TPC_Journal Digests_Volume_2_Issue_1

practices, this does not mean that ethical codes have no applicability in rural and frontier clinical settings; to the contrary, potential ethical concerns should be closely monitored precisely because of the inherent ethical dangers that come with working as a counselor in such areas. The scarcity of both human and material resources in frontier areas can cause many standard professional practices to take on significant ethical aspects. In particular, confidentiality, boundaries of competence and multiple relationships are prevalent and recurring concerns that can be difficult to ethically uphold in professional practice while providing the highest quality of service to the most clients in remote areas.To address these professional concerns counselors are encouraged to define clear boundaries with their clients, paying particular attention to the issues of confidentiality that are common in such environments. They also should develop professional and cultural awareness to encompass and understand the needs of frontier communities, particularly those of professional supervision and awareness of cultural values. With due consideration, awareness of these concerns can enable the frontier counselor to ethically integrate these issues into professional practice. TPC Digest Counselors frequently face serious ethical dilemmas as service delivery in rural and frontier communities presents them with ethical challenges distinctive to those environments.