F25-505 Ethical Dilemmas in Clinical Practice
Total Credits: 6 including 6 Ethic CEs
- Bundle(s):
- Fall 2025 Ethics Workshops
- Categories:
- 500 Ethics | 600 Leadership and Management
- Instructors:
- Colette Walker Thomas, LCSW-C | Kia S. Morris, LCSW-C
- Course Levels:
- Intermediate
- Duration:
- 7 Hours 30 Minutes
- Target Audience:
- Social Workers, LCPCs, and Psychologists
Description
This comprehensive training is designed to help clinicians and supervisors navigate complex ethical challenges in social work and mental health settings. Participants will explore real-world case studies involving dual relationships, confidentiality, informed consent, and boundary management, ensuring ethical decision-making aligned with NASW guidelines. The training will also cover supervisory responsibilities, including addressing ethical conflicts in team management, client care, and professional accountability. Through interactive discussions and practical frameworks, attendees will develop strategies to mitigate risks, uphold ethical standards, and foster a culture of integrity in clinical and supervisory roles.
This workshop is in accordance with and compliance with the NASW Standards with a focus on service, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, competence, and social workers’ ethical responsibilities to clients, to colleagues, in practice settings, as professionals, to the social work profession, to the broader society.
This workshop is in compliance with the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners’ COMAR 10.42.03.06.A(5) and with the District of Columbia Board of Social Work 17-70-7008.4. This workshop meets the Ethics CE license renewal requirements for Maryland and the District of Columbia.
Instructor
Colette Walker Thomas, LCSW-C Related Seminars and Products
Colette Walker-Thomas, LCSW-C, is a proud Maryland native with over 30 years of dedicated service in the field of social work. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Morgan State University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work. She further enhanced her clinical and academic credentials through the prestigious LEAH postgraduate fellowship at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Ms. Walker-Thomas is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW-C) in the state of Maryland and is certified in both basic and advanced mediation. Throughout her career, she has held a variety of executive leadership positions across child welfare, public administration, and private organizations. She brings extensive expertise in leadership development, clinical standards, and clinical supervision, and is recognized for her ability to drive organizational excellence and cultivate high-performing teams.
A highly sought-after trainer in both clinical practice and leadership development, Ms. Walker-Thomas is known for her dynamic facilitation style and commitment to professional growth in others. She is currently a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) candidate at Morgan State University and serves as co-owner of All By The Grace, LLC, an outpatient community mental health clinic located in Rosedale, Maryland. A dedicated educator and mentor, Ms. Walker-Thomas is widely regarded as a leader and trailblazer in the field of social work.
Kia S. Morris, LCSW-C Related Seminars and Products
Kia Morris, LCSW-C, is a proud native of Maryland with over a decade of experience in both clinical and administrative social work practice. She is a distinguished alumna of Morgan State University, where she earned both her Bachelor and Master of Social Work degrees. Ms. Morris holds an advanced clinical license (LCSW-C) and is certified in trauma-informed care.
With extensive expertise in leadership development, clinical standards, and supervision, Ms. Morris is a sought-after trainer in both clinical practice and leadership growth. Her career reflects a strong commitment to advancing quality care and empowering professionals in the field.
Ms. Morris currently serves as the co-owner of All By The Grace, LLC, an outpatient community mental health clinic based in Rosedale, Maryland. Her dedication to the field is reflected in the many clinicians and emerging leaders she has mentored throughout her career.
Agenda & Learning Objectives
AGENDA:
8:50 AM – 9:00 AM Log on
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Welcome & Introduction
Trainer & Participant Introductions
Objectives & Goals of the Training
Overview of Ethical Challenges in Clinical & Supervisory Roles
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Ethical Frameworks & Decision-Making Models
Review of NASW, APA, and State-Specific Ethical Guidelines
Key Ethical Principles in Clinical Practice & Supervision
Ethical Decision-Making Models: How to Apply Them in Real Cases
Group Activity: Ethical dilemma scenario discussion
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM Break
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Common Ethical Dilemmas in Clinical Practice
Confidentiality & Its Limits (Mandated Reporting, Duty to Warn, etc.)
