Behavioral Health and Wellness Practitioners Ethics Code

Preamble

Behavioral Health and Wellness Practitioners (BHWP) are committed to advancing the behavioral health and well-being of individuals through evidence-based promotion, prevention, and brief intervention services. BHWPs are bachelor's-level licensed professionals who work under the direct supervision of a qualified licensed clinician to provide early identification of behavioral health concerns through screening, psychoeducation, skills training and skills support, brief evidence-based behavioral health interventions and prevention services, risk identification and referral, and collaboration, consultation, and care coordination with other behavioral health providers.

BHWPs practice within a defined scope that is distinct from that of independently licensed mental health clinicians. BHWPs serve a vital role in expanding access to behavioral health support by delivering preventive and early intervention services, and by bridging gaps between individuals, families, and the broader behavioral health care system.

BHWPs respect and protect the rights and dignity of the individuals and families they serve. They strive to promote behavioral health equity and to deliver services that are culturally responsive, inclusive, and trauma-informed. BHWPs recognize the importance of understanding how identity, development, ability, and background shape each person's experience and behavioral health needs.

This BHWP Ethics Code consists of a Preamble, Ethical Principles, and Ethical Standards. The Preamble and Ethical Principles are aspirational in nature. They are intended to guide BHWPs toward the highest ideals of the profession and to inform ethical decision-making. Although the Preamble and Ethical Principles are not themselves enforceable rules, they should be considered by BHWPs when determining an ethical course of action. The Ethical Standards set forth enforceable expectations for professional conduct. The Ethical Standards are written broadly to apply to BHWPs across the range of settings in which they serve, though the application of a given standard may vary depending on context. The development of a sound ethical foundation requires a personal commitment and ongoing effort to act ethically, to seek supervision and consultation in matters of ethical uncertainty, and to encourage ethical conduct among colleagues and peers.

This Ethics Code applies to the professional activities of BHWPs across a variety of settings, including but not limited to schools, community-based organizations, health care settings, and other environments in which behavioral health promotion, prevention, and brief intervention services are delivered. These activities span in-person, telehealth, and other modalities of service delivery. BHWPs should be aware that this Ethics Code may be used by employers and other regulatory or credentialing bodies in evaluating professional conduct. Lack of awareness or misunderstanding of an Ethical Standard is not itself a defense to a charge of unethical conduct.

In applying this Ethics Code to their professional work, BHWPs should also consider applicable state and federal laws, the rules and guidance of the regulatory or credentialing bodies, the policies of their employing organizations, and the dictates of their own conscience. When this Ethics Code establishes a higher standard of conduct than is required by law, BHWPs should strive to meet the higher ethical standard. If ethical responsibilities conflict with law, regulations, or organizational demands, BHWPs make known their commitment to this Ethics Code, consult with their supervisor, and take steps to resolve the conflict in a responsible manner consistent with basic principles of human rights and client welfare.

Ethical Principles for Behavioral Health and Wellness Practitioners

The following Ethical Principles are aspirational in nature. They are intended to guide and inspire BHWPs toward the highest ethical ideals of the profession. The Ethical Principles are not enforceable rules and do not represent binding obligations. They should not form the sole basis for imposing disciplinary sanctions. Rather, these Principles serve as a foundation for ethical reasoning and should be considered alongside the Ethical Standards when navigating complex professional situations. The Ethical Principles below are drawn directly from the principles outlined in the American Psychological Association Code of Ethics for psychologists and are adapted as needed to reflect the distinct scope of practice for BHWPs.

Principle A: Beneficence and Nonmaleficence

BHWPs strive to benefit the individuals with whom they work and take care to do no harm. In their professional actions, BHWPs seek to safeguard the welfare and rights of those they serve. Because the professional judgments and actions of BHWPs can affect the lives of others, practitioners remain alert to and guard against personal, social, organizational, or other factors that could lead to the misuse of their influence. BHWPs are aware of the possible effect of their own physical and mental health on their ability to help those with whom they work and make efforts to minimize detrimental impacts on others. BHWPs seek to resolve conflicts in a manner that minimizes harm to the individuals and families they serve, with particular attention to the vulnerability of those with diminished autonomy, including children, youth, and other at-risk populations. They seek supervision or referral when client needs exceed their role or scope of practice. 

