CEFS 501 Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling

This course provides an in-depth study of ethical and legal considerations unique to Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), including professional identity development, licensure pathways, and systemic ethical decision-making. Students will examine the AAMFT Code of Ethics, and laws affecting relational therapy, confidentiality in systemic treatment, and contemporary ethical dilemmas in MFT practice. The course integrates faith-based ethical perspectives with professional and legal standards, emphasizing a systemic approach to ethical decision-making.

This course prepares the student to navigate the ethical and legal complexities of marriage and family therapy practice. By examining professional identity, licensure processes, and ethical decision-making models, the student develops a strong foundation in legal and professional standards. The integration of faith-based ethical perspectives ensures that the student approaches therapy with a holistic understanding of his/her ethical responsibilities. This course supports program learning outcomes by emphasizing systemic ethical reasoning and adherence to the AAMFT Code of Ethics.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Video Discussion: Moral Principles

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student will complete 1 Video Discussion: Moral Principles within the course. The student will create and upload a 3–5-minute video in response to the prompt. The video must demonstrate course related knowledge and assertions must be supported by at least one outside scholarly resource. Then, the student will reply to a peer or a question posted by the professor in a 2–3-minute video. The reply must be supported by at least 1 scholarly resource. (MLO: b, e).

Video Discussions: Ethical Process Practice (3)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student will complete 3 Video Discussions: Ethical Process Practice within the course. Based on a provided scenario, the student will complete the Ethical Process Practice Worksheet focused on Law and Ethics (1), Clinical and Practical Concerns (1) and Consultation and Plan of Action (1). The student will complete the worksheet and attach with the initial post of his/her corresponding video discussion and provide feedback to peers in the reply. The video discussion requirements will be the same as noted in the Video Discussion: Moral Principles. (MLO: a, b, c, d)

Ethical Role of MFTs Paper Assignment

The student will complete a 3–5-page paper (excluding title page, abstract, and reference page) focused on the current role of MFTs, including exploration of ethical and legal applications, current issues and advocacy. The paper is in APA format, including a title page, abstract, introduction, body, conclusion, and references. The paper should be well thought out and demonstrate critical thinking, self-evaluation, and practical application. (MLO: a, b, c, d)

Ethical Decision Making Model Paper Assignment

The student will complete a 3–5-page paper (excluding title page, abstract, and reference page) comparing and contrasting two ethical decision-making models and applying relational considerations. The paper is in APA format, including a title page, abstract, introduction, body, conclusion, and references. The paper should be well thought out and demonstrate critical thinking, self-evaluation, and practical application. (MLO: b)

Quizzes (8)

There are 2 quizzes (Midterm and Final) for points that cover the reading and study material for the assigned modules: weeks. Each of these quizzes consist of 80 multiple-choice questions an have a time limit of 3 hours. Each quiz is open-book/open-notes and allows for three attempts with the highest attempt counting towards the grade.

There are 6 quizzes that provide practice questions (3 in preparation for Quiz: Midterm Chapters 1-8 and 3 in preparation for Quiz: Final (Chapters 9-16); the quizzes consist of 6 multiple-choice questions and have a time limit of 15 minutes. The practice quizzes provide a study tool for comprehension of the materials tested in Quiz: Midterm Chapters 1-8 and Quiz Final (Chapters 9-16). Each practice quiz is open book/open notes, and 1 attempt will be provided. Answers will be shown after first attempt.