ASCA
ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors: Virtual Section
A.15. Virtual/Distance School Counseling
School counselors:
a. Adhere to the same ethical guidelines in a virtual/distance setting as school counselors in face-to-face settings.
b. Recognize and acknowledge the challenges and limitations of virtual/distance school counseling.
c. Implement procedures for students to follow in both emergency and nonemergency situations when the school counselor is not available.
d. Recognize and mitigate the limitation of virtual/distance school counseling confidentiality, which may include unintended viewers or recipients.
e. Inform both the student and parent/guardian of the benefits and limitations of virtual/distance counseling.
f. Educate students on how to participate in the electronic school counseling relationship to minimize and prevent potential mis- understandings that could occur due to lack of verbal cues and inability to read body language or other visual cues that provide contextual meaning to the school counseling process and school counseling relationship.
ASCA-Provided Liability Insurance
The coverage provided with the ASCA membership includes coverage for tele-counseling as long is this is part of your school counseling activities. The limit is $1 million per occurrence/aggregate, and it pays after the school coverage has paid. Students who are ASCA members and in master’s programs are covered by ASCA’s liability insurance for activities that are part of the university’s practicum/internship program/requirements. Insurance is free for ASCA professional and student members.
About ASCA
Regardless of whether you work in an elementary setting, on a college campus or somewhere in between, the American School Counselor Association is here for you. ASCA believes in one vision and one voice and works to ensure it meets the needs of all school counselors, regardless of setting, experience level or needs.
With a membership of school counseling professionals from around the world, ASCA focuses on providing professional development, enhancing school counseling programs and researching effective school counseling practices.
ASCA. The Home for School Counselors Since 1952.
ASCA's Vision
The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) is the foundation that expands the image and influence of school counselors through advocacy, leadership, collaboration and systemic change. ASCA empowers school counselors with the knowledge, skills, linkages and resources to promote student success in the school, the home, the community and the world.
ASCA's Mission
The mission of ASCA is to represent school counselors and to promote professionalism and ethical practices.
ASCA's Goals and Objectives
Professional development opportunities in areas of critical need are made available to all school counselors.
Timely, relevant information exists to enhance school counselors' level of skill and professionalism.
Legislative policy exists that supports school counselors and child advocacy.
ASCA initiates and supports relevant research and evaluation in school counseling.
Professional and ethical standards articulate the code of conduct and professional behavior for school counselors.
Strategic partnerships with stakeholders exist to benefit school counselors and their students.
Leaders at local, state and national levels champion and lead change initiatives.
ASCA maintains an organizational structure and administrative functions that facilitate the accomplishment of the goals and objectives.