IABMCP Diplomates are expected to always conduct their professional practices and all their dealings in accordance with the highest ethical standards. The Academy's Code of Ethics requires that all Diplomates/Members treat their clients/patients with respect and dignity, placing the interests and needs of their clients/patients ahead of their own.

The ethical standards that comprise The Academy's Code of Ethics are as follows:

IABMCP Diplomates understand and acknowledge that: (a) Diplomate Status/Membership in The Academy is not in any way intended to be, nor should it be construed as being, a substitute for any legal requirements for practicing behavioral medicine, counseling, psychotherapy and/or chemical dependency counseling that may exist within a state, province, country or any other jurisdiction; and (b) their professional practice will always be in full compliance with all existing laws, as well as in full compliance with the ethical standards of their professions and the ethical standards and regulations of The Academy.

IABMCP Diplomates always conduct their professional practices with honesty, integrity and respect.

IABMCP Diplomates always place the needs of their clients/patients above their own.

IABMCP Diplomates fully disclose and discuss with patients/clients all information regarding their own training, experience and other qualifications.

IABMCP Diplomates always practice within the bounds of their competency and do not exaggerate any aspects of their training, experience or qualifications.

IABMCP Diplomates strive to be aware of their own limitations and to make appropriate referrals to other practitioners when such referrals are in the clients'/patients' best interests.

IABMCP Diplomates never abandon or neglect patients/clients who are in treatment, and make alternate arrangements when not available to continue treatment, such as when a therapist or client/patient relocates.

IABMCP Diplomates actively protect the privacy of their patients/clients in all oral, written, and electronic communications.

IABMCP Diplomates always maintain total confidentiality with respect to their clients/patients except when otherwise required by law or safety considerations, or when prior written communication and consent to release information has been obtained from the client/patient.

IABMCP Diplomates always clearly discuss with their new patients/clients, before treatment commences, all relevant information regarding fees, payment procedures, and the practitioner's policy with regard to cancelled or missed appointments.

IABMCP Diplomates always obtain the written consent of parents or guardians before beginning treatment of any individual who has not reached the age of majority, or who has been found by a court of competent jurisdiction or other relevant entity to be not competent to handle his or her own affairs.

IABMCP Diplomates clearly explain to clients/patients, before their treatment begins, the limitations on total confidentiality that may be imposed by specific laws in relevant jurisdictions and/or by safety considerations.

IABMCP Diplomates never allow considerations such as gender, race, religion, marital status, age, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, social class, or political beliefs to influence the treatment of clients/patients.

IABMCP Diplomates always maintain all records and notes pertaining to clients/patients in a safe and secure place.

IABMCP Diplomates always remain aware of the power imbalances that often characterize relationships with clients/patients and do not exploit any such imbalances for their own personal gain or gratification.

IABMCP Diplomates provide treatment for clients/patients for only as long as they believe that the clients/patients are benefiting from such treatment and discuss termination of treatment or alternative treatment methods at the earliest moment at which it is in the patient's/client's best interest for such discussion to take place.

IABMCP Diplomates do not engage in sexual intimacies with their clients/patients or with relatives or close friends of current clients/patients.

IABMCP Diplomates do not terminate treatment to pursue social, sexual or financial relationships with their clients/patients.

IABMCP Diplomates never exploit clients/patients emotionally, sexually or financially.

IABMCP Diplomates respect the opinions and viewpoints of other professionals with whom they might disagree.

IABMCP Diplomates attend to their own psychological and emotional needs, and make every effort to effectively address any psychological or emotional problems, so as to prevent any interference with the quality of treatment services provided.

IABMCP Diplomates who are involved in research projects never exert any pressure for clients/patients to participate in said projects or engage in any behavior that would convey to the clients/patients the feeling or impression that the treatment that they will receive is related to their decision whether or not to participate in said research project.

Complaints

Individuals who have complaints against Academy Diplomates may contact The Academy's main office in Dallas , Texas to request a complaint form. The form will request the complainant to provide all relevant details of the situation generating the complaint. All complaints are investigated as thoroughly and as quickly as possible. Respondents are given the opportunity to answer the complaint and then the complainant is given the opportunity to respond. If a determination of unethical conduct is made by The Academy, a number of sanctions/penalties are possible including the suspension and/or revocation of IABMCP Diplomate Status. It is to be noted that this process does not preclude any other actions the complainant may choose to pursue.