Code of Ethics

Last Updated November, 2024

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1. Core Responsibilities 

   • Demonstrate professionalism, transparency, integrity, inclusivity, and respect in all interactions. 

   • Work to reduce harm where possible, especially where harm elimination is not possible. 

     • Where harm is present, MHCs may: intervene where harm is present with the intention of stopping or reducing harm, remove barriers to safety for a person receiving harm, enlist allies to embed systemic or procedural change to prevent further harm, and advocate for accountability. 

   • MHCs work to create an environment free of harassment, bullying, discrimination, or other types of illegal misconduct, as defined by local, state, and other regional mandates, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. MHCs work is to foster an environment that respects and celebrates cultural diversity, while adapting interventions to be culturally responsive, sensitive, accessible, and inclusive. 

   • Honor all existing contracts and agreements with AMHC.

2. Scope of Practice

   • The AMHC Code of Ethics does not supersede any union guidelines, institutional policies, regional legal mandates, or professional obligations while working as an MHC. 

   • Mental Health Coordinators are never obligated to provide services, even in crisis situations, and are to operate within their scope of practice only. MHCs are obligated to use their professional judgment regarding when to apply interventions and when to abstain from action. 

   • Should there be a deviation from an engaged action, communication should be given to offer clarity for an alternate action, be it hand-offs, disengagements, etc.

   • MHCs do not diagnose, develop treatment plans, carry out treatment, prescribe or recommend medication, or otherwise provide medical advice to stakeholders. 

3. Confidentiality, Privacy, and Transparency: 

   • Privacy: 

     • Mental health coordinators uphold a complex balance of transparency in their own work, while upholding privacy wherever possible on behalf of others (though encouraging transparency in project practices.). Privacy does not mean confidentiality, but it does mean that MHCs seek consent if sharing private information uplifts safety, professionalism, or inclusivity for all. Where possible, MHCs honor privacy and confidentiality requests. 

     • When appropriate, respect the confidentiality and privacy of colleagues, peers, and AMHC.

       • MHCs are encouraged to share accurate details of individual cases with other qualified MHCs when seeking supervision, support, advice, or guidance.

   • Informed Consent:

     • Obtain  informed consent wherever possible. Ensure participants have the capacity to provide informed consent. Obtain informed consent before providing any interventions or services. Clearly explain the nature, risks and benefits, and purpose of actions. If the MHC is unable to get a signature, then it could be documented that the individual provided verbal consent. For example, a note might state, “J.B. was unable to provide written consent, however, provided verbal consent on 1/1/24 for one on one support.” 

     • Clearly communicate the limits of privacy and safeguard the privacy of individuals seeking mental health support.

     • If an individual has limited capacity for consent (triggered, intoxicated, otherwise incapacitated), MHC should use minimal intervention and best professional judgment. If possible, safety planning should be employed prior to these instances if they are known states (for people with substance use disorders, people with medical issues, minors, etc.). 

   • Professional Disclosure:

     • Accurately represent qualifications, training, and production credits, including explanations of those qualifications and omission (I.E. not using MHC to mean “Mental Health Counselor” or implying different training). 

     • Avoid billing oneself as a representative of AMHC or using AMHC training materials without explicit permission from AMHC leadership. 

     • Avoid using the title of Mental Health Coordinator, or performing the functions of a Mental Health Coordinator without appropriate disclosure, contracts, consent, or accreditation. 

     • Promptly disclose all potential conflicts of interest to colleagues, stakeholders, or AMHC. 

     • Provide access to “Report a Concern Form” as well as hiring organization’s authority to recipients of care in case of concern or complaint.

     • MHC is to disclose to prospective employers the potential risks and/or limits of remote work when organization is asking for MHC to work off-site. Sample disclaimer: Please be advised that our services are best provided and most effective when delivered in person. If you choose for us to provide services remotely, you accept the risk that our coverage may not be as comprehensive or complete. You acknowledge that remote provision of our services may limit the completeness of care or our ability to serve all your team's needs.

   • Documentation and Reporting

     • Mental Health Coordinators should use a regular documentation structure that includes time stamping for accountability, transparency, and record keeping. MHCs should bear in mind that documentation is absolutely critical to their job function. The MHC will make every effort to ensure that private documents are stored securely, and not visible to others. Folders with private information should be kept in a bag or laptop case that is closed if traveling. An MHC will not leave private documents unsupervised. Documents should not be left open with data visible. 

