What's New in the 2026 ACA Code of Ethics?

About This Training

The release of the 2026 ACA Code of Ethics represents one of the most significant updates to professional counseling practice in over a decade. While reading the revised Code is essential, understanding how those changes impact everyday clinical decision-making is equally important.

This interactive workshop is designed to help behavioral health professionals move beyond simply reviewing the updated Code by exploring practical applications through discussion, case examples, and ethical decision-making strategies.

Participants will examine key revisions to the 2026 ACA Code of Ethics and explore how these changes influence counseling relationships, technology use, documentation, supervision, professional responsibilities, multicultural practice, and emerging ethical issues. Throughout the training, attendees will develop greater confidence in implementing the revised standards within their own clinical settings.

Rather than serving as a general ethics refresher, this workshop focuses specifically on what has changed, why those changes matter, and how to apply them ethically in clinical practice.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

1. Identify significant revisions within the 2026 ACA Code of Ethics and describe how they differ from previous ethical standards.
2. Explain the ethical implications of updates related to counseling relationships, documentation, technology, supervision, multicultural practice, and professional responsibility.
3. Apply the revised ethical standards to clinical scenarios using an ethical decision-making framework that supports competent and client-centered practice.
4. Evaluate emerging ethical considerations, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI), telehealth, digital communication, and evolving standards of professional practice.
5. Develop an individualized implementation plan for incorporating the 2026 ACA Code of Ethics into documentation, informed consent, supervision, agency policies, and everyday clinical decision-making.

Training Topics

Participants will explore:

• Overview of the 2026 ACA Code Revision Process
• Significant Changes to the 2026 ACA Code of Ethics
• Counseling Relationships
• Confidentiality and Privacy
• Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Practice
• Documentation and Record Keeping
• Clinical Supervision
• Multicultural and Social Justice Considerations
• Professional Responsibility
• Ethical Decision-Making Using Clinical Case Examples
• Practical Strategies for Implementing the Updated Code

Participants Will Receive

Registration includes:

• Digital training materials
• Practical implementation guide
• Ethical decision-making resources
• Clinical case examples
• Implementation checklist for updating policies and procedures
• Certificate of Completion
• 3 NBCC Ethics Continuing Education Hours

Who Should Attend?

This training is designed for:

• Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs)
• Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisors (LPC-Ss)
• Associate Licensed Counselors (ALCs)
• Counselor Educators
• Clinical Supervisors
• Behavioral Health Professionals
• Graduate Counseling Students preparing for professional practice

Why Attend?

Ethics are continually evolving alongside our profession. This workshop provides clinicians with practical guidance for understanding and implementing the newest ethical standards while strengthening confidence in ethical decision-making across diverse clinical settings.

Participants will leave with actionable strategies, practical resources, and greater confidence in integrating the revised ACA Code of Ethics into everyday professional practice.

Learning that lasts beyond the classroom.