What is the appropriate response to a client's financial hardship in terms of fees?

Adjusting the fees accordingly or assisting a client facing financial hardship is an appropriate response grounded in the ethical principle of providing access to services. The ACA Code of Ethics emphasizes the importance of being responsive to the needs of clients, which includes being considerate of their financial situations. By adjusting fees or offering a sliding scale, counselors can ensure that individuals who may otherwise be unable to afford services receive the necessary support.

Engaging in open dialogue about financial constraints can also strengthen the therapeutic relationship, demonstrating empathy and understanding from the counselor. This approach fosters a sense of safety and trust, allowing the client to focus more on their counseling experience rather than their financial worries.

In contrast, canceling the counseling relationship, providing only free services, or charging the maximum fee disregards the client's circumstances and may create barriers to receiving needed help. Such measures could potentially harm the client’s progress and well-being, which runs counter to the ethical commitment to promote client welfare.