What should an LPC do if their condition limits decision-making abilities?

When a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is experiencing a condition that affects their decision-making abilities, the ethical and professional responsibility is to ensure the best interests of the clients are prioritized. In this context, limiting or terminating the counseling relationship is the appropriate course of action. This decision aligns with the ethical standards that mandate counselors to provide competent and effective services.

Continuing to provide counseling in a compromised state could potentially harm clients due to impaired judgment or inadequate support. The counselor has an obligation to maintain professional integrity and safeguard client welfare, which includes acknowledging when they are not in a position to serve effectively. Thus, by choosing to limit or terminate the counseling relationship, the LPC is acting responsibly, allowing for a referral to another qualified professional who can competently provide the necessary care.

The other options present approaches that may compromise client welfare or counselor integrity. Seeking help while continuing to counsel can perpetuate harm, delegating decision-making responsibilities is not advised unless properly supported by systems and protocols, and disclosing personal conditions to clients may not always be appropriate or productive in a therapeutic context.