Caps - Christian Association for Psychological Studies

How To Join CAPS
Special ... For One Month Only ... Free Bonus Offers Available to New Members. See the Membership Categories Below for Details.

Applicants should meet the qualifications of one of the categories of membership listed below. In addition, agreement with the CAPS Statement of Faith and the CAPS Statement of Ethical Guidelines is a prerequisite for membership for all categories except libraries. To apply for membership, simply print and fill out the New Member Application and send it along with a check drawn on a US account or an international money order to:

Regular Membership is open to those who have earned an approved graduate degree and/or professional certification in a psychologically related field, or an approved M. Div. degree or its equivalent, with interests and current ministry in accord with the purposes of CAPS. Regular members may vote and hold elected office. Annual dues are $85.

BONUS OFFER...
Join Now and Receive a FREE copy of the CAPS Membership Directory (a $12.00 value). The Directory is great for Networking and Making Referrals. Plus, you'll also receive at no charge, a copy of the Spring, 2001 issue of the Journal of Psychology & Christianity. This issue contains some excellent articles on several valuable topics such as.... The Problem of Suffering, Sacred Moments in Relationships with Clients, Regret and Forgiveness, The Implicit Use of Scripture in Counseling, a look at Competing Models for Shepherding Those in the Church Who Contend with Same-Sex Attraction. (This issue is a $10.00 value).

Associate Membership is open to those who are primarily engaged in a career in accord with the aims of CAPS; or those with an active interest or ministry compatible with CAPS, but unable to meet Regular Membership requirements. Annual dues for this category of membership are $45.00

BONUS OFFER...
Join Now and Receive a FREE copy of the CAPS Membership Directory (a $12.00 value). The Directory is great for Networking and Making Referrals.

Student Membership is open to full time undergraduate and graduate students pursuing training in accord with the aims of the association, or students less than one year past graduation. Dues are $32.00

BONUS OFFER...
Join Now and Receive a FREE copy of the CAPS Membership Directory (a $12.00 value). The Directory is great for Networking and Making Referrals.

Joint NACSW - CAPS Membership Program - CAPS is pleased to announce a joint membership program with the NACSW (North American Association of Christians in Social Work). CAPS and NACSW have agreed to offer discounted rates to Regular Members who join both organizations. Specifically, members who join both NACSW and CAPS will only pay $65 for their CAPS membership (regularly $85), and only $53 for their NACSW membership (regularly $71). That's a total savings of $37. For more information about the benefits of NACSW membership, please go to http://www.nacsw.org

For information on how to sign up for this program, please call CAPS at 830-629-CAPS or email us at capsintl@compuvision.net.

Spousal Membership allows the spouse of a full dues paying Regular member to renew for $40 rather than $85. One copy of the Journal and Newsletter will be sent to the family unit.

Subsidized Membership - This category allows the Regular Member who is undergoing financial hardship; the opportunity to renew for $40 rather than $85. Members in hardship may utilize this program for up to; two years and should include a letter explaining the reason for requesting fee reduction. CAPS will pay the; remainder of the member's dues with contributions given by others.

Supporting Regular Membership - This category provides opportunity for a Regular Members who has been blessed financially to make a contribution to CAPS. The cost is $250. Eighty dollars of this amount goes toward dues and the other $170 is a contribution to CAPS.

Sustaining Regular Membership - Like the previous category, sustaining membership allows the Regular member an opportunity to make a contribution to CAPS. The cost is $150 with $85 of this amount for dues; and the other $70 as a contribution.

Retired Regular Membership is for Regular Members who have retired (over 61 years of age). Annual dues for this category of membership are $50.

The Life Membership category is open to any Regular Member who pays a one-time fee of $850.

Library Subscriptions are available for $65 per year.

The Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS) presents the following Statement of Ethical Guidelines as a set of ideals for conduct of its individual members. The Guidelines derive from CAPS' Statement of Faith, found in Article 11 of the CAPS Constitution and By-Laws:

These Guidelines are aimed at helping each member apply the message of the Gospel to his or her professional or pastoral service. The statements herein could not hope to explore all the richness of the Bible as it relates to ethical conduct. Rather, each believer in Christ has the capacity-even the privilege and duty-to explore the depths of God's Word and discover personal guidance for daily living. The following scripturally based principles exemplify the foundation upon which the more specifically applied Guidelines are based. The cited biblical passages are meant as representative sources, not 'proof texts' for the concepts expressed.

