Clinicians who value the cultural aspects of their clients demonstrate acceptance and ethical practice. How do culture and ethics intersect? This training will provide an overview of fundamental cultural concepts relevant to clinical practice. Ethical considerations related to culture will be explored and case studies will illuminate the dilemmas that practitioners may encounter. Learners will be encouraged to explore their practices around resolving ethical dilemmas involving culture and receive valuable recommendations and frameworks for appropriately comprehensively addressing culturally based ethical dilemmas.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Describe at least three cultural concepts relevant to clinical practice
- Identify two ethical frameworks for resolving dilemmas involving culture
- Evaluate culturally based ethical dilemmas to determine the best courses of action
Syllabus:
Objective #1: Understanding Culture in Clinical Practice
- Define culture and its deep vs surface dimensions
- Explore how cultural assumptions influence behavior and meaning-making
- Discuss the role of cultural humility as a lifelong practice
Objective #2: Core Ethical Principles and Cultural Relevance
- Review principles of autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice, and fidelity
- Identify how these principles interact with diverse cultural norms
- Explore ethical dilemmas when cultural practices conflict with professional codes
Objective #3: Ethical Guidelines and Multicultural Competency Standards
- Examine NASW, APA, ACA, and AAMFT ethical codes on cultural competence
- Review guidelines for gift-giving, assessment, informed consent, and diagnosis
- Emphasize the need for cultural awareness in counselor-client dynamics
Objective #4: Cultural Ethical Dilemmas and Clinical Scenarios
- Analyze case vignettes involving language barriers, gift-giving, family roles, and confidentiality
- Discuss dual relationships and bartering in culturally nuanced situations
- Address how to navigate personal values and professional boundaries
Objective #5: Ethical Decision-Making Models
- Introduce frameworks including the EDM Model, Multicultural EDM, and 4-Box Method
- Practice case analysis using ethical steps inside and outside the therapy office
- Encourage consultation, supervision, and collaborative reflection
Objective #6: Diverse Ethical Perspectives and Cultural Theories
- Explore ethical relativism, universalism, absolutism, and utilitarianism
- Introduce caring and reciprocal empathy as a culturally responsive ethical lens
- Assign case responses to ethical perspectives for deeper analysis
Objective #7: Cultural Humility and the Counselor’s Self-Awareness
- Highlight the importance of self-reflection, openness, and ego-lessness
- Review the Cultural Humility Scale and RCID model
- Discuss how power, privilege, and identity impact therapeutic relationships
Objective #8: Cultural Formulation and Assessment Tools
- Use the DSM-5 Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI) to guide assessment
- Introduce the Culturagram, Helpful Phrases for Exploration, and cultural inquiry worksheets
- Apply cultural assessment to treatment planning, client engagement, and diagnosis
Objective #9: Addressing Cultural Disparities and Health Equity
- Understand how cultural bias shapes access, engagement, and mental health outcomes
- Explore real-life examples of coalition decision-making and cultural community concerns
- Emphasize the value of strengths-based and community-informed perspectives
Objective #10: Case Study Integration and Practical Application
- Apply theory to practice using extended case examples (e.g., Mr. S., Maria Elena, Victor)
- Explore dilemmas involving confidentiality, cultural roles, and termination practices
- Reflect on multicultural ethics through guided discussion and consultation
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: Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSW
Recording Date: 6/01/2024
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