專業認證︱
Association for Integrative Medicine

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AIM Code of Ethics for Certified Psychotherapist / Psychology Providers

1. Informed Consent for Treatment / Service
1.1. When obtaining informed consent for Treatment / Service, psychotherapists / psychology providers shall inform clients at the earliest feasible stage of the therapeutic relationship about the nature and expected course of Treatment / Service, fees, involvement of third parties, and limits of confidentiality. Ample opportunity shall be provided for clients to ask questions and receive answers.

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1.2. When obtaining informed consent for treatments / services where established techniques and procedures are not widely recognized, psychotherapists / psychology providers shall inform their clients about the developing nature of the treatment / service, potential risks involved, alternative treatment / service options that may be available, and the voluntary nature of their participation in the treatment / service. The primary consideration of psychotherapists / psychology providers shall be the physical and mental well-being of each client. Psychotherapists / Psychology providers shall refrain from engaging in verbal, physical, or sexual abuse towards any client and shall not discriminate against clients based on race, religion, sexual orientation, age or gender identity.

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1.3. Psychotherapists / Psychology providers shall strictly adhere to the boundaries of their training and expertise in the practice of psychotherapy / psychological services, ensuring compliance with all applicable local laws. Psychotherapists / Psychology providers shall not diagnose, treat, or prescribe for clients in matters pertaining to medical or mental health conditions. Their aim shall be to facilitate clients' natural restorative and coping abilities, and refraining from making any therapeutic claims. Psychotherapists / Psychology providers shall abstain from providing psychotherapy / psychological services to clients who exhibit behavior, appearance, or statements that warrant evaluation by a licensed healthcare professional. Services may only be rendered to such clients following evaluation and approval from the licensed healthcare professional.

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2. Treatment / Service Involving Couples or Families
2.1. When agreeing to provide services to multiple individuals with a relationship (such as spouses, significant others, or parents and children), psychotherapists / psychology providers shall take reasonable steps to clarify, at the outset, (1) who among the individuals are clients and (2) the nature of the psychotherapist / psychology provider's relationship with each person. This clarification shall include the psychotherapist / psychology provider's role and the likely uses of the services provided or the information obtained.

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2.2. If it becomes apparent that psychotherapists / psychology providers may be required to assume potentially conflicting roles (such as serving as a witness for one party in divorce proceedings), they shall take reasonable steps to clarify, modify, or withdraw from such roles as appropriate.

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3. Group Treatment / Service
When providing services to multiple individuals in a group setting, psychotherapists / psychology providers shall clearly describe, at the outset, the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved, as well as the limits of confidentiality.

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4. Providing Treatment / Service to Those Already Receiving Mental Health Services
When considering whether to offer or provide services to individuals already receiving mental health services elsewhere, psychotherapists / psychology providers shall carefully assess treatment / service issues and the potential client's welfare. These issues shall be discussed with the client or another legally authorized person on their behalf, in order to minimize the risk of confusion and conflict. Psychotherapists / Psychology providers shall consult with other service providers when appropriate and proceed with caution and sensitivity to the therapeutic concerns.

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5. Sexual Intimacies with Current and Former Treatment / Service Clients/Patients
5.1. Psychotherapists / Psychology providers shall refrain from engaging in sexual intimacies with current Treatment / Service clients.

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5.2. Psychotherapists / Psychology providers shall refrain from engaging in sexual intimacies with former clients for a minimum of two years after the cessation or termination of Treatment / Service.

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5.2. Psychotherapists / Psychology providers shall not engage in sexual intimacies with former clients/patients even after a two-year interval, except in highly exceptional circumstances. If such activity occurs after the two-year period has elapsed and there has been no sexual contact with the former client/patient, psychotherapists / psychology providers bear the burden of demonstrating that no exploitation has taken place. This assessment shall take into account all relevant factors, including (1) the duration of time since Treatment / Service ended, (2) the nature, duration, and intensity of the Treatment / Service, (3) the circumstances of termination, (4) the client's personal history, (5) the client's current mental status, (6) the potential adverse impact on the client, and (7) any statements or actions made by the therapist during Treatment / Service that may suggest or invite the possibility of a post-termination sexual or romantic relationship with the client.

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6. Interruption and Premature Termination of Treatment / Service
6.1. When entering into employment or contractual relationships, psychotherapists / psychology providers shall make reasonable efforts to provide an orderly and appropriate resolution for the continuity of client care in the event that the employment or contractual relationship ends. The welfare of the client shall be of paramount consideration.

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6.2. Psychotherapists / Psychology providers shall terminate Treatment / Service when it becomes reasonably evident that the client no longer requires the service, is unlikely to benefit from it, or is being harmed by its continuation.

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6.3. Psychotherapists / Psychology providers may terminate Treatment / Service when they are threatened or otherwise endangered by the client or by another person with whom the client has a relationship.

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6.4. Unless precluded by the actions of clients or third-party payors, psychotherapists / psychology providers shall provide pre-termination counseling or coaching, and suggest suitable alternative service providers prior to terminating the Treatment / Service.

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7. Advertising
Psychotherapists / Psychology providers shall maintain honesty and truthfulness in all forms of advertising. They shall consistently provide accurate information regarding their titles and degrees when communicating with the general public, media, and within the scope of their profession.

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8. Ethical Training and Compliance
8.1. All psychotherapists / psychology providers involved in training programs must strictly adhere to the AIM Code of Ethics and ensure that ethical guidelines are integrated into the curriculum.

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8.2. Training providers shall explicitly educate trainees about the importance of the Code of Ethics, emphasizing professional integrity, client welfare, and ethical responsibilities in psychological practice.

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8.3. Trainers shall model ethical behavior and encourage open discussion of ethical dilemmas to instill a culture of accountability and responsibility among trainees.

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8.4. Any violation of ethical standards by trainees during the training process shall be promptly addressed with corrective action, which may include additional ethics training or supervision.

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8.5. Training providers shall regularly update their ethics training materials to reflect current best practices and legal requirements in the field of psychotherapy and psychological services.