Dual Relationships & Boundary Issues with Clients
Cultural Considerations & Ethical Challenges in Diverse Settings
Case Study Discussion: Participants analyze real-world ethical cases
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Lunch Break
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Ethical Issues in Supervision & Professional Accountability
Ethical Responsibilities of Supervisors
Managing Power Dynamics & Boundaries in Supervision
Addressing Ethical Conflicts Between Supervisees & Organizations
Case Study Role-Play: Ethical supervision dilemma scenarios
2:30 PM – 2:45 PM Break
2:45 PM – 4:00 PM
Strategies for Mitigating Ethical Risks
Best Practices for Ethical Documentation & Record-Keeping
Handling Ethical Complaints & Legal Considerations
Developing Ethical Policies & Procedures in Agencies
Interactive Discussion: Participants create an ethical response plan
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Wrap-Up & Q&A
Review of Key Takeaways
Final Questions & Group Discussion
Creating an Individual Ethics Action Plan
4:30 Adjournment
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Upon the completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:
-
Identify and analyze common ethical dilemmas in clinical practice and supervision, including issues related to dual relationships, confidentiality, informed consent, and boundary management.
-
Apply ethical decision-making models to navigate complex cases while ensuring compliance with NASW, APA, and state regulatory guidelines.
-
Assess the ethical responsibilities of supervisors, including managing power dynamics, professional accountability, and ethical conflicts within clinical teams.
-
Recognize potential conflicts of interest and cultural considerations that may affect ethical decision-making in diverse practice settings.
-
Develop strategies to mitigate ethical risks through clear documentation, consultation, and the implementation of organizational policies that support ethical practice.
Bibliography & References
BIBLIOGRAPHY & REFERENCES
National Association of Social Workers (NASW). (2021). NASW Code of Ethics. National Association of Social Workers. Retrieved from https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English
Corey, G., Corey, M. S., & Callanan, P. (2019). Issues and Ethics in the Helping Professions (10th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Pope, K. S., & Vasquez, M. J. T. (2016). Ethics in Psychotherapy and Counseling: A Practical Guide (5th ed.). Wiley.
Reamer, F. G. (2018). Ethical Standards in Social Work: A Review of the NASW Code of Ethics (3rd ed.). NASW Press.
Bernard, J. M., & Goodyear, R. K. (2018). Fundamentals of Clinical Supervision (6th ed.). Pearson.
Welfel, E. R. (2016). Ethics in Counseling & Psychotherapy (6th ed.). Cengage Learning.
American Psychological Association (APA). (2017). Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/ethics/code
Tarvydas, V. M., & Hartley, M. T. (2017). Ethical and Professional Issues in Counseling (5th ed.). Springer Publishing.
Knapp, S., Handelsman, M. M., Gottlieb, M. C., & VandeCreek, L. D. (2017). APA Handbook of Ethics in Psychology.American Psychological Association.
Barnett, J. E. (2019). Boundary Issues and Dual Relationships in the Helping Professions. American Psychological Association.
Course Completion & CE Information
Category I Maryland BSWE Requirement
The Office of Continuing Professional Education at the University of Maryland School of Social Work is authorized by the Board of Social Work Examiners in Maryland to sponsor social work continuing education programs. This workshop qualifies for 6 Category I Continuing Education Units for Ethics. The Office of Continuing Professional Education is also authorized by the Maryland Board of Psychologists and the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors to sponsor Category A continuing professional education.
ASWB Information
University of Maryland School of Social Work Office of Continuing Professional Education, #1611, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 2/11/2024-2/11/2027.
To receive ACE credit, full attendance is required; no partial credits will be given for partial attendance.
Certificate Access
To access the evaluation and certificate, click on the orange certificate button in your CPE account. Once you complete the evaluation, access to the certificate will be available.
Live Interactive Webinars (Cat I) and Live Webinars (Cat II) - Allow up to 30 minutes post-training for attendance to be verified, then you will be able to access the evaluation and certificate.
In Person Trainings - Please allow five (5) business days post-training for attendance to be verified, then you will be able to access the evaluation and certificate.
Please refer to the tab "Live Interactive Webinar Policies & FAQs" for UMSSW Office of CPE policies regarding all live interactive webinar related matters. Contact our office at cpe@ssw.umaryland.edu for more information.
Evaluation
Participants will have access to the evaluation after attendance has been verified. Evaluations will be available for one (1) week after the workshop has ended.
After one (1) week, participants will no longer have access to the evaluation and will have to contact CPE about reactivation.
Target Audience
Social Workers, LCPCs, and Psychologists
We welcome anyone interested in the topic!
Live Interactive Webinar Platforms
LIVE INTERACTIVE WEBINