ETHICS, DOCUMENTATION & RISK

Boundaries, Dual Relationships & Social Media 3 CEUs

Overview:

Professional boundaries are essential to ethical and effective clinical practice, yet navigating them can be challenging in an increasingly connected world. Therapists routinely encounter situations involving self-disclosure, dual relationships, social media interactions, community overlap, and digital communication that require thoughtful ethical decision-making. While many boundary dilemmas arise from good intentions, even subtle shifts in roles, accessibility, or professional conduct can create confusion, compromise therapeutic effectiveness, and increase ethical or legal risk. Understanding how to maintain clear boundaries while fostering authentic therapeutic relationships is critical to protecting client welfare and preserving the integrity of treatment.

This presentation introduces the foundations of professional boundaries and examines their role in promoting safety, trust, and effective treatment outcomes. Attendees will explore boundary crossings versus boundary violations, dual and multiple relationships, therapist self-disclosure, social media ethics, informed consent, digital communication, and risk management strategies. Through case vignettes, ethical decision-making frameworks, and practical clinical examples, participants will learn how to assess risk, navigate gray areas, maintain professional integrity, and make ethically sound decisions across both in-person and digital practice settings. Emphasis will be placed on protecting client welfare, managing power differentials, reducing liability, and developing proactive policies that support ethical clinical practice.

COURSE AUTHOR & DEVELOPER: Dr. Zairys Feliz, Ph.D., LCSW

COURSE FORMAT: On-Demand Self-Study

NARRATION: AI-generated Narration of educational content

Learning Objectives:

• Identify different types of professional boundaries and distinguish between boundary crossings and boundary violations.

• Explain ethical considerations related to dual relationships, therapist self-disclosure, social media use, and digital communication.

• Apply practical strategies for risk assessment, informed consent, boundary management, and ethical decision-making in clinical practice.

Scope and Limitations Disclosure

This course provides licensed mental health professionals with an overview of ethical boundary management, dual relationships, and social media considerations in clinical practice. Participants will learn to assess and respond to complex boundary situations using ethical frameworks and professional standards. While ethical codes and risk management strategies are discussed, this training does not provide legal advice or replace consultation with legal counsel, supervisors, or licensing boards when addressing high-risk or legally sensitive situations. Attendees are expected to apply the material within their professional scope of practice, ethical guidelines, and licensure requirements.

Financial and Commercial Disclosure

The presenter has no relevant financial relationships or conflicts of interest to disclose. Any references to therapeutic models, interventions, or resources are provided solely for educational purposes. Participants are not required to purchase any additional materials to complete this course.

Refund Policy – Pre-Recorded (Self-Study) CEU Courses

All purchases of pre-recorded (self-study) CEU courses are subject to this refund policy. By enrolling, you agree to these terms. Participants who have not accessed any portion of the course may request a full refund within 7 days of purchase. Once a course has been accessed, streamed, or downloaded, refunds are no longer available due to immediate access to course materials. Refunds will also not be issued to participants who do not complete the course, fail the required post-test, or do not meet participation requirements, as certificates are only awarded upon successful completion. If you experience verified technical issues that prevent access, we will make reasonable efforts to resolve the problem; if it cannot be resolved, a full or partial refund may be issued. If you believe the course did not meet its stated learning objectives, you may submit a written complaint within 7 days of completion for review, and a partial or full refund may be granted at our discretion. All course purchases are non-transferable and may not be shared, resold, or assigned to another individual.