Which action could create a conflict of interest?

• A. Counselor dating a client
• B. Counselor refusing service due to religion
• C. Counselor accepting client's property
• D. Counselor referring to a doctor

Answer: (C)

Conflict of interest occurs when a counselor’s personal interests or relationships could bias professional judgment or influence the care provided to a client. Accepting property from a client creates a clear personal stake in the client or in the therapeutic relationship, which can skew decisions, affect objectivity, or put pressure on the counselor to respond in a way that benefits the client’s possessions rather than the client’s well-being. This kind of material exchange can also blur boundaries and undermine trust, making it harder to maintain professional neutrality and protect the client’s interests.

Dating a client is a severe boundary violation and dual relationship that can harm the client and compromise treatment, so it’s not primarily framed as a conflict of interest in the same way. Refusing service due to religion reflects discrimination and bias rather than a conflict-of-interest situation. Referring a client to a doctor is a standard, appropriate professional action and does not constitute a conflict of interest.