Mental health clinicians face a variety of ethical dilemmas in working with clients. In this training, we will review ethical standards surrounding a wide range of issues, such as dual relationships, professional boundaries, social media policies, confidentiality, informed consent and more. We will then explore how to respond to such concerns using an ethical decision-making model. This training will provide you with the knowledge to feel more comfortable and confident in your clinical practice, giving you the tools to best avoid liability.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Recognize common ethical dilemmas
- Describe how ethical problems occur
- Explain the ethical decision-making process
- Discuss the role of ethical decision-making in relation to a wide variety of topics, including dual relationships, professional boundaries, confidentiality, and informed consent
- Describe several ways to limit liability and protect their practice
Syllabus:
Objective #1: Ethical Foundations in Clinical Practice
- Define ethics and distinguish them from legal mandates
- Explore the core professional values of the American Counseling Association
- Review the guiding principles of the ACA including autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice, fidelity, and veracity
- Examine ethical principles outlined by the NASW such as service, social justice, integrity, and competence
Objective #2: Models of Ethical Decision-Making
- Learn step-by-step processes for ethical analysis and action
- Review the Pope and Vasquez 17-step model
- Evaluate dilemmas, seek consultation, anticipate consequences, and take personal responsibility
- Understand how personal bias, culture, and emotion influence ethical decisions
Objective #3: Dual Relationships and Boundary Issues
- Define dual relationships and their potential risks
- Evaluate necessity, benefit, objectivity, and informed consent in dual relationships
- Distinguish between boundary crossings and boundary violations
- Explore practical scenarios such as encountering clients in public or receiving invitations to events
Objective #4: Financial and Time-Based Considerations
- Discuss ethical challenges related to fees, sliding scales, and grace periods
- Set clear policies on no-show charges and late cancellations
- Evaluate when extending sessions or offering pro bono services is appropriate
Objective #5: Self-Disclosure and Non-Therapeutic Contact
- Analyze when therapist self-disclosure may help or hinder the therapeutic relationship
- Address non-sexual physical contact and the importance of consent and context
- Discuss between-session communication and boundaries around client access
Objective #6: Informed Consent and Confidentiality
- Outline the elements of a comprehensive informed consent form
- Clarify exceptions to confidentiality including suicidality, child abuse, elder abuse, and court orders
- Educate clients on what to expect in therapy and how their information may be used or shared
Objective #7: Termination and Endings
- Plan for termination from the start and revisit it throughout therapy
- Differentiate between client-initiated and clinician-initiated terminations
- Address unfinished business and provide appropriate referrals
- Avoid client abandonment and maintain ethical continuity of care
Objective #8: Documentation and Recordkeeping
- Practice concise, objective, and respectful recordkeeping
- Be mindful of who may access records including courts, agencies, and insurance providers
- Avoid documenting speculative content or personal judgments
- Consult when unsure about what to include in clinical notes
Objective #9: Telehealth Ethics and Compliance
- Review telehealth limitations including crisis response, privacy, and technical barriers
- Secure informed consent specifically for telehealth delivery
- Stay compliant with licensing regulations across state lines
- Use HIPAA-compliant platforms and verify client location and identity
Objective #10: Clinician Ethics, Countertransference, and Cultural Awareness
- Recognize signs of countertransference and seek supervision as needed
- Commit to cultural humility, responsiveness, and ongoing education
- Understand trauma-informed ethics and the clinician’s role in fostering safety and empowerment
Social workers completing this course receive 3 Ethics asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 Ethics continuing education training.
Instructor: Dreya Blume, LCSW
Recording Date: November 2, 2024
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: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 3hrs 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