dip·lo·mate
n.
One who has
received a diploma, and is certified as a specialist by a board of examiners
Noun 1. diplomate – specialist whose
competence has been certified by a diploma granted by an appropriate professional group.
The AACT has developed the
standards of several other medical/counseling organizations.
One of The AACT's major objectives
is to always attempt to promote the highest standards for professional excellence and attempt to assure that AACT Diplomates
are recognized as leaders in the fields of Behavioral Medicine, Counseling, Psychotherapy, Chemical Dependency Counseling
and Coaching. Many internationally prominent practitioners have assisted in the development of international standards for
Diplomate Status.
It is to be emphasized that
AACT Diplomate Status is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as being, a substitute for any legal requirements
for practicing behavioral medicine, counseling, psychotherapy, chemical dependency counseling and/or coaching that may exist
within a state, province, country or any other jurisdiction. But rather, licensing/certification/registration at the highest
level by the appropriate jurisdiction within which a candidate practices is generally considered to be the minimum requirement
for AACT Diplomate Status.
An AACT Diplomate/Member's
professional practice must always be in full compliance with all existing laws, rules and regulations within the jurisdiction
within which he/she practices. The basic requirements for AACT Diplomate Status are generally as follows:
- Appropriate
advanced degree(s) in Candidate's chosen profession
- Specific
training satisfactory to The AACT in its scope and depth in the area(s) in which the Candidate is applying for Diplomate Status
- Licensing/Certification/Registration
at the highest level by the relevant jurisdiction in which the Candidate practices
- Minimum
of five years of acceptable post-graduate professional experience
- Minimum
of ten (10) years of clinical or professional practice or other experience acceptable to The AACT
- Satisfactory
professional references from appropriate individuals (colleagues and/or supervisors)
- No
record of disciplinary action by any licensing or certifying entity or misdemeanor/felony conviction without written explanation
acceptable to The AACT.
- Comprehensive
examination – may be waived for qualified candidates.
- Agreement
to always adhere to and uphold the highest ethical standards as described in The AACT's Code of Ethics, as well as the
code of ethics of the Candidate's profession
- Any
requirements for AACT Diplomate Status may be added, deleted, modified or waived without notice at the discretion of The American
Association of Christian Therapists’ Executive Committee for Clinical Standards and Credentialing.
Code of Ethics
As a member of the
American Association of Christian Therapists, I PROMISE to conduct myself at all
times in an ethical manner becoming to my title. I shall not be self-serving
or monopolizing, or take undue advantage of any person I choose to counsel.
I PROMISE to strive for excellence in my counseling. Whenever possible,
I will continue to advance my learning and improve my counseling skills through continuing education.
I PROMISE to be fair in all my practices and with those I seek to help.
When any act or practice of mine has been challenged by a counselee or the AACT, I shall endeavor to respond and help
to solve the problem in a timely manner.
I PROMISE to counsel only within the boundaries of my training and experience.
I will not intentionally jeopardize the well-being of any counselee by using “innovative” approaches or
various psychotherapies on him/her when I am not trained properly or qualified in a specific discipline or modality. I will take the responsibility to refer a counselee to another counselor if I feel
unqualified to help him/her.
I PROMISE to remember with every approach in counseling I realize that ultimately I am responsible for helping
the counselee find a solution for their problem.
