Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in Counseling, Sixth Edition,

ABOUT THE BOOK

Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in Counseling, Sixth Edition, by Theodore P. Remley Jr. and Barbara Herlihy, is a comprehensive textbook that examines the ethical principles, legal responsibilities, and professional standards essential to effective counseling practice. Published by Pearson as part of the Merrill Counseling Series, this edition provides students and practicing counselors with practical guidance for understanding complex professional situations and making responsible decisions throughout their careers.

The book is divided into two major sections: Foundations and Issues. The Foundations section introduces professional ethics, moral values, ethical theories, legal principles, and the professional identity of counselors. It also explores multiculturalism, social justice, advocacy, professional credentialing, and the development of counseling as an established profession.

The Issues section addresses the practical challenges counselors encounter in their daily work. Topics include client rights, informed consent, confidentiality, privileged communication, records management, subpoenas, professional competence, assessment, diagnosis, malpractice, and ethical decision-making. Additional chapters examine professional boundaries, dual relationships, technology in counseling, working with children and vulnerable adults, family and group counseling, private practice, health care plans, counselor education, supervision, consultation, research, and professional publishing.

A major strength of this edition is its extensive use of case studies and realistic professional scenarios. These examples help readers recognize ethical dilemmas, understand relevant legal considerations, evaluate possible responses, and apply professional standards to challenging situations. The authors also provide practical recommendations for resolving disputes, maintaining professional competence, protecting client welfare, and avoiding ethical and legal misconduct.

The sixth edition focuses specifically on the counseling profession and its unique responsibilities rather than treating counseling as part of the broader helping professions. Its coverage of professional standards, ethical guidelines, legal developments, and contemporary counseling issues makes it particularly valuable for understanding the responsibilities of counselors in modern practice.

An essential resource for graduate counseling students, counselor educators, clinical supervisors, licensed professional counselors, and mental health practitioners, Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in Counseling supports the development of ethical judgment, legal awareness, professional accountability, and responsible client care.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Theodore P. Remley, Jr., JD, PhD, is a distinguished counseling educator, legal professional, and author specializing in the legal and ethical dimensions of counseling. He is a professor of counseling at the University of Holy Cross in New Orleans, Louisiana. He holds a PhD in Counselor Education from the University of Florida and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from The Catholic University of America. He is a National Certified Counselor and a licensed professional counselor. Dr. Remley previously served as Executive Director of the American Counseling Association and has held academic positions at several universities. His professional work focuses on counselor ethics, legal responsibilities, professional standards, and the development of the counseling profession.

Barbara Herlihy, PhD, NCC, LPC-S, is an accomplished counselor educator, researcher, and recognized authority on counseling ethics. She is Professor Emerita at the University of New Orleans and has served as Professor in Practice and Doctoral Program Director at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Dr. Herlihy has held important leadership positions within the American Counseling Association, including Chair of its Ethics Committee, and has contributed to the development and revision of professional ethics codes. Her research and publications focus on ethical counseling practice, social justice, multicultural counseling, feminist therapy, and professional advocacy. She has authored and co-authored numerous books, journal articles, and academic chapters.

Together, Remley and Herlihy bring complementary expertise in law, counselor education, ethical decision-making, and professional practice. Their collaborative work has made significant contributions to counseling education and continues to help students and practicing professionals navigate complex ethical and legal responsibilities.