Virtual Care, Real Responsibility: Ethics in Telehealth Practice for Therapists prepares mental health professionals to navigate the unique ethical challenges of providing care in a digital environment. This course explores essential principles such as confidentiality, boundaries, digital dual relationships, and crisis management in virtual therapy. Participants will learn strategies to address common dilemmas, ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards, and prioritize client safety. Through practical examples, therapists will develop an ethical framework tailored to telehealth, empowering them to provide effective and responsible care in the virtual space.

Upon completion of this training, learners will be able to:

• Identify core ethical principles and regulatory requirements relevant to telehealth mental health practice.

• Evaluate confidentiality considerations in virtual care, including privacy risks and secure technology use.

• Establish and maintain professional boundaries to prevent digital dual relationships and ensure ethical engagement.

• Implement effective crisis management protocols appropriate for remote settings, including emergency response planning.

• Apply decision-making strategies to resolve common ethical dilemmas encountered in telehealth delivery.

• Integrate an ethical telehealth framework into clinical practice to promote client safety and treatment effectiveness.

Social workers completing this course receive 2 Ethics asynchronous continuing education credits.

For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 2 hours of Ethics continuing education training.

Course Instructor: Ashley Esry, LCSW, LCAS

Recording Date: 04/24/2025