Early psychosis care presents complex ethical dilemmas involving autonomy, safety, capacity, confidentiality, family involvement, and the use of involuntary treatment. Clinicians must balance respect for emerging adult independence with risk management and long-term treatment implications. This session examines common ethical tensions in first-episode and high-risk psychosis, using case examples and practical decision-making frameworks. Participants will strengthen their ability to make ethically sound, recovery-oriented clinical decisions while navigating stigma, cultural considerations, and high-stakes treatment choices.

Special attention will be given to ethical challenges related to shared decision-making, medication adherence, informed consent, and determining decision-making capacity in the context of psychotic symptoms. The training will also explore strategies for engaging families and support systems while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and protecting client confidentiality. Through discussion of real-world scenarios, participants will gain practical tools to navigate uncertainty, reduce ethical risk, and promote person-centered care that aligns with professional standards and best practices in early psychosis treatment.

Upon completion of the webinar, participants will be able to:

• Identify common ethical challenges in early psychosis, including issues related to capacity, informed consent, confidentiality, and involuntary treatment.
• Apply a structured ethical decision-making framework to early psychosis cases, balancing autonomy, safety, cultural context, and recovery-oriented care.
• Explore clinical considerations and recommendations for supporting clients and families experiencing early psychosis.