Professional Disclosure Brochure/Statement

According to the ACA (2014) Codes of Ethics and ASCA (2016), Ethical Standards for School Counselor are to gain informed consent from clients (and student’s guardians) verbally and in writing prior to entering the counseling relationship with client(s). In the school setting, this process usually occurs in conjunction with school enrollment. Now that you have become familiar with both the national ethical codes and your state of practice’s regulatory board rules to become a school counselor along with the current rules and regulations (ethics) for professional counselors, you are tasked with writing a Professional Disclosure Statement (also referred to as Informed Consent). While you will not be using this specific disclosure statement with actual clients/students, it will serve as a starting point for you as a future school counselor/licensed professional counselor.

Students are required to include specific information in their informed consent document based of the licensure(s)/certifications they are pursuing, the relevant code(s) of ethics, and their specific degree program.

School Counseling Students are to:

• Include the needed information based off the ACA (2014) Codes of Ethics and ASCA (2016) Ethical Standards for School Counselor in the informed consent.
• Include the additional requirements based of your state of practice’s regulatory board rules. If the student wishes to pursue licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselors (or state equivalent) the rules and regulations for their state of practice must also be included.

Below are some guidelines for writing the Professional Disclosure Statement:

• Create a brochure or word document based off your career path. For example, if you do not plan on pursuing licensure create a brochure if you plan on pursuing licensure in addition to being a school counselor- create the word document.
• Do not exceed two (2) full page (no exceptions).
• Single-space your lines and do not use indentions (tabs). Note, it will NOT be written in APA format.
• Use headings to separate topic areas.
• Use an attractive font that is no smaller than 10-pt. and no larger than 14-pt.
• Write clearly and concisely, using simple terms that most lay people will be able to understand.
• Include a header with your name and business contact information.
• Get another person to proofread it for errors with grammar, spelling, and mechanics. (Other eyes commonly see things that ours miss.)
• Write this document as if you will use it with actual clients. Note, the professional disclosure is a reflection of you and future clients will form opinions about your competencies based on your quality of your writing and the information provided. Make sure that your document is attractive yet simple and thorough but concise.