Ethics and Legal Regulations for Behavioral Health Professionals

---

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.
• You don't need to pay for an exam until AFTER you pass it. If you have any questions or need more information, please click here.

---

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

Course Date: 2023-05-22

Content License

Our courseware includes the text content found on our websites and exam questions that make up our courses. You can link to and access our courseware free of charge for personal use. You may not modify or redistribute our courseware under any circumstances.

Although we allow free access for personal use, you may not use our courseware for any commercial purposes without an agreement in place. This includes (but is not limited to) using our courseware for internal training, redistributing our courseware for sale, and copying all or parts of any of our courseware.

If you're interested in licensing our content for commercial purposes or have any other questions, please contact legal@edcompassedu.com.

Proprietary Interest Policy

We will disclose, in advance, any proprietary interest in any product, instrument, device, service, or material to be discussed during the learning event, as well as the source of any third-party compensation related to the presentation. This policy applies to both our organization and contractors. If such proprietary/financial interests exist, we will publish a disclaimer in marketing or instructional materials for a course.

No conflict of interest or relevant financial relationship was identified for this learning activity for individuals in a position to control content.

System Requirements

In order to view this course, you will need to be able to view a PDF document for the course material. If your device doesn't have the capability to view a PDF, you can click here to download Adobe Acrobat for free.

Special Needs

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.

Anti-Discrimination Policy

PsychCE is committed to encouraging and sustaining a learning and work community that is free from prohibited discrimination and harassment. The company prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, genetic information, or age in the administration of its policies, educational program, employment, or any other company program or activity.

This policy governs the conduct of all PsychCE students and employees in connection with company-sponsored programs.

Questions or comments about discrimination can be directed to legal@edcompassedu.com.

‹ Return to Courses