Code of Ethics

Preamble

At The Israel Association of Mental Health Professionals (Get Help Israel), we believe that mental health care is a deeply human, relational, and sacred endeavor. Our Code of Ethics provides a shared framework to guide professional conduct, promote integrity, responsibility, and compassion, and uphold the dignity of mental health professions in Israel.

The Code serves professionals across diverse disciplines, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, mental health counselors, psychotherapists, couples/marriage/family therapists, addictions specialists, child/adolescent therapists, life coaches, and other mental health professionals.

It emphasizes six key areas: clients, colleagues, students/supervisees/employees, the profession, the public, and resolving ethical problems. The Code encourages ongoing self-reflection, consultation, and adaptation to emerging technologies and professional developments, including artificial intelligence.

Commitment to Ethical Practice / Code Compliance

All members of Get Help Israel are expected to uphold the ethical principles outlined in this Code. Membership is a privilege that carries responsibilities toward clients, colleagues, and the broader public. Compliance with the Code is a fundamental obligation of membership and serves as a guide for professional conduct, decision-making, and accountability.

Core Ethical Principles

1. Responsibility to Clients

1.1 Welfare of the Client

Members place the client’s welfare as their highest professional priority. All actions are guided by promoting the client’s well-being, autonomy, and dignity. Members avoid harm, maintain appropriate professional boundaries, and ensure personal, financial, or other interests do not compromise client care.

1.2 Avoiding Harm

Members actively prevent physical, emotional, spiritual, financial, or relational harm. They monitor the impact of interventions, maintain boundaries, and take reasonable steps to prevent harm. Should harm occur, intentional or unintentional, members take responsibility, seek consultation or supervision, and take measures to repair damage and restore trust.

1.3 Informed Consent

Members ensure that clients are fully informed about the nature of therapy prior to beginning treatment. This includes the goals, methods, potential risks and benefits, limits of confidentiality, policies, fees, and anything else that applies to the type of treatment being provided. Therapists support clients’ right to ask questions, make informed choices, and withdraw consent at any time. Informed consent is viewed as an ongoing process throughout the therapeutic relationship. In Israel, therapists must clarify whether services are private-pay, reimbursable through kupot cholim (health funds), or covered by supplemental insurance. When working with minors or vulnerable individuals, therapists take additional care to ensure that consent is obtained in accordance with legal and ethical standards.

1.4 Competence

Members must practice only within the boundaries of their education, training, experience, and professional expertise. They recognize the limits of their competence and refer clients when a client’s needs fall outside their scope of practice. Members are encouraged to pursue ongoing professional development, supervision, and consultation to maintain and enhance their competence, particularly when working with culturally diverse, immigrant, or trauma-affected populations. They remain attentive to signs of personal impairment or burnout that could impact their effectiveness and take appropriate steps to ensure responsible care.

2. Confidentiality and Privacy

Members must uphold the highest standards of confidentiality in all professional and personal interactions. Information disclosed within the professional relationship may only be shared with appropriate consent or when required by law (e.g., imminent risk to life, child abuse, elder abuse, or court order). These obligations extend to all forms of communication and recordkeeping, including paper files, electronic correspondence, telehealth platforms, and social media.

2.1 Duty of Confidentiality

Confidentiality is ongoing and extends throughout and beyond the professional relationship. Members must protect client privacy and may not disclose information without informed consent unless required by law.

2.2 Israeli Legal Requirements

Members are required to comply with Israeli laws regarding confidentiality and mandatory reporting, including cases of suspected child abuse, elder abuse, imminent risk of harm to self or others, and security-related concerns.

2.3 Limits in Small Communities

Members recognize that Israel’s small and overlapping communities increase the likelihood of dual relationships and incidental contact. Members must manage such situations ethically and take proactive steps to protect client confidentiality in community and professional settings.

2.4 Electronic Communication

Members must inform clients of the risks associated with electronic communication (email, messaging apps, telehealth, social media) and take reasonable precautions to protect client information. Members maintain secure recordkeeping practices and stay informed of evolving Israeli privacy regulations to safeguard confidentiality.

3. Competence and Professionalism

Members may practice only within the boundaries of their education, training, license, and experience. Continuous professional development and supervision are expected, and members should seek consultation when facing ethical dilemmas or unfamiliar clinical situations.

3.1 Honesty and Integrity

Members accurately represent credentials, training, title, and professional roles.

