Ethics and Commitment to Clients

Course Title: Ethics and Commitment to Clients: Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Mental Health Practice

Course Overview:

This training provides licensed mental health professionals with a comprehensive review of ethical principles related to their commitment to clients, as outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics. Participants will explore how to navigate ethical dilemmas, particularly when there are competing obligations to clients, the community, and employers. This course will empower participants to make informed ethical decisions and enhance their ability to provide ethical leadership in their practice.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the NASW Code of Ethics and its application
2. Identify key ethical principles from the Code of Ethics related to client commitment and how they apply to everyday practice.
3. Navigate ethical dilemmas related to balancing client needs with community obligations.
4. Assess and resolve conflicts between the ethical commitment to clients and the expectations of employers or organizations.
5. Use ethical decision-making frameworks to guide their practice in resolving conflicts between professional responsibilities.
6. Apply practical tools and strategies for discussing and addressing ethical challenges in supervision and clinical settings.

Course Outline:

I. Introduction to Ethics in Mental Health Practice

• Overview of the importance of ethics in mental health practice.
• Ethical responsibilities of licensed mental health professionals.
• The role of ethics in promoting client welfare, professionalism, and accountability.

II. The NASW Code of Ethics: A Foundation for Ethical Practice

• History and Purpose of the NASW Code of Ethics:
• • Origin and development of the Code.
  • The mission and values embedded in the Code.
• Core Principles and Ethical Standards:
• • Social justice, dignity, and worth of the person.
  • Integrity, competence, and the importance of human relationships.
  • Review of key sections of the Code:
  • • Ethical Responsibilities to Clients (Section 1)
    • Ethical Responsibilities to the Community (Section 6)
    • Ethical Responsibilities to Employers (Section 3)
• Application of the Code:
• • Case studies and real-life examples to illustrate the use of the Code in clinical settings.

III. Balancing Ethical Commitments: Client vs. Community

• The Ethical Conflict Between Client Needs and Community Obligations:
• • Understanding the ethical challenges when working with clients whose actions may impact public safety or well-being (e.g., mandatory reporting, harm to others).
  • The tension between client confidentiality and the duty to protect the community.
• Case Study: A client at risk for harm to others (e.g., suicidal ideation, abuse) vs. community safety obligations (e.g., reporting to authorities).
• Key Principles:
• • How to prioritize the ethical duties to clients while considering broader societal obligations.
  • Balancing individual rights with public safety and well-being.

IV. Commitment to Clients vs. Commitment to Employers

• Ethical Responsibilities to Clients vs. Organizational Expectations:
• • Examining situations where client needs conflict with organizational goals, policies, or limitations.
  • The ethical dilemma of advocating for clients in a workplace that emphasizes efficiency, productivity, or financial constraints.
• Case Study: A client’s need for long-term therapy vs. employer/insurance constraints on treatment duration or resources.
• Practical Strategies:
• • How to advocate for clients within the constraints of employer policies.
  • Addressing situations where organizational culture or employer values conflict with the best interests of the client.
  • Supervisory strategies for supporting clinicians in navigating such conflicts.

V. Ethical Decision-Making Frameworks

• Steps in Ethical Decision-Making:
• • Identify the ethical issue or dilemma.
  • Evaluate alternatives based on ethical principles, professional guidelines, and the Code of Ethics.
  • Consider the implications of each option for all involved (client, community, employer).
  • Make a decision and take appropriate action.
• Common Ethical Decision-Making Models:
• • The Ethical Decision-Making Process (identify the issue, evaluate alternatives, make decisions).
  • Using the NASW Ethical Decision-Making Model.
• Practical Application:
• • Role-playing exercises for participants to practice decision-making in ethical dilemmas.

VI. Supervision and Ethical Leadership

• The Supervisor’s Role in Modeling Ethical Practice:
• • How to create an environment where ethical concerns can be openly discussed and addressed.
  • Developing a supervisory approach that prioritizes client welfare and ethical standards.
• Supporting Clinicians Through Ethical Dilemmas:
• • Providing guidance to supervisees when facing ethical challenges.
  • How to integrate ethical reflection and discussion into regular supervision sessions.
• Communication Skills for Ethical Leadership:
• • Effective ways to communicate ethical concerns with staff, clients, and other stakeholders.
  • How to foster ethical conversations and empower supervisees to navigate complex dilemmas.

VII. Conclusion and Q&A

• Final discussion on the importance of ongoing ethical development.
• Open Q&A to address specific ethical challenges faced by participants.
• Recommendations for continued professional development in ethics.
• Closing remarks and course evaluation.

About Your Presenter:

Vanessa Valles, LCSW-S
Vanessa Valles is a seasoned mental health professional with over 22 years of mental health experience. She is the owner of a private and group practice and has dedicated the past 17 years to educating and mentoring other professionals. She is the author to the Childrens book “The Terrible, Super Sad Day” which is a clinical tool to assist helping professionals working with children who have experiences loss or trauma. Vanessa has served as an administrator, clinical trainer, quality assurance officer, field instructor, and clinical supervisor, and has provided CEUs for hundreds of mental health practitioners. Her diverse background offers a unique blend of clinical expertise and educational leadership, making her a trusted resource for both practical and theoretical knowledge in counseling modalities.

Target Audience:
This course is ideal for mental health professionals, including social workers, counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, and other practitioners seeking to expand their understanding of different counseling frameworks and modalities to better support their clients.

Course Prerequisites:
No prerequisites required. This course is suitable for professionals at all levels of experience in the mental health field.