all applicable law.
Protection of Electronic Information. When using electronic methods forcommunication, billing, recordkeeping, orother elements of client care, marriage andfamily therapists ensure that theirelectronic data storage andcommunications are privacy protectedconsistent with all applicable law.
The issues addressed in this subprincipleare now addressed in Principle VI,Technology-Assisted ProfessionalServices
PRINCIPLE IIIPROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE ANDINTEGRIGTY3. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE ANDINTEGRITY Marriage and family therapists maintainhigh standards of professional competenceand integrity.
PRINCIPLE IIIPROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE ANDINTEGRIGTY3. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE ANDINTEGRITY Marriage and family therapists maintainhigh standards of professional competenceand integrity.
Maintenance of Competency. Marriage and family therapists pursueknowledge of new developments andmaintain their competence in marriage andfamily therapy through education, training,or supervised experience.
Maintenance of Competency. Marriage and family therapists pursueknowledge of new developments andmaintain their competence in marriage andfamily therapy through education, training,and/or supervised experience.
Replace “or” with “and/or” at the end of thelist. Clarification.
Knowledge of Regulatory Standards.
Marriage and family
therapists maintain adequate knowledge ofand adhere to applicable laws, ethics, andprofessional standards.
Knowledge of Regulatory Standards.
Marriage and family
therapists pursue appropriate consultationand training to ensure maintain adequateknowledge of and adherence to applicablelaws, ethics, and professional standards.
clarification and recognition of options
Seek Assistance.
Marriage and
family therapists seek appropriateprofessional assistance for their personalproblems or conflicts that may impair workperformance or clinical judgment.
Seek Assistance.
Marriage and
family therapists seek appropriateprofessional assistance for their personalproblems or conflicts issues that mayimpair work performance or clinicaljudgment.
Proposal to replace "personal problems orconflicts" with “issues.”
Conflicts of Interest.
Marriage and
family therapists do not provide servicesthat create a conflict of interest that mayimpair work performance or clinicaljudgment.
Conflicts of Interest.
Marriage and
family therapists do not provide servicesthat create a conflict of interest that mayimpair work performance or clinicaljudgment.
No changes.
Veracity of Scholarship.
Marriage
and family therapists, as presenters,teachers, supervisors, consultants andresearchers, are dedicated to highstandards of scholarship, present accurateinformation, and disclose potential conflictsof interest.
Veracity of Scholarship.
Marriage
and family therapists, as presenters,teachers, supervisors, consultants andresearchers, are dedicated to highstandards of scholarship, present accurateinformation, and disclose potential conflictsof interest.
Relocated to Principle V, Research andPublication.
Gifts.
Marriage and family therapists
do not give to or receive from clients (a)gifts of substantial value or (b) gifts thatimpair the integrity or efficacy of thetherapeutic relationship.
Gifts.
Marriage and family
therapists attend to cultural norms andpotential influence accepting gifts mayhave on the therapeutic relationship andshould avoid receiving gifts from or givinggifts to clients do not give to or receivefrom clients (a) gifts of substantial value or(b) gifts that impair the integrity or efficacyof the therapeutic relationship.
clarification, also greater culturalawareness
Scope of Competence.
Marriage
and family therapists do not diagnose,treat, or advise on problems outside therecognized boundaries of theircompetencies.
Scope of Competence.
Marriage
and family therapists do not diagnose,treat, or advise on problems outside therecognized boundaries of theircompetencies.
No change.
Accurate Presentation of Findings. Marriage and family therapists makeefforts to prevent the distortion or misuseof their clinical and research findings.
Accurate Presentation of Findings. Marriage and family therapists makeefforts to prevent the distortion or misuseof their clinical and research findings.
Removed, as 3.5 covers this content.
Public Statements.
Marriage and
family therapists, because of their ability toinfluence and alter the lives of others,exercise special care when making publictheir professional recommendations andopinions through testimony or other publicstatements.
Public Statements.
Marriage and
family therapists, because of their ability toinfluence and alter the lives of others,exercise special care when making publictheir professional recommendations andopinions through testimony or other publicstatements.
No changes.
Separation of Custody Evaluation
from Therapy.
To avoid a conflict of
interest, marriage and family therapistswho treat minors or adults involved incustody or visitation actions may not alsoperform forensic evaluations for custody,residence, or visitation of the minor.Marriage and family therapists who treatminors may provide the court or mentalhealth professional performing theevaluation with information about the minorfrom the marriage and family therapist’sperspective as a treating marriage andfamily therapist, so long as the marriageand family therapist does not violateconfidentiality.
Separation of Custody Evaluation
from Therapy.
To avoid a conflict of
interest, marriage and family therapistswho treat minors or adults involved incustody or visitation actions may not alsoperform forensic evaluations for custody,residence, or visitation of the minor.Marriage and family therapists who treatminors may provide the court or mentalhealth professional performing theevaluation with information about the minorfrom the marriage and family therapist’sperspective as a treating marriage andfamily therapist, so long as the marriageand family therapist does not violateconfidentiality.
Will be included in new Principle dealingwith forensic services.
Professional Misconduct.
Marriage
and family therapists are in violation of thisCode and subject to termination ofmembership or other appropriate action ifthey: (a) are convicted of any felony; (b)are convicted of a misdemeanor related totheir qualifications or functions; (c) engagein conduct which could lead to convictionof a felony, or a misdemeanor related totheir qualifications or functions; (d) areexpelled from or disciplined by otherprofessional organizations; (e) have theirlicenses or certificates suspended or
Professional Misconduct.
Marriage and family therapists may be arein violation of this Code and subject totermination of membership or otherappropriate action if they: (a) are convictedof any felony; (b) are convicted of amisdemeanor related to their qualificationsor functions; (c) engage in conduct whichcould lead to conviction of a felony, or amisdemeanor related to their qualificationsor functions; (d) are expelled from ordisciplined by other professionalorganizations; (e) have their licenses or