3.2 Ongoing Education

Members maintain skills through continuing education, supervision, and consultation, with attention to Israeli law, ethics, and cultural practices.

3.3 Avoiding Misrepresentation

Members do not use academic credentials or professional titles in misleading ways, and accurately represent their licensure status in both Israel and abroad.

4. Dual Relationships and Boundaries

Professionals must maintain clear and appropriate boundaries with clients. Dual relationships where the professional has another significant relationship with the client, should be avoided if they could impair professional judgment or increase the risk of harm. Sexual or romantic relationships with current or former clients are strictly prohibited.

4.1 Dual Relationships in Israeli Society

Members should remain mindful of the heightened risk of dual relationships in Israeli society, given its small size and informal social norms. Overlaps between therapists’ and clients’ social or familial networks are common, creating increased potential for non-professional relationships alongside the therapeutic relationship.

4.2 Prohibition of Sexual Relationships

Romantic or sexual relationships with current or former clients result in membership termination and potential licensure consequences from the governing body of their professional discipline.

4.3 Non-Sexual Dual Relationships

Non-sexual dual relationships, while not always prohibited, can present significant ethical challenges. These relationships may include social interactions, business dealings, or other professional relationships with clients or their close associates. Members should carefully evaluate the potential impact of such relationships on the therapeutic process, considering factors such as the client’s vulnerability, the risk of exploitation or perceived favoritism, and any effect on the integrity of the therapeutic relationship. When a dual relationship is unavoidable, members should implement clear boundaries, maintain transparency with the client when appropriate, and seek supervision or consultation to manage potential conflicts of interest and protect client welfare.

4.4 Documentation and Consultation

Members should thoroughly document the rationale behind any decisions regarding dual relationships, including steps taken to assess potential risks and boundaries. When navigating complex or ambiguous situations, members are encouraged to seek consultation with colleagues, supervisors, or ethics committees to ensure that their approach protects client welfare, maintains professional integrity, and minimizes the risk of harm.

4.5 Risk Management

Members should take proactive steps to minimize the likelihood of harm to clients. This includes establishing clear boundaries, monitoring the impact of dual relationships, and adjusting professional conduct as needed to protect client welfare. Risk management also involves anticipating potential ethical challenges and taking preventative measures to maintain the integrity of the therapeutic relationship.

4.6 Sequential Dual Relationships

Sequential dual relationships occur when a member enters into a relationship with a client after the professional relationship has ended. These situations carry similar ethical considerations as concurrent dual relationships, including potential conflicts of interest, impairment of objectivity, or harm to the client. Members should carefully evaluate the impact of such relationships on the client’s well-being and the integrity of the prior therapeutic work. When engaging in sequential dual relationships, members are expected to maintain transparency, set appropriate boundaries, and seek consultation or supervision as needed to mitigate risk and uphold ethical standards.

5. Supervision, Training, and Teaching

5.1 Responsibilities of Supervisors

Supervisors ensure that supervisees practice competently, ethically, and in accordance with professional standards. They are expected to set clear expectations, provide informed consent for supervision, and conduct regular evaluations of the supervisee’s progress and professional development.

5.2 Multiple Roles

Supervisors, teachers, and trainers must maintain clear professional boundaries and avoid exploiting students or supervisees. They should remain aware of the inherent power differential in these relationships and act to protect the well-being and autonomy of those they mentor or train.

5.3 Israeli Context

Supervisors in Israel should guide trainees in navigating the country’s unique cultural and systemic challenges. This includes working effectively with diverse religious and cultural communities, providing bilingual therapy, and addressing limitations in institutional or professional resources.

6. Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity

Members should demonstrate awareness, respect, and responsiveness to the cultural, religious, and linguistic diversity within Israeli society. They are expected to adapt their approach to meet the unique needs of clients while maintaining ethical and professional standards.

6.1 Awareness of Israeli Diversity

Members should remain informed about Israel’s rich and complex cultural landscape, including secular and religious Jews (across denominations), Arab citizens, Muslim, Christian, Druze communities, immigrants and refugees, mixed-identity families, and varied socioeconomic and geographic groups. Therapists are encouraged to deepen their understanding of historical, political, and social contexts that influence clients’ lives.

6.2 Cultural Humility and Adaptation

Members are encouraged to practice with cultural humility and curiosity, recognizing the limits of their own cultural lens and being open to learning from clients. Members should make efforts towards increased awareness of their cultural biases, privilege, and power dynamics. When appropriate, they may adapt their therapeutic approach to better align with the client’s values, family structure, and cultural or religious practices, while ensuring that ethical standards are upheld.

