Chapter 10
Technology in Counseling
Answer Key
1. When a counselor uses a networked or shared computer for the storage of confidential
client information, the counselor SHOULD:
a. never let anyone else know or be able to access the password.
b. store confidential records on a portable storage device, rather than on the computer’s
hard drive.
c. only use computers that are kept behind locked doors.
d. have a manual lock placed on the computer that requires a key.
e. never print out confidential information because it might be read by others.
2. When a counselor communicates with a client using e-mail:
a. the counselor should never include anything that is confidential because it is unethical
to do so.
b. the client’s business e-mail address should never be used because employers often
read the e-mail messages of their employees.
c. the client should be told to avoid using e-mail to set or change appointment times
because it is impossible to tell whether the counselor received the message that was
sent.
d. the client should be advised that e-mail messages can always be retrieved and that e-
mail systems are not as secure as other means of communication.
e. the counselor should never print out the e-mail messages because the client’s
confidentiality would be compromised by the existence of paper copies.
3. Internet sites that contain career information that might be helpful to clients:
a. can be counted on for quality because all are approved by the federal government
before they are allowed to be created.
b. contain better, up-to-date information than printed sources.
c. should be avoided because they usually contain inaccurate information.
d. are not monitored for content or quality.
e. have little practical use for clients because they are so technical in the way they
present career information.
4. The practice of providing counseling services over the Internet:
a. has been determined to be unethical by the American Counseling Association (ACA)
Ethics Committee.
b. is never as effective as providing counseling services face-to-face.
c. presents several advantages compared to face-to-face counseling.
d. is controversial.
e. is risky because no guidelines have yet been developed by professional associations.
5. Counselors who use social media platforms for personal purposes should NOT:
a. friend their clients
b. establish an effective method for verifying client identity.
c. provide a list of all their licenses and links to the licensing boards.
d. post a photo of themselves on the site.
e. use the site to advertise their specialty areas.
6. Counselors may view a client’s social media profile:
a. never.
b. when the client has given the counselor consent to view the information.
c. if the counselor has concerns about a client’s safety.
d. to determine whether the client shares acquaintances with the counselor.
e. to verify a client’s identity.
7. The following are TRUE of distance counseling services EXCEPT:
a. it can provide clients with greater access to counseling services.
b. it can present issues related to licensure and the ability to practice across state
and international boundaries.
c. is controversial because the ACA Code of Ethics does not address this practice.
d. credentialing is available for counselors interested in distance counseling.
e. counselors must take steps to verify clients’ identities.
8. In distance counseling, Informed Consent SHOULD include:
a. the type of software used, guarantee of confidentiality and privacy, and consent
to view client social media.
b. consent to waive right to confidentiality and privacy, as it cannot be guaranteed
in distance counseling.
c. consent to waive counselor liability in the event of client crisis, as the counselor
may be in a different time zone or otherwise inaccessible.
d. the same information as typical face-to-face Informed Consent.
e. distance counseling credentials, cultural/language differences, time zone
differences, emergency procedures to follow if the counselor is not available,
anticipated response time, and possible denial of insurance.
9. In distance counseling, counselors MAY be subject to:
a. only the ethical standards developed by the state counseling association in which
the client resides.
b. ethical standards developed by ACA and state licensing boards, as well as the laws
and regulations of both the counselor’s and the client’s physical locations.
c. ethical standards but not legal requirements, as laws do not yet address distance
counseling.
d. only the ethical standards developed by the state counseling association in which
the counselor resides.
e. only ethical standards developed by NBCC for credentialed distance counselors.
10. All of the following are challenges associated with distance counseling EXCEPT:
a. loss of body language, inflection, and other cues to communication.
b. licensing concerns relative to practicing across state and international
boundaries.
c. limited effectiveness of counseling services that are not delivered face-to-face.
d. reimbursement by insurance providers.
e. need to continuously update ethical codes to address distance counseling.
11. When communicating with clients over the phone, counselors SHOULD:
a. inform the client that he or she must speak to the counselor face-to-face, because
phone communication of confidential issues is unethical.
b. assume that the conversation cannot be intercepted due to encryption software on
cell phones.
c. acknowledge that the client is receiving services to unknown callers reporting
that they know the client.
d. state information off the record and informally if the client and counselor have
good rapport.
e. attempt to verify the client’s identity, and demonstrate caution and
professionalism when discussing confidential information.
12. Disadvantages of e-mail communication with clients include all of the following EXCEPT:
a. confidential information in e-mails can be saved on computers or e-mail servers.
b. recipients may misinterpret information and are not necessarily able to ask for
immediate clarification.
c. e-mail messages can be easily forwarded to others or sent to the wrong recipient
by mistake.
d. messages can be altered before being forwarded to another party.
e. the ease of e-mail communication encourages formality and professionalism.
13. Storing clients’ records electronically:
a. provides a higher level of security than paper records.
b. is not cost effective.
c. is the preferred method for storing client records.
d. ensures confidentiality.
e. prevents unauthorized individuals from viewing records.
14. Which of the following is TRUE of cultural diversity in technology use:
a. researchers have found that technology use is generally uniform across cultural
boundaries.
b. Hispanic and Black individuals are more likely to own a computer than White
and Asian counterparts.
c. those without a high school diploma have higher rates of access to high speed
internet than those with higher levels of education.
d. Asian and White individuals are more likely to own computers and have access
to high speed internet than Hispanic and Black individuals.
e. Internet use appears to be highest among those of lower socioeconomic statuses
and educational attainment levels.
15. The _____________ credential is offered through the Center for Credentialing and
Education by NBCC for those interested in specializing in distance counseling.
a. Distance Certified Counselor (DCC)
b. National Distance Counselor (NDC)
c. Certified Distance Counselor (CDC)
d. National Certified Distance Counselor (NCDC)
e. Distance Certified Counseling Specialist (DCCS)
Answer Key