Ethics with Minors: An Essential Guide for Mental Health Professionals

CPD

Handouts

Speaker

Terry Casey, PhD Related seminars and products

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Terry Casey, PhD, is a licensed psychologist, HSP health service provider with over 30 years of professional experience, including a 16-year tenure as the director of counseling & psychological services for a non-profit agency with over 30 counselors at over a dozen locations. He is in private practice in Franklin, Tennessee, teaches ethics and professional issues in counseling at Lipscomb University’s graduate program in clinical mental health counseling, and guest lectures at Trevecca Nazarene University’s PhD program in Clinical counseling. Dr. Casey also served for several years as the chair of the ethics committee for the Tennessee Licensed Professional Counselors’ Association and in an advisory capacity for graduate counseling programs at two universities. He has presented frequently on ethics to organizations such as the American Counseling Association, the Tennessee Licensed Professional Counselors Association, the Nashville Area Association of Christian Counselors, and others. For more information, visit his practice website at rencounselingtn.com.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Terry Casey maintains a private practice and is a faculty member of Lipscomb University. He is a published author and receives royalties. Dr. Casey receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from Psychotherapy Networker and PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Terry Casey is a member of the American Psychological Association, the Tennessee Psychological Association, the Tennessee Licensed Professional Counselor Association, and others. For a complete list, please contact info@pesi.com.

Objectives

1. Assess select ethical and legal issues unique to working with minors. 
2. Determine how to effectively navigate codes of ethics, laws, and licensing rules when working with minors. 
3. Utilize recommended methods for reducing risk and avoiding problems. 

Outline

Navigate Challenging Situation with Minors: How to do it! 

• The five key perspectives and how to use them 
• Consultations: Two important types 
• Essentials of how to document your decision

Boundaries and Multiple Relationships: “Thin Ice!” 

• Social media & communication policies 
• Power differentials and why they matter 
• Virtual relationships 
• Texting and messaging 
• Vignette: Ashley’s Tweets: Social media hazards 
• Vignette: Client in a Bind: Multiple Relationships

Legal Matters: Consent, Records and Reporting 

• Consent vs assent 
• Who can provide consent and when? 
• Parents’ rights 
• Special rules for older adolescents 
• Informed consent process 
• Mandatory reporting of abuse 
• Vignette: Robert’s separated parents

Strategies for Avoiding Problems and Reducing Risk 

• Establishing your role at intake 
• Keep all involved on the same page 
• Determine if HIPAA or FERPA applies 
• Obtain the parenting plan before treatment 
• Use psychotherapy notes when appropriate 
• Know state laws about minors’ rights 
• and more! 

Target Audience

• Counselors 
• Social Workers 
• Psychologists 
• Marriage and Family Therapists 
• Addiction Counselors 
• School Counselors 
• School Social Workers 
• School Psychologists 
• Other Mental Health Professionals who work with minors 

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