6.3 Non-Discrimination

Members should provide services without discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, indigenous heritage, immigration status, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, socioeconomic status, political opinion, or marital/relationship status. Therapists should examine their own biases and make reasonable accommodations for clients with physical, cognitive, or language-related limitations.

6.4 Historical and Social Contexts

Members should remain mindful of how historical trauma, war, displacement, and systemic inequities may impact individuals and communities. They should avoid misdiagnosis or pathologizing based on cultural differences and refrain from perpetuating social prejudices in clinical assessment and intervention.

6.5 Commitment to Equity and Justice

Members are encouraged to engage in ongoing learning, supervision, and peer dialogue to strengthen cultural competence, challenge internalized biases, and provide affirming, respectful care across diverse populations that they serve.

7. Interdisciplinary Respect and Collaboration

Given the multidisciplinary nature of our association, members are expected to engage with colleagues from other fields with professionalism, respect, and integrity. They shall refrain from disparaging other professionals and actively work to foster communication, understanding, and cooperation across disciplines.

7.1 Respect Across Professions

Therapists demonstrate respect for colleagues from all professional backgrounds, acknowledging the value of diverse expertise and perspectives. Disparagement, denigration, or dismissive behavior toward other professionals is considered ethically unacceptable.

7.2 Collaboration

Therapists strive to collaborate effectively with professionals in medicine, education, social work, and other relevant fields, recognizing that integrated care supports optimal outcomes for clients. Collaborative efforts should be grounded in mutual respect, clear communication, and shared professional goals.

7.3 Conflict Resolution

When disagreements or differences of opinion arise, therapists pursue constructive, solution-focused dialogue. Maintaining the client’s welfare as the highest priority, members address conflicts with professionalism, transparency, and ethical integrity.

8. Professional Misconduct

Therapists uphold the highest standards of professional integrity, ensuring that their conduct does not exploit, harm, or compromise clients, colleagues, or the profession.

8.1 Prohibited Conduct

Therapists must not engage in any form of sexual, financial, or other exploitation of clients, supervisees, students, or colleagues. All forms of harassment, intimidation, or manipulation are strictly prohibited. Members are expected to maintain boundaries that protect the safety, dignity, and trust of those they serve.

8.2 Reporting Misconduct

Therapists are responsible for addressing ethical violations by colleagues in a professional and ethical manner. This may include consulting with peers or supervisors, initiating direct communication when appropriate, and reporting concerns to relevant professional, regulatory, or legal authorities as required. Members are encouraged to act with discernment, ensuring that reporting serves to protect clients, maintain professional standards, and uphold the integrity of the mental health community.

9. Legal Compliance

All members must conduct their professional activities in accordance with Israeli law, including regulations related to privacy, professional licensing, the protection of minors and vulnerable populations, and ethical standards for mental health care. Members who are licensed in other countries or states are also responsible for adhering to the laws and professional requirements of their respective jurisdictions when practicing internationally or with clients under those laws. Legal compliance is a fundamental aspect of ethical practice and professional responsibility.

9.1 Adherence to Law

Therapists comply with the laws applicable to their practice, whether in Israel or abroad, including regulations related to licensure, privacy, mandatory reporting, and the protection of minors and vulnerable populations.

9.2 Licensure

Therapists accurately disclose their licensure status in Israel and/or internationally and provide services only within the limits authorized by their professional credentials and the laws of the jurisdiction in which they are practicing.

9.3 Court and Legal Processes

Therapists respond to legal requests, subpoenas, and court proceedings with honesty and professionalism. When legal processes intersect with client care, members fully prioritize safeguarding client confidentiality permitted by law while fulfilling their legal obligations.

10. Documentation

10.1 Recordkeeping

Members maintain full, clear, and accurate records for all clients and individuals to whom they provide care or professional services. Records must be legible, unambiguous, and precise, particularly when using abbreviations, to avoid misunderstandings and ensure continuity of care. Documentation should accurately reflect the services provided, clinical observations, treatment plans, and any communications relevant to care.

10.2 Record Security

Members protect all records, both physical and electronic, from loss, unauthorized access, or damage. Electronic records must be secured using strong cybersecurity measures, including encryption, secure access controls, and regular backups. Physical records should be stored in locked, restricted-access locations.

