Faith-based services are those that incorporate elements of spirituality. In the field of counseling, those who provide faith-based services have traditionally been referred to as “pastoral counselors.”

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For clients with strong religious convictions or the desire to explore their own spirituality further, particularly as it relates to a mental health issue, faith-based services may be the best choice. If a provider has strong religious convictions, it is important that the provider abide by the ethical guidelines of the profession. This is particularly relevant when the provider’s own convictions are in opposition to the client’s values, beliefs, behaviors, or issues.

In 2012, the State of Michigan passed the “Julea Ward Freedom of Conscience” bill into law. Julea Ward is a former counseling student who was dismissed from her program after refusing (for religious reasons) to provide psychotherapy to a homosexual client in the counseling program’s training clinic. She chose to refer the client to another counselor-in-training. To read the law, visit this site:

Do you agree with the legislators, or do you think all counseling students should learn to accept any cases?

What do the following codes of ethics state regarding a counselor’s right to refuse treatment to a client for religious reasons?  What are the ethical guidelines regarding whom may be referred or why a counselor can ethically refer a client to another counselor?

In a minimum of 350 words, respond to the following:

  • Do you agree with the legislators, or do you think all counseling students should learn to accept any cases? Provide reasons and cite sources to support your position.

By Saturday, January 30, 2016, post your response to the appropriateDiscussion AreaThrough Wednesday, February 3, 2016, review and comment on at least two of your fellow students’ responses. Provide a statement of clarification, a point of view with rationale, challenge a point of discussion, or draw a relationship between one or more points of the discussion. Respond to the following in your review:

  • Discuss how counselors can remain true to their own values, while practicing ethically and professionally.

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