Which of the following is NOT listed as a common ethical consideration in SUD counseling?

• A. Time management
• B. Confidentiality
• C. Informed consent
• D. Boundaries

Answer: (A)

Time management isn’t framed as an ethical principle in SUD counseling. Ethics focus on protecting client rights and welfare, guiding how counselors interact with and treat clients. Confidentiality is about safeguarding what clients share so they can trust the counselor and feel safe to disclose information. Informed consent ensures clients understand the nature of treatment, what they are agreeing to, potential risks, and their rights to withdraw or refuse services. Boundaries keep the professional relationship safe and appropriate, preventing dual relationships, exploitation, or coercion. These elements—privacy, autonomy, and professional distance—are core ethical considerations that codes of ethics emphasize.

Time management matters a great deal for effective practice and service delivery, but it’s more about professional competence and organizational skills than about ethical obligations toward clients.