10.3 Record Retention and Disposal:

11. Technology/Telehealth

Providers recognize that technological developments can expand access to mental health care, particularly for clients in geographically dispersed areas, across language barriers, or residing internationally. Telehealth offers an opportunity to provide therapy safely and effectively in these contexts. Providers are responsible for ensuring that Telehealth is used appropriately, ethically, and in compliance with Israeli law as well as any applicable regulations in the client’s country or state of residence.

11.1 Appropriateness and Competency

Providers carefully assess whether Telehealth is suitable for each client, considering the client’s presenting concerns, technological literacy and access, comfort with digital platforms, privacy and safety in their environment, and therapeutic goals. Telehealth should be provided only when the provider is competent to do so and when it is likely to benefit the client. Special caution is required when working with clients experiencing acute crises, suicidality, domestic violence, or other high-risk situations, particularly if the client lacks a private, safe, and confidential setting.

11.2 Legal Compliance in Israel and Abroad

Providers remain fully informed about Israeli laws and regulations governing Telehealth and the provision of psychological or psychotherapeutic care, including guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health (Misrad HaBriut). Providers serving clients across international borders must also comply with licensing laws, professional regulations, and legal requirements in the jurisdiction where the client resides. Providers must not assume that a license in one jurisdiction automatically permits clinical practice with clients located elsewhere, unless specifically authorized.

11.3 Informed Consent & Telehealth Disclosures

11.4 Confidentiality and Use of Technology

Providers take all reasonable steps to protect the privacy and confidentiality of Telehealth sessions. This includes using secure, encrypted video conferencing platforms (preferably HIPAA- or equivalent-compliant), ensuring that both provider and client are in private settings, and avoiding public Wi-Fi when transmitting sensitive information. Providers should exercise particular caution with widely used applications such as WhatsApp, Zoom, or email, recognizing that they may not fully comply with Israeli or international data protection standards.

12. Financial Arrangements

12.1 Transparency

Therapists provide clear, understandable information about fees, billing practices, cancellation policies, and whether services are eligible for reimbursement through Israeli kupot cholim or supplemental insurance.

12.2 Timing of Disclosure

Therapists communicate fees and payment expectations before the first session. Any subsequent changes to fees or policies are shared with reasonable advance notice.

12.3 Bartering

13. Advertising and Public Statements

13.1 Honest Representation

Members ensure that all advertising and public communications are truthful, accurate, and do not create unrealistic or misleading expectations about their services, skills, or outcomes.

13.2 Credentials

Members clearly state their licensure, certifications, and whether they are licensed in Israel or abroad. Claims should accurately reflect training, experience, and professional scope.

13.3 Public Education

When providing education through lectures, workshops, social media, podcasts, or other public platforms, members act responsibly, prioritizing accuracy, ethical communication, and avoiding harm to the audience.

13.4 Testimonials and Endorsements

Members do not solicit or publish testimonials from current or former clients due to the risk of exploitation, undue influence, or breaches of confidentiality. If a client voluntarily provides feedback or a testimonial, it may only be shared if it is fully anonymized, cannot be traced back to the client, and does not compromise confidentiality or the therapeutic relationship.

Therapists may accept professional endorsements from colleagues, supervisors, or recognized organizations, provided these are truthful, accurate, and not misleading.

14. Recommendations and Referrals

The following guidelines provide a framework for ethical and client-centered recommendations and referrals.

14.1 Responsibility for Client Welfare

Members make recommendations and referrals that prioritize the client’s best interests, needs, and well-being. Decisions are guided by professional judgment, cultural sensitivity, and ethical responsibility.

14.2 Knowledge of Available Resources

Therapists maintain an up-to-date understanding of treatment options and resources within Israel and/or in the locations where their clients reside, including both public and private services. If a member is unfamiliar with resources that meet a client’s specific needs, they seek consultation with colleagues, supervisors, or professional networks to identify appropriate options.

14.3 Transparency About Limitations

Members communicate clearly with clients about any limitations in available resources, such as wait times, geographic constraints, or language barriers. They assist clients in weighing the benefits and drawbacks of the options available.

14.4 Professional Networks

Members actively participate in professional networks, forums, and community-based events to remain familiar with evolving resources. This includes attending webinars, reading announcements, and staying informed about new programs or services as they become available. This is particularly important in Israel, where services are often shared across small communities and word-of-mouth knowledge may play a significant role in accessing care.

14.5 Avoidance of Conflicts of Interest

In communities where members and clients may have overlapping social or professional circles, members take care to avoid conflicts of interest in referrals. They disclose any potential dual relationships and ensure that recommendations are never made for personal, financial, or other improper gain.

