Counselor Education Comprehensive Exam (CECE) Practice Exam

When counselors fail to meet expected standards based on their credentials, skills, and experience, they may be found guilty of:

1. Libel

2. Negligence

3. Malpractice

4. Liability

The correct answer is: Negligence

The concept of negligence in the context of counseling refers to a failure to provide the expected standard of care that can reasonably be anticipated from a professional based on their credentials, skills, and experiences. Negligence occurs when a counselor does not take the necessary care when addressing a client's needs, resulting in harm or potential harm to that client. This can include errors in judgment, insufficient assessment of client issues, or failure to adhere to established ethical and professional guidelines. In the counseling profession, training and experience are critical factors in determining the standard of care. When a counselor's actions fall short of these standards and cause harm, they could be considered negligent. Thus, the assertion that a counselor can be found guilty of negligence aligns with the understanding that counselors have a duty to their clients to act with competence and care.