Dual relationships and boundaries: what the Code allows and what the exam expects.
Sexual relationships, nonprofessional interactions, bartering, gifts and the five-year rule. The standards and how items apply them.
By Dr. Andrew Wichterman · September 15, 2026 · 6 min read
Boundary items are among the most common ethics items, and the ACA Code of Ethics is specific enough that most have one defensible answer. Here are the standards and the reasoning.
Sexual and romantic relationships
- Prohibited with current clients, their romantic partners and family members.
- Prohibited with former clients, their partners and family members for five years after the last professional contact. After five years, the counselor must document in writing that the relationship is not exploitative and does not harm the former client; the burden is on the counselor.
- Prohibited with current supervisees and students. Supervisors and educators do not enter sexual relationships with those they evaluate.
Nonprofessional interactions
The 2014 Code moved from prohibiting dual relationships to a more nuanced position. Nonprofessional interactions with clients, former clients and their families should be avoided except when the interaction is potentially beneficial. Examples the Code lists: attending a formal ceremony, purchasing a service or product the client provides, hospital visits, mutual membership in a community organization. Before a potentially beneficial interaction, the counselor documents the rationale, the potential benefit and anticipated consequences. If harm occurs, the counselor must show an attempt to remedy it.
Role changes
When a counselor changes roles with a client, for example from individual to family counselor, or from counselor to researcher, the client must be informed and consent to the change and to the consequences, including any effect on confidentiality.
Bartering, fees and gifts
- Bartering is permitted only if the client requests it, it is not exploitative or harmful, it is an accepted practice in the community, and there is a written agreement.
- Gifts: the counselor considers the therapeutic relationship, the monetary value, the client's motivation and the counselor's motivation in deciding whether to accept. Small gifts with cultural meaning are usually acceptable; expensive gifts are not.
- Fees are set with consideration of the client's financial status and locality, and referral is offered if the fee is unaffordable. Fee splitting for referrals is prohibited.
The reasoning the exam rewards
- Is there a power differential that could be exploited? If so, avoid the relationship.
- Could the counselor's objectivity be impaired? If so, avoid it.
- Is the interaction beneficial to the client, rather than convenient for the counselor? If yes, it may proceed with documentation.
- Was it discussed with the client and documented? Both are required.
- Would a consult help? On the exam, yes, always.
Small towns and rural practice
The exam recognizes that some overlap is unavoidable in small communities. The correct response is not to refuse all contact but to discuss boundaries in advance, minimize contact, protect confidentiality in public, and document.
Practice this. The flashcards and practice tests on this site are sorted by content area, so you can drill this one until it holds.
Power, objectivity, benefit, documentation, consultation. Apply those five and the boundary items resolve.