Biblical Principles
We are, as human beings as well as Christians, prone to hurts, conflicts and sin (Romans 3:23). Difficulties, power struggles, trials and tribulations are normal and to be expected (Psalms 37:7; John 16:33; Romans 2:9). We are to grow and mature through the conflicts, problems, trials, tribulations and discipline that we experience (II Corinthians 7:8-13a; I Thessalonians 5:18;James 1:24). We are to support and encourage each other (John 13:35; 15:17; Ephesians 4:32). We are to admonish and confront each other, especially those Christians in positions of leadership and trust. However, such confrontation is to be constructive rather than judgmental, done in love and with caution about our own shortcomings (Proverbs 27:5; Matthew 18:15-17; Galatians 6:1). We are to demonstrate the lordship of Christ in our lives by servant-like leadership, a sense of community and a lifestyle that reflects the will of God (Matthew 20:25-28; John 12:26; Colossians 3:12-17; 1 Peter 4:8-1 1). We are to reach out to others in love and concern (Matthew 25:31-40; 11 Corinthians 1:3-7; Hebrews 13:16).
These Guidelines are meant in part as an encouragement for all CAPS members to reach out to other members who are in distress. They do not constitute a quasi-legal document designed for disciplinary purposes by the organization. The Guidelines are written with recognition of the priesthood of all believers.

APPLICABILITY OF THE GUIDELINES
This Statement of Ethical Guidelines is applicable to all current, dues-paid Regular Members and Associate Members of CAPS. While CAPS is not a licensing or accrediting agency, it does desire that members who provide mental health, pastoral, teaching or other personal services do so with the highest possible level of Christian ethics, whether the member is a professional, layperson or student. The Guidelines are therefore intended to benefit members, their colleagues and the persons whom they serve.

ARTICLES OF THE ETHICAL GUIDELINES
Note: In an effort to avoid awkward and lengthy descriptions of persons whom members serve or with whom they work, the somewhat neutral word 'client' is used. According to the perspective of members, words such as 'peer,' 'parishioner,' "communicant," "patient,' 'helped,' 'counselee,' "student,' 'subject,' or even 'prisoner' may be used. Also the word 'service' or 'serving' is used frequently in the guidelines to describe what members do. Again, according to the perspective of members, words such as 'helping ministries,' 'psychological professions,' 'counseling,' .ministering,' 'pastoring,' 'teaching,' or 'researching" may be substituted. Admittedly, no word is neutral, since language shapes and reflects reality. Thus, the word 'service' or its derivatives is meant to reflect Christ's statement that He came to serve, rather than to be served.

1.1 I agree with the basis of CAPS, as stated in the Constitution and By-Laws.
1.2 I commit my service, whether as professional or layperson, to God as a special calling.
1.3 I pledge to integrate all that I do in service with Christian values, principles and guidelines.
1.4 I commit myself to Christ as Lord as well as Savior. Thus, direction and wisdom from God will be sought, while accepting responsibility for my own actions and statements.
1.5 I view my body as the temple of the Holy Spirit and will treat it lovingly and respectfully. Balance in my priorities and activities will be prayerfully sought.

2.1 Clients will be accepted regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, income, education, ethnic background, value system, etc., unless such a factor would interfere appreciably with my ability to be of service.
2.2 I value human life, the sanctity of personhood, personal freedom and responsibility and the privilege of informed free choice by adults in matters of belief and action.
2.3 I will avoid exploiting or manipulating any client to satisfy my own needs.
2.4 I will abstain from unnecessary or prurient invasion of privacy.
2.5 I will take appropriate actions to help, even protect, those persons within my area of responsibility who are being endangered and are relatively dependent on other persons for their survival and well being.
2.6 Sexual contact or sexual exploitation-both covert and overt-with any client will be scrupulously avoided.
2.7 Members who provide professional services should make advance financial arrangements that protect the best interest of and are clearly understood by their clients. A portion of their services should be contributed towards work for which they receive little or no financial return.