     • Records are understood to be private unless otherwise arranged. Records should be written as if someone else is going to read them and should include only data and interventions wherever possible

     • The reports of Mental Health Coordinators should not be used in hiring or firing decisions, except in cases of extreme risk of harm. The reports of Mental Health Coordinators should not be used in hiring and firing decisions. If an MHC has concerns that a person may be an extreme risk to the project or harm of self or others, the MHC will notify their supervisor and assist in providing  referral options for further evaluation. The MHC can provide a recommendation for a leave of absence until an evaluation can be completed. The MHC will not make recommendations about hiring or firing individuals. 

     • MHCs should comply with legal, union, and organizational reporting requirements and best practices, maintaining privacy wherever possible. 

4. Relationship Boundaries: 

   • Maintain professional boundaries with cast, crew, and administrators on a project. This includes practicing appropriate touch boundaries and not engaging in new sexual or romantic relationships with colleagues (e.g. cast, crew, and others associated with the production) until a contract is completed. If a sexual, romantic, or close relationship exists with those directly under the MHCs care, the MHC should inform leadership and other stakeholders of potential conflict of interest, practicing transparency wherever appropriate. 

   • MHCs are encouraged to avoid any relationship that may compromise objectivity or effectiveness, especially in positions of leadership. 

   • Awareness should be given to how social bonds may affect the effectiveness of how others engage with the MHC, highlighting the importance of various ways to engage with the CNP. If there is a CNP that does not centralize the MHC,and the MHC is operating within scope while maintaining professionalism as outlined in the Code of Ethics, then the risk profile when engaging socially within a company is the burden of the individual. 

   • MHCs should endeavor to engage in communication that is prompt and professional in nature, and should not engage in gossip or triangulation. 

5. Considerations for Minors

   • It is not permissible to work with minors alone except in rare scenarios when the minor is exposed to serious risk of harm or danger in the presence of another. 

   • MHCs are legally and ethically obligated to share interventions, disclosures, and any other information with caregivers and guardians when requested. Minors must understand limits of privacy, and agreement with the minor and caregiver should be reached about what is shared with the caregiver and what is not prior to beginning interventions or support services. 

6. Artistic Portrayal Guidelines

   • In artistic portrayal of challenging topics, Mental Health Coordinators endeavor to:

     • Disclose the content fully, specifically, and at the beginning of any process to stakeholders. 

     • Avoid description or depiction of potentially harmful prescriptive behaviors while ensuring ethical and accurate representation as outlined by mental health professionals, medical professionals, and those with lived experience.

     • Offer care strategies or interventions with as few barriers as possible, without demanding that anyone participate in them. 

     • Dismantling damaging stereotypes and stigma. 

     • Uplift help-seeking behaviors or opportunities to showcase dignity.

7. Safety: 

   • When a choice is necessary, physical safety supersedes emotional and psychological safety. 

   • Avoid illicit substances or intoxication while training or working as a mental health coordinator. Substances that are illegal in a specific region or municipality should be avoided while working or training as a mental health coordinator. 

   • Refrain from activities or behaviors outside areas of competence and scope of practice. If unsure of areas of competence, seek support and mentorship. 

   • In crisis, prioritize safety of self, people surrounding the person in crisis, and the person in crisis. In an emergency, prioritize safety of self and others during the referral process. Collaborate with all relevant personnel during an emergency or crisis, including sharing relevant information with appropriate professionals. 

   • Engage in continuing education to stay current on best practices and AMHC approved tools for risk assessment.

   • Do not make or even suggest diagnoses, medication interventions, or specific care recommendations.

8. Personal Development

   • Engage in ongoing self-reflection to enhance personal and professional growth. Embrace a commitment to ongoing learning and improvement. 

   • Seek support and mentorship to address challenges and ethical dilemmas.

   • Continuously update knowledge and skills. 

   • Engage in regular self-care.

   • Collaborate with other professionals to provide and receive comprehensive support.

   • Advocate for mental health awareness and destigmatization.

   • Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of practice, knowledge, and interventions.

   • Adapt practices based on feedback, research, and evolving best practices.

   • In case of any ethical breach (including alleged or suspected), seek support from another qualified mental health coordinator.