Principle B: Fidelity and Responsibility

BHWPs establish and maintain relationships of trust with the individuals they serve, as well as with supervisors, colleagues, and the communities in which they work. BHWPs are aware of their professional responsibilities and uphold the standards of professional conduct expected of them. They clarify their professional roles and obligations and seek to manage conflicts of interest that could lead to exploitation or harm. They accept responsibility for their professional actions, maintain appropriate supervision, and collaborate with other providers in the client’s best interest. BHWPs actively monitor and address ethical concerns and support an environment of integrity within their organizations and teams and take appropriate action when they become aware of ethical concerns. BHWPs strive to contribute to the well-being of the communities they serve, including efforts to expand access to behavioral health support for individuals and families across the lifespan.

Principle C: Integrity

BHWPs are accurate, honest, and truthful in the practice of behavioral health promotion, prevention, and brief intervention. They accurately represent their qualifications, credentials, and scope of practice to clients, families, supervisors, colleagues, and the public. They avoid making misleading claims about programming, outcomes, or interventions, and maintain clear, ethical boundaries in person and online. When mistakes occur, BHWPs acknowledge them, seek supervision, and take steps to correct any resulting issues. BHWPs are mindful of the trust placed in them by the individuals and families they serve and conduct themselves in a manner that upholds confidence in the profession.

Principle D: Justice

BHWPs recognize that fairness and justice entitle all persons to access and benefit from evidence-based behavioral health services, and to equal quality in the services provided. BHWPs are committed to behavioral health equity and seek to understand and address disparities in behavioral health and access to services related to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, immigration status, language, religion, and other aspects of identity and background. BHWPs strive to ensure that their services reach and appropriately serve individuals and families from historically underserved communities. BHWPs exercise reasonable judgment and take precautions to minimize the effects of their own potential biases, and do not condone unjust practices.

Principle E: Respect for People's Rights and Dignity

BHWPs honor the inherent dignity, autonomy, and rights of every person. They safeguard privacy and confidentiality, using the minimum necessary information for documentation or disclosure and communicating its limits with clarity and transparency. BHWPs respect individuals’ values, cultures, and preferences and support client participation in decision making to the fullest extent possible and strive to protect the rights and welfare of vulnerable persons. BHWPs engage in culturally responsive and inclusive practices in all domains of professional activity, recognizing that the individuals and families they serve bring unique strengths, identities, and lived experiences to the professional relationship.

Ethical Standards for Behavioral Health and Wellness Practitioners

1. Professional Competence and Responsibility

  • BHWPs practice within the boundaries of education, training, and experience, providing services only for which qualified. BHWPs seek consultation when a situation might exceed their scope of practice and refer to qualified professionals when needed. BHWPs accurately represent one’s qualifications and clarify how this role differs from that of independently licensed clinicians.
  • BHWPs maintain a supervisory relationship as part of professional practice. BHWPs seek ongoing professional development, supervision, and training to maintain and enhance skills. (see Supervision) BHWPs use the best available scientific knowledge and evidence-based approaches to guide interventions, ensuring that professional judgments are grounded in established research and evidence-based practices. (see Practice Standards and Delivery)
  • BHWPs accept responsibility for professional work, carefully monitor the outcomes of services, and take corrective action if an intervention is not achieving its intended effect or is causing unintended negative consequences. (see Practice Standards and Delivery)
  • BHWPs monitor their own personal biases and physical, mental, and emotional well-being to ensure personal problems do not impair their ability to help others. If personal issues or stressors interfere with their professional role, BHWPs take appropriate action in order to reduce harm.
  • With client consent, BHWPs work cooperatively with other professionals, respecting each person’s expertise and coordinating care in the clients’ best interests.
  • BHWPs address conflicts with colleagues in a respectful and constructive manner and take further action if necessary. (see Ethical Decision-Making and Resolving Issues)
  • BHWPs strive to eliminate personal prejudices in service delivery; avoid discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, socioeconomic status, immigrant status, religion, or other identities.
  • BHWPs demonstrate respect in all communications and interactions, avoiding demeaning language or behavior.
  • When working with minors, BHWPs engage with parents, guardians, and family members in partnership with the minor, in a respectful and collaborative manner, involving them in planning, decision-making, and provision of services as appropriate.
  • BHWPs prioritize the welfare and rights of children and youth in their care, making decisions with the child’s best interests as the foremost consideration. BHWPs fulfill legal and ethical obligations to protect the welfare of minors such as reporting abuse or threats of harm.

