North Carolina Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Practice Test 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The primary purpose of a professional code of ethics is to serve as a guide in helping clients while ensuring that practitioners behave in a fair and just manner towards their colleagues and the community they serve. This code provides essential standards that inform counselors about their professional responsibilities and the ethical implications of their actions. It fosters a commitment to integrity, respect, and competence, crucial for building trust with clients and maintaining professional relationships.

While elements such as strengthening professionalism, clarifying client behaviors, and providing legal recourse might contribute to the overall framework of ethical practice, they do not encapsulate the overarching goal of creating a standard that primarily prioritizes the welfare of clients and the ethical conduct of professionals in their interactions. The essence of a professional code of ethics is to ensure that counselors act in a manner that prioritizes the needs of their clients while maintaining a respectful and supportive professional environment.