Which of the following embodies the responsibility towards the public in counseling?

Promoting access to services non-discriminatorily reflects a core ethical principle in counseling: the commitment to equality and fairness in providing care. This approach ensures that all individuals, regardless of their background, race, gender, socioeconomic status, or other characteristics, have the opportunity to access counseling services. By adhering to this principle, counselors fulfill their responsibility to the public, working towards social justice and combating systemic inequalities in mental health care.

The importance of non-discriminatory access is highlighted in the ACA Code of Ethics, which emphasizes the significance of understanding and respecting diversity while advocating for the rights and needs of marginalized populations. It underscores the idea that counselors have an ethical obligation to eliminate barriers to care and support clients in a way that acknowledges and respects their unique circumstances.

In contrast, engaging in secretive practices, limiting support based on client background, and conducting practices without research methods all go against the foundational ethical standards of transparency, inclusivity, and evidence-based practice that are crucial to maintaining trust and credibility in the counseling profession.