2. Integrity in Professional Relationships

  • BHWPs conduct themselves with integrity and honesty in all professional relationships.
  • BHWPs maintain appropriate professional boundaries. BHWPs avoid dual or multiple relationships with clients in which one’s professional role might be compromised, or someone could be exploited. If a dual relationship is unavoidable, BHWPs take extra care to set clear boundaries and protect the client’s welfare.
  • BHWPs are strictly prohibited from engaging in any type of romantic or sexual relationship with current or past clients.
  • BHWPs refrain from all social media or online communication with clients and disclose this boundary to clients at the start. BHWPs avoid conflicts of interest that could impair professional judgment; BHWPs refrain from accepting gifts, favors, or other incentives that could influence service decisions inappropriately.
  • BHWPs disclose any potential conflict (such as a personal connection to a client) to supervisors or relevant parties and seek guidance on how to proceed ethically. (see Ethical Decision Making and Resolving Issues)

3. Informed Consent and Confidentiality

  • BHWPs obtain informed consent from clients or their legal guardians before providing services, ensuring the individual understands the nature of the services and their right to refuse or withdraw. When serving minor clients or others unable to legally consent, BHWPs obtain consent from a parent or legal guardian as required by law, and also seek the assent of the minor client.
  • BHWPs engage in communication that is developmentally appropriate and accessible. BHWPs clearly explain the nature, purpose, and limits of services provided. BHWPs tailor explanations of services, choices, and confidentiality to the client’s developmental level, language, culture, and communication needs (e.g., using plain language, visual aids, interpreters, or supported decision-making approaches when appropriate).
  • BHWPs protect the confidentiality of all client information unless disclosure is required by law, authorized by valid release, or necessary to prevent serious and foreseeable harm. BHWPs explain confidentiality and its limits at the outset of services and as needed throughout care, including what information may be shared with caregivers and under what circumstances.
  • BHWPs take steps to safeguard client privacy in all forms of communication, recordkeeping, and electronic systems, including using the minimum necessary information for any disclosure. (see Records, Technology, and Confidentiality in Practice)
  • When working with children, BHWPs balance a minor’s rights and welfare with the legal rights and responsibilities of parents/guardians. BHWPs include minors in discussions about their care to the extent appropriate for their age, development, and context.
  • When serving minors or individuals with diminished or fluctuating decision-making capacity, BHWPs assess the client’s ability to understand and participate in decisions based on age, cognitive level, developmental stage, and context. When working with minors, BHWP’s establish a clear, developmentally appropriate plan for shared decision-making, including what information will be shared with caregivers, what will remain private, and how safety concerns will be handled.

