Code of ethics

ACTO have produced this document to help promote safe professional practice for those psychological therapists who work online. All ACTO members are required to adhere to and follow the Code of Ethics of the organisation with whom they hold membership or accreditation in addition to the ethical framework laid out below.

ACTO expects all its members to adhere to the following:

a. Be aware of and familiarise themselves with the differences between online and face to face psychological therapy and the impact that online work can have on the relationship between therapist and client and the therapeutic process

b. Be aware of and work within their limitations and competence; seeking regular supervision preferably from an experienced online supervisor; and be willing to undertake continuing professional development.

c. Recognise and respect diversity and difference especially when working across international/cultural boundaries and be alert to the possibility of misinterpretation of the written and/or spoken word.

d. Have the ability to assess clients appropriately and ensure their suitability for online work.

e. Ensure that clients have read, understood and agreed on their personal contract/agreement for working online together before the therapeutic work begins.

f. Take appropriate hardware and software measures to protect the integrity and privacy of their computer systems and to remove client material from their computers at the end of the contracted work.

g. Ensure that all clients have access to clear written statements, in an explicit format, of all email transactions and monies paid to their therapist.
h. Ensure that all clients have a clear understanding of what to do in the event of server or computer outage and breakdown.

i. Respect and be aware of their clients’ right to take decisions and to act for themselves.

j. Supply accurate and up-to-date information about the service they are offering the client; including fees for all the forms of online therapy they offer.

k. Avoid taking advantage of clients or exploiting them in any way; (For example, sexually, financially, psychologically, or emotionally).

l. Work only when both client and therapist are deemed fit to do so (physically / psychologically / technologically) to ensure the quality of the therapy they provide.

m. Protect their own position, if possible, by obtaining appropriate insurance to cover the work they undertake.

n. Keep at least brief records of their counselling work with clients, unless there are exceptional reasons for not doing so.

o. Keep up to date with any legal requirements that affect their online work.

p. Avoid offering services to a child or young person where they believe 'informed consent' cannot apply, without first obtaining permission from a person with parental responsibility, unless they are working for a registered voluntary or statutory organisation that offers anonymity and does require 'parental consent' as a pre-requisite for using the service.

q. Never indicate or imply that they are working for ACTO. Membership of ACTO is not a contract of employment.

r. Never indicate or imply that membership of ACTO offers proof of the therapist's qualifications or training.

s. Treat their online colleagues with professional courtesy and respect both directly and indirectly (i.e. in how they represent themselves to others).

In the event that you might have a complaint against a member of ACTO please read more about how to make a complaint in our FAQ section