APA Code of Ethics: Principles, Purpose, and

Guidelines
Codes, Principles, and Standards for Psychologists

The APA Code of Ethics equips psychology professionals with standards and principles
to follow when dealing with the moral and ethical dilemmas they're likely to face.

Ethics are an important concern in psychology, particularly regarding therapy and

research. Working with patients and conducting psychological research can pose
various ethical and moral issues that must be addressed.

Understanding the APA Code of Ethics

The American Psychological Association (APA) publishes the Ethical Principles of
Psychologists and Code of Conduct which outlines aspirational principles as well as
enforceable standards that psychologists should use when making decisions.

In 1948, APA president Nicholas Hobbs said, "[The APA Code of Ethics] should be of
palpable aid to the ethical psychologist in making daily decisions."

In other words, the APA Code of Ethics is meant to provide a common set of rules that
help ensure mutual safety and patient benefit.

When Did the APA Publish Its Code of Ethics?

The APA first published its ethics code in 1953 and has been continuously evolving the
code ever since.

What's in the APA's Code of Ethics?

The APA Code of Ethics comprises two key elements:

• Principles: the underlying ethical foundation on which psychologists should base

their practices and decisions, whether they work in mental health, research, or
business.
• Standards: enforceable rules for ethical conduct, the violation of which can have
professional and legal ramifications

Who Is the APA Code of Ethics For?

The APA Code of Ethics applies only to work-related, professional activities including
research, teaching, counseling, psychotherapy, and consulting. Private conduct is not
subject to scrutiny by the APA's ethics committee.
APA Code of Ethics' 5 Principles
Not all ethical issues are clear-cut, but the APA offers psychologists guiding principles
to help them make sound ethical choices within their profession.

The APA Code of Ethics' Five Principles

1. Principle A: Beneficence and Non-Maleficence

2. Principle B: Fidelity and Responsibility
3. Principle C: Integrity
4. Principle D: Justice
5. Principle E: Respect for People's Rights and Dignity

Principle A: Beneficence and Non-Maleficence

Psychologists should strive to protect the rights and welfare of those with whom
they work professionally. This includes the clients they see in clinical practice,
animals that are involved in research and experiments, and anyone else with whom
they engage in professional interaction.

This principle encourages psychologists to strive to eliminate biases, affiliations, and

prejudices that might influence their work. This includes acting independently in
research and not allowing affiliations or sponsorships to influence results.

Principle B: Fidelity and Responsibility

Psychologists have a moral responsibility to help ensure that others working in

their profession also uphold high ethical standards. This principle suggests that
psychologists should participate in activities that enhance the ethical compliance and
conduct of their colleagues.

Serving as a mentor, taking part in peer review, and pointing out ethical concerns or
misconduct are examples of how this principle might be put into action. Psychologists
are also encouraged to donate some of their time to the betterment of the community.

Principle C: Integrity

In research and practice, psychologists should never attempt to deceive or

misrepresent. For instance, in research, deception can involve fabricating or
manipulating results in some way to achieve desired outcomes. Psychologists should
also strive for transparency and honesty in their practice.

Principle D: Justice

Mental health professionals have a responsibility to be fair and impartial. It also

states that people have a right to access and benefit from advances that have been
made in the field of psychology. It is important for psychologists to treat people equally.

Psychologists should also always practice within their area of expertise and also be
aware of their level of competence and limitations.
Principle E: Respect for People's Rights and Dignity

Psychologists should respect the right to dignity, privacy, and confidentiality of

those they work with professionally. They should also strive to minimize their own
biases as well as be aware of issues related to diversity and the concerns of particular
populations.

For example, people may have specific concerns related to their age, socioeconomic
status, race, gender, religion, ethnicity, or disability.

The APA Code of Ethics' Standards

The 10 standards found in the APA ethics code are enforceable rules of conduct for
psychologists working in clinical practice and academia.

The 10 Standards Found in the APA Code of Ethics

1. Resolving Ethical Issues

2. Competence
3. Human Relations
4. Privacy and Confidentiality
5. Advertising and Other Public Statements
6. Record Keeping and Fees
7. Education and Training
8. Research and Publication
9. Assessment
10. Therapy

These standards tend to be broad in order to help guide the behavior of psychologists
across a wide variety of domains and situations.

They apply to areas such as education, therapy, advertising, privacy, research, and
publication.

1: Resolving Ethical Issues

This standard of the APA ethics code provides information about what psychologists
should do to resolve ethical situations they may encounter in their work. This includes
advice for what researchers should do when their work is misrepresented and when to
report ethical violations.

2: Competence

Psychologists must practice within their areas of expertise. When treating clients or
working with the public, psychologists must make clear what they are and are not
trained to do.
An Exception to This Standard

This standard stipulates that in an emergency situation, professionals may provide

services even if it falls outside the scope of their practice in order to ensure that access
to services is provided.

3: Human Relations

Psychologists frequently work with a team of other mental health professionals. This
standard of the ethics code is designed to guide psychologists in their interactions with
others in the field.

This includes guidelines for dealing with sexual harassment, and discrimination,
avoiding harm during treatment and avoiding exploitative relationships (such as a
sexual relationship with a student or subordinate).

