Money is often one of the least discussed—and most emotionally charged—elements of the therapeutic relationship. In this training, we will explore the ethical dimensions of fees, financial boundaries, and transparency in clinical practice. Through discussion, case examples, and reflective exercises, participants will examine the impact of money on client trust, access to care, clinician sustainability, and the therapeutic alliance. We will explore ethical considerations around sliding scales, late cancellation fees, no-show policies, insurance dilemmas, and charging rates that align with both professional value and clinical integrity. You will leave with practical frameworks to communicate about money confidently and ethically—with compassion, clarity, and self-respect.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Identify ethical considerations related to fees, sliding scales, insurance limitations, and financial boundaries in clinical practice.
- Demonstrate strategies for transparent and compassionate communication about financial policies, value, and therapist sustainability.
- Apply ethical decision-making models to real-world financial dilemmas, including no-shows, fee increases, and client expectations around affordability.
Syllabus:
Introduction
Objective #1: Identify ethical considerations related to fees, sliding scales, insurance limitations, and financial boundaries in clinical practice.
- Importance of therapist self-awareness
- Examining countertransference beliefs
- The nature of ethics
Objective #2: Demonstrate strategies for transparent and compassionate communication about financial policies, value, and therapist sustainability.
- Transparency with clients
- Examples of financial policies
- Determining the value of therapy
Objective #3: Apply ethical decision-making models to real-world financial dilemmas, including no-shows, fee increases, and client expectations around affordability.
- How to make ethical decisions
- Examples of conversational scripts with clients
- Managing client expectations
Summary/Q&A
Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 Ethics asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 1.5 Ethics continuing education training.
Instructor: Dreya Blume, LCSW
Recording Date: April 27, 2026
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2025 - 08/6/2026. Social workers completing this course receive 1.5hrs Ethics continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com