This course readies mental health professionals for the shifting ethical demands of providing care online. Telehealth platforms and AI tools are changing clinical practice, and therapists must weigh innovation against professional responsibility with care.
Participants apply key ethical principles to virtual and AI-assisted care: confidentiality, informed consent, boundaries, equity, bias, data security, crisis management and accountability. They examine the ethics of AI-assisted documentation, decision support tools, chatbots and algorithmic bias while meeting legal and professional standards. Film clips, cases and practical strategies invite shared reflection and discussion, leading to a framework for ethical decisions that protects client safety and trust and keeps care high in quality when technology is involved.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Identify and apply ethical principles relevant to telehealth and AI-supported mental health care.
- Analyze ethical risks and challenges associated with virtual therapy and emerging AI technologies.
- Evaluate legal, regulatory, and professional standards related to digital practice and AI integration.
- Implement practical strategies to maintain ethical compliance, protect client privacy, and mitigate bias in technology-enhanced care.
Syllabus:
Introduction
Objective #1: Identify ethical principles
- Discuss ethical considerations with virtual practice including client location and safety, confidentiality, HIPPAA, social media, documentation, etc.
- Apply ethical principles to telehealth and AI technologies
- Discuss ethical dilemmas that are relevant when providing virtual care
Objective #2: Discuss the challenges and risks of telehealth and AI technologies
- Discuss the differences between virtual and in-person therapy.
- Discuss managing boundaries handling crises remotely
- Identify risks of utilizing AI technologies as part of therapy
Objective #3: Evaluate legal, regulatory, and professional standards related to digital practice and AI integration
- Review different boards and governing bodies for recent developments in laws related to telehealth and AI
Objective #4: Implement strategies to maintain ethical standards:
- Interventions for compliance with legal and ethical requirements
- Analyze real-world examples of ethical challenges in telehealth
Summary/Q&A
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: Ashley Esry, LICSW, LCSW, LCAS
Recording Date: April 4, 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: 08/7/2026 - 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.
System Requirements: Firefox, Chrome, Brave, Safari, Edge on any modern operating system (Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS). A desktop browser is recommended. We do not provide support resources for issues encountered using a mobile device.
Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com