4: Privacy and Confidentiality

This standard outlines psychologists’ responsibilities in maintaining patient

confidentiality. Psychologists are obligated to take reasonable precautions to keep
client information private.

However, the APA also notes that there are limitations to confidentiality. Sometimes
psychologists need to disclose information about their patients in order to consult with
other mental health professionals, for example.

In cases where information must be divulged, psychologists must strive to minimize

these intrusions on privacy and confidentiality.

5: Advertising and Other Public Statements

Psychologists who advertise their services must ensure that they accurately depict their
training, experience, and expertise. They also need to avoid marketing statements that
are deceptive or false.

This also applies to how psychologists are portrayed by the media when providing their
expertise or opinion in articles, blogs, books, or television programs.

When presenting at conferences or giving workshops, psychologists should also ensure

that the brochures and other marketing materials for the event accurately depict what
the event will cover.

6: Record Keeping and Fees

Maintaining accurate records is an important part of a psychologist’s work, whether the

individual is working in research or with patients. Patient records include case
notes and other diagnostic assessments used in the course of treatment.

In terms of research, record-keeping involves detailing how studies were performed

and the procedures that were used. This allows other researchers to assess the
research and ensures that the study can be replicated.
7: Education and Training

This standard focuses on expectations for behavior when psychologists are teaching or
training students.

When creating courses and programs to train other psychologists and mental health
professionals, current and accurate evidence-based research should be used.

This standard also states that faculty members are not allowed to provide
psychotherapy services to their students.

8: Research and Publication

This standard focuses on ethical considerations when conducting research and

publishing results.

For example, the APA states that psychologists must obtain approval from the
institution that is carrying out the research, present information about the purpose of the
study to participants, and inform participants about the potential risks of taking part in
the research.

9: Assessment

Psychologists should obtain informed consent before administering assessments.

Assessments should be used to support a psychologist’s professional opinion, but
psychologists should also understand the limitations of these tools.

They should also take steps to ensure the privacy of those who have taken
assessments.

10: Therapy

This standard outlines professional expectations within the context of providing therapy.
Areas that are addressed include the importance of obtaining informed consent and
explaining the treatment process to clients.

Confidentiality is addressed, as well as some of the limitations to confidentiality, such

as when a client poses an immediate danger to himself or others.

Minimizing harm, avoiding sexual relationships with clients, and continuation of care are
other areas that are addressed by this standard.

For example, if a psychologist must stop providing services to a client for some reason,
they are expected to prepare clients for the change and help locate alternative services.
What Happens When a Therapist Violates the APA Code of
Ethics?
After a report of unethical conduct is received, the APA may censure or reprimand the
psychologist, or the individual may have their APA membership revoked. Complaints
may be referred to others, including state professional licensing boards.

State psychological associations, professional groups, licensing boards, and

government agencies may also choose to impose penalties against the psychologist.

Health insurance agencies and state and federal payers of health insurance claims may
also pursue action against professionals for ethical violations related to treatment,
billing, or fraud.

Those affected by ethical violations may also opt to seek monetary damages in civil
courts.

Illegal activity may be prosecuted in criminal courts. If this results in a felony conviction,
the APA may take further actions including suspension or expulsion from state
psychological associations and the suspension or loss of the psychologist's license to
practice.

How Can I Report a Therapist for Unethical Behavior?

Unfortunately, therapists do commit ethical violations. If you would like to file a
complaint against a therapist, contact your state's psychologist licensing board.

Ethical Considerations
Because psychologists often deal with extremely sensitive or volatile situations, ethical
concerns play a big role in professional life.

The most significant ethical issues include:

• Client Welfare: Given the roles they serve, psychologists often work with
individuals who are vulnerable due to their age, disability, intellectual ability, and
other concerns. When working with these individuals, psychologists must always
strive to protect the welfare of their clients.
• Informed Consent: Psychologists are responsible for providing a wide range of
services in their roles as therapists, researchers, educators, and consultants.
When people are acting as consumers of psychological services, they have a
right to know what to expect. In therapy, obtaining informed consent involves
explaining what services are offered, what the possible risks might be, and the
patient’s right to leave treatment. When conducting research, informed consent
involves letting participants know about any possible risks of taking part in the
research.
• Confidentiality: Therapy requires providing a safe place for clients to discuss
highly personal issues without fear of having this information shared with others
or made public. However, sometimes a psychologist might need to share some
 details such as when consulting with other professionals or when they are
publishing research. Ethical guidelines dictate when and how some information
might be shared, as well as some of the steps that psychologists should take to
protect client privacy.
• Competence: The training, education, and experience of psychologists is also an
important ethical concern. Psychologists must possess the skill and knowledge to
properly provide the services that clients need. For example, if a psychologist
needs to administer a particular assessment in the course of treatment, they
should have an understanding of both the administration and interpretation of that
specific test.

The Big Picture

Although the APA Code of Ethics provides respected principles and enforceable
standards for professional conduct, psychology is not free from ethical controversy. For
example, debates over psychologists’ participation in torture and the use of animals in
psychological research remain hot-button ethical concerns.

Nevertheless, reputable psychologists commonly turn to the APA Code of Ethics for
help with moral and ethical issues and decisions commonly faced in their profession.

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