Ethics and Legal Regulations for Behavioral Health Professionals

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How to Take This Course:

• 1 View Course Worksheet -  View the course worksheet or print it out to review later
• 2 Read the Course Material -  As you read through, mark your answers on the course worksheet to be prepared for the exam
• 3 Take Exam -  You must achieve a score of 75% or higher in order to earn credit for the course.
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Target Audience: Psychologists
Instructional Level: Introductory

CE Course Description

Psychologists frequently find themselves offering crucial support to individuals during their most vulnerable moments, addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, psychotic symptoms, or contemplation of suicide. The act of seeking assistance from a psychologist can be an overwhelming experience for clients, laden with uncertainty. Acknowledging the gravity of this vulnerability underscores the significance of ethical considerations. In the realm of behavioral health, psychologists are entrusted with a career that necessitates a profound understanding of, and adherence to, ethical and legal boundaries specific to their profession. Irrespective of their particular focus within behavioral health, the overarching commitment remains unwavering – to prioritize the well-being of both the patient and the community. Psychologists bear the responsibility of conducting their services with diligence, ensuring they neither exploit nor harm those seeking assistance. This homestudy course provides psychologists with a unique opportunity to delve into the intricacies of ethical considerations through engaging case studies and vignettes, offering practical insights for the application of ethical principles in real-world scenarios. Throughout the course, participants will develop a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding dual relationships and ethical boundaries at the post-doctoral level. The exploration will specifically address the distinction between permissible boundary crossings and ethically questionable boundary violations, equipping psychologists with the criteria to evaluate and navigate these intricate situations at an advanced professional level. The overarching goal of this exploration is to enhance their competence, ensuring that psychologists can consistently uphold the highest standards of ethical practice while engaging with vulnerable individuals in multifaceted therapeutic relationships.

Courseware Supervisor: Ryan C. Warner, Ph.D., CRC

Author: Sara Amundson, MSW

CE Course Objectives

1. Describe the nuanced ethical responsibilities relevant to diverse post-doctoral level behavioral health providers. 
2. Analyze practical boundaries within the context of behavioral health to enhance immediate implementation in professional practice. 
3. Identify ethical aspects pertaining to confidentiality, mandatory reporting, and the duty to warn

Activity Schedule/Outline - Ongoing/Self-Paced

1. Introduction 
2. Who are behavioral health professionals? 
3. Professional Ethics
4. Boundaries
5. Dual relationships
6. Confidentiality
7. Mandated reporting and limitations 
8. Duty to warn and the Tarasoff case
9. References

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Course Date: 2023-05-22

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If you require ADA or other special needs accommodations, please contact us by email: psychce@edcompassedu.com or by phone 1-800-240-6978, so arrangements can be made.

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