What is considered unethical in terms of client fees?

Charging higher fees because a client is insured is considered unethical because it creates a financial disparity based solely on the client's insurance status. This practice can lead to a lack of equal access to services, where clients with insurance may be penalized with higher rates, while those without insurance may be given a fairer rate. Ethical guidelines in social work emphasize fairness and equity in the treatment of clients, ensuring that fees are not exploitative or discriminatory. Additionally, such a practice could violate the principle of informed consent, as clients might not fully understand why they are being charged differently. In contrast, other options mentioned, such as a sliding scale based on income or offering discounts for long-term clients, are generally acceptable practices, as they aim to accommodate clients' varying financial situations.