14.6 Multiple Options

Whenever feasible, members provide more than one referral option to prevent a sense of obligation or favoritism. When options are limited, members discuss this openly and support clients in making informed choices.

14.7 Ongoing Support

Members remain available to clients throughout the referral process, ensuring continuity of care, particularly when systemic barriers delay access to specialized services.

14.8 Cultural and Linguistic Considerations

Members consider clients’ cultural background, religious values, language preferences (Hebrew, English, or other), and community norms when making referrals, recognizing the diverse needs of the Anglo and broader Israeli population.

15. Professional Liability and Risk Management

Members are responsible for practicing in a manner that prioritizes client safety, professional integrity, and ethical accountability. As part of this responsibility, members are strongly encouraged to maintain professional liability (malpractice) insurance that appropriately covers the scope of their practice.

15.1 Maintaining Coverage

Members should ensure that their insurance is current, adequate for the services they provide, and includes coverage for all modalities they offer, including telehealth and cross-border services when applicable.

15.2 Risk Awareness

15.3 Ethical Responsibility

While insurance does not replace ethical practice, it serves as an important safeguard for both clients and members. Holding coverage supports members in addressing unanticipated events or claims responsibly and protects clients’ interests in cases of accidental harm.

15.4 Integration with Professional Practice

Members should periodically review their insurance coverage to ensure it aligns with any changes in scope of practice, location, or modalities offered. Maintaining this awareness is an extension of members’ duty to provide competent, safe, and ethically sound care.

16. GHI Role, Ethics Committee, and Client Reporting

16.1 Non-Liability of Get Help Israel (GHI)

Get Help Israel (The Israel Association of Mental Health Professionals) does not assume liability for any professional actions, decisions, or outcomes that occur between members and their clients. Guidance, consultation, or resources provided by GHI, including through the Ethics Committee, are for collegial support and professional reflection only and do not constitute legal or professional advice.

16.2 Role of the Ethics Committee

The Ethics Committee serves as a collegial body providing consultation and guidance on ethical matters. Members may consult the Committee to discuss ethical dilemmas, case considerations, or professional challenges. The Committee’s guidance is advisory and intended to support ethical reflection, but it should not replace personal professional judgment or legal advice.

16.3 Client Reporting and Complaint Review

16.4 Priority of Ethical Care

GHI’s primary goal is to ensure that clients seeking support from members receive ethical, professional care. The Ethics Committee acts to maintain these standards within the association, independent of any legal or regulatory proceedings.

16.5 Licensing Disclaimer

GHI is not a licensing or regulatory body and does not have the authority to revoke professional licenses. Clients who wish to report concerns about a member’s professional licensure must do so directly with the relevant regulatory authority for that discipline.

Best Practices

The following best practices are not binding regulations but represent shared standards of professional excellence. They are intended to guide members across disciplines in fostering ethical, effective, and compassionate care.

Self-Care and Self-Awareness

Members are encouraged to actively safeguard their emotional, psychological, and physical wellbeing, recognizing that self-care is essential for competent and ethical practice. Awareness of stress, burnout, vicarious trauma, or other personal challenges allows members to take timely action, seek support, and maintain professional effectiveness.

Continuing Education

Lifelong learning is a core professional responsibility. Members are encouraged to pursue ongoing training in ethics, trauma-informed care, cultural competence, emerging therapeutic approaches, and other relevant developments in the mental health field.

Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity

Members are encouraged to actively foster an inclusive, culturally sensitive practice. This includes awareness of diverse religious, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds, and adapting professional approaches to meet the unique needs of each client while maintaining ethical standards.

Professional Integrity

Members are encouraged to model professionalism in all aspects of their work, including interactions with clients, colleagues, and the public. This includes honesty in communication, respect for boundaries, and a commitment to upholding the values of the profession and the association.

Commitment to Ethical Practice

Code Compliance

All members of The Israel Association of Mental Health Professionals (Get Help Israel) are expected to uphold the ethical principles outlined in this Code. Membership is a privilege that carries responsibilities toward clients, colleagues, and the broader public.

Closing

As practitioners committed to healing, guidance, and transformation, we hold ourselves to a high standard, not only for the sake of compliance, but because we understand the depth of trust placed in us. This Code of Ethics is a reflection of that trust, our shared values, and our dedication to ethical and compassionate mental health care in Israel.