Perhaps more than in most other fields of health, mental health care forces all those involved to address tensions between promoting well-being, protecting against harm, safeguarding personal autonomy and treating others fairly. This module addresses the intensely value-laden nature of some of the more salient issues in the field, including the social stigmatization of those with mental illness, commitment, confidentiality, competence, informed consent and boundary issues. The Alberta Mental Health Act is discussed with reference to specific ethical tensions it raises, and the rights, responsibilities and obligations of care providers and care recipients.