CMHCs are encouraged to advocate at the individual, institutional, professional, and societal level to foster sociopolitical change that advances client and community welfare.
a. CMHCs are aware of and make every effort to avoid pitfalls of advocacy including conflicts of interest, inappropriate relationships, and other negative consequences. CMHCs remain sensitive to the potential personal and cultural impact on clients of their advocacy efforts.
b. CMHCs may encourage clients to challenge familial, institutional, and societal obstacles to their growth and development and they may advocate on the clients’ behalf. CMHCs remain aware of the potential dangers of becoming overly involved as an advocate.
c. CMHCs generally speak only on their own behalf. When authorized to speak on the behalf of a counseling organization, they make every effort to be clear and cautious in their communication, accurately portraying the position of the authorizing organization.
d. CMHCs endeavor to speak factually and discern facts from opinions.