4. Practice Standards and Service Delivery

  • BHWPs obtain informed consent for all screenings and interventions and ensure the client (or their guardian) understands the purpose and nature of the service. (see Informed Consent and Confidentiality)
  • BHWPs use evidence-based, effective practices for screening and intervention and continually evaluate their practice to ensure a high quality of service for clients.
  • BHWPs select and administer evidence-based screeners that are valid, reliable, and appropriate for the client’s age, culture, and specific needs.
  • BHWPs interpret and communicate screening results accurately and in an understandable manner, including discussing the results with clients or their guardians.
  • BHWPs conduct ongoing progress monitoring using standardized assessments to track client’s symptoms and progress in the context of ongoing interventions; BHWPs use progress monitoring for data-driven decision making about a client’s mental health care and make intervention adjustments as needed.
  • BHWPs only administer screeners and progress monitoring measures within one’s area of competence; BHWPs do not independently administer or interpret individually administered intelligence, achievement, or neuropsychological tests. (see Professional Competence and Responsibility)
  • BHWPs plan for the appropriate conclusion or transition of services when they are no longer needed, no longer serve the client’s best interests, or when the presenting concerns exceed the scope of practice or could be served by a better resource. When services end, BHWPs communicate clearly with clients and support continuity of care through referral or handoff when concerns remain. BHWPs do not terminate services for inappropriate reasons such as to pursue a personal relationship with a client.
  • BHWPs adhere to established professional guidelines and institutional policies.

5. Records, Technology, and Confidentiality in Practice

  • BHWPs maintain timely, accurate, and factual records of services provided per institutional policy, recognizing that these records are an important part of professional responsibility.
  • BHWPs store and dispose of client records in a secure manner, protecting them from unauthorized access and preserving confidentiality.
  • BHWPs implement appropriate safeguards when using technology (e.g., encrypted communications and secure databases) to ensure client information remains private.
  • BHWPs refrain from sharing or posting any client-identifying information on social media or other public forums and be aware of professional boundaries in all electronic communications.
  • BHWPs follow all applicable laws and regulations regarding record-keeping, confidentiality, and the use of electronic communication in practice.

6. Supervision

  • BHWPs engage in supervision on a regular and ongoing basis, maintaining scheduled contact with their licensed supervisor (e.g., weekly or as defined by program/state requirements).
  • BHWPs accurately represent client care and services during supervision and provide timely documentation to the supervisor.
  • BHWPs follow supervisory directives consistent with ethical practice, while raising concerns when directives may conflict with client welfare or professional standards. (see Ethical Decision Making and Resolving Issues)
  • BHWPs seek supervision promptly when facing ethical uncertainty, scope questions, or situations involving risk or competing obligations.

7. Ethical Decision-Making and Resolving Issues

  • BHWPs recognize and challenge one’s own biases to ensure equitable and fair treatment for all clients. BHWPs prioritize client welfare and ethical principles if conflicts occur between ethical duties and legal or organizational demands.
  • BHWPs take reasonable steps to resolve conflicts which can include seeking supervision, consulting an ethics committee or professional board, or obtaining legal advice if necessary to navigate the tension between ethics and the law; document the decision-making process and communications.
  • BHWPs confront and report unethical practices or misconduct. Address issues with colleagues directly when possible and escalate to appropriate authorities if necessary to protect clients and uphold ethical standards.
  • BHWP’s document ethical concerns, consultations, and decisions in accordance with organizational policy to support transparency and accountability.
  • Concerns about unethical conduct are raised through supervision or established organizational reporting pathways, with escalation as needed to protect clients.

8. Accuracy/Honesty in Advertising or Public Statements

  • BHWPs accurately represent degrees, licenses, or credentials, qualifications, and services in all communications, including advertising, social media, or public communications. (see Professional Competence and Responsibility)
  • BHWPs avoid making false, exaggerated, or misleading claims about services, results, or fees; do not mispresent credentials or professional competence. (see Professional Competence and Responsibility)
  • BHWPs do not solicit or use testimonials from current clients or others who may be vulnerable to undue influence.
  • BHWPs clearly distinguish personal opinions from professional advice when speaking or posting in public forums, and refrain from disclosing any confidential information in all public communications.
  • BHWPs ensure that all communication including public statements, outreach and social media posts reflect evidence-based practices and ethical standards. (see Practice Standards and Service Delivery)