Discussion:
Ethical Standards, Principles, and Codes
The American Psychological Association established ethical standards and codes in order to help practitioners uphold a certain level of conduct and professionalism. More specifically, the ethical codes mainly serve as principles and guidelines practitioners should strive to adhere to while they are working. Ethical guidelines become especially useful when moral concerns or questions arise during therapy sessions.
The main principles that are fulfilled when a professional adheres to the American Psychological Association's code of ethics include: beneficence and nonmaleficence; fidelity and responsibility; integrity; justice; and respect. These principles are discussed in more detail in the section that follows.