3.1 I will demonstrate utmost respect for the confidentiality of the client and other persons in a professional or pastoral relationship.
3.2 I will carefully protect the identity of clients and their situations. Thus, I will avoid divulging information about clients, whether privately or publicly, unless I have received freely given, informed consent of the adult client or legal holder of confidentiality privilege for minor clients, in the form of expressed, written permission and the release of such information would be appropriate to the situation.
3.3 All records of counseling, teaching and research will be handled in a way that protects the clients and the nature of their situations from disclosure.
3.4 The limits of confidentiality, such as those based on civil laws, regulations and judicial precedent, will be explained to the client. Examples of limits or exceptions to confidentiality include such situations as (1)legal mandate, e.g., if child abuse is suspected or apparent; (2)when divulging information would prevent a clear and immediate danger to a person or persons; (3)legal proceedings in which the member does not have privilege.

4.1 I pledge to be well-trained and competent in providing services.
4.2 I will refrain from implying that I have qualifications, experiences and capabilities which are in fact lacking.
4.3 I will comply with applicable state and local laws and regulations regarding competency in the psychological and pastoral professions.
4.4 I will avoid using any legal exemptions from professional competency afforded in certain states to churches and other nonprofit organizations as a means of providing services that are beyond my training and expertise.
4.5 I will diligently pursue additional education, experience, professional consultation and spiritual growth in order to improve my effectiveness in serving persons in need.

5.1 I will do my best to be aware of my human limitations and biases. I admit that I do not have complete objectivity or spiritual maturity. Thus, I also will endeavor to establish and maintain a relationship of mutual accountability with another Christian colleague or mentor.
5.2 I will avoid fostering any misconception a client could have that I am omnipotent, or that I have all the answers.
5.3 I will refer clients whom I am not capable of helping, whether by lack of available time or expertise, or because of subjective, personal reasons. The referral will be done compassionately clearly and completely, insofar as feasible.
5.4 I will resist efforts of any clients or colleagues to place demands for services on me that exceed my qualifications and/or the time available to minister, or that would impose unduly on my relationships with my own family, other persons or God.

6.1 I will advertise or promote my services by Christian and professional standards, rather than only commercial standards.
6.2 Personal aggrandizement will be omitted from advertising and promotional activities.
6.3 Since CAPS is not a licensing or accrediting agency, I will avoid using membership in CAPS as an advertising promotional.

7.1 Any research conducted will be done openly and will not jeopardize the welfare of any persons who are research subjects. The confidentiality of such subjects will be protected. They will provide informed, written consent f or their participation in the research.

8.1 The value of professional liability ('malpractice") insurance will be carefully considered, especially if a lawsuit, whether justified or not, would possibly drain financial resources of the organization with which I am associated.

9.1 CAPS will establish a network of representatives who will be available to respond to members in a pastoral manner. These representatives will endeavor to respond personally to members who seek their help or refer such persons to appropriate sources of help. Ideally, as part of the Body of Christ, the entire CAPS membership is intended to function in this pastoral way. The Pastoral Care Network provides deliberate structure to enhance this functioning.

1 0.1 Although CAPS will not enforce these Ethical Guidelines with any investigative or disciplinary measure, I understand that if my professional license or certification has been revoked by any other professional organization or state board, then I may lose my membership status with CAPS. Such a decision will be made by a majority vote of the CAPS Board of Directors.
10.2 In the event of such a loss of membership, a process of reconciliation and restoration will be promptly instituted under the auspices of the CAPS Pastoral Care Network.

11.1 Recognizing that no ethical guidelines are complete, l make my day-to-day decisions based on the criteria and principles stated in the Preamble. I will do my best to serve and to live in a way that is congruent with the stated basic principles of these guidelines and with my faith as a Christian.

Further Discussion: Paragraph 9 of the guidelines states that a pastoral care network will be established. You may wish to review the plan for implementing the CAPS Pastoral Care Network.
Note: The Statement of Ethical Guidelines is the property of the Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS). CAPS devised the Statement of Ethical Guidelines as a set of ideals (not a code) for the use of its members and Board. CAPS does not endorse or recommend any other use of the Statement by other individuals, groups or organizations in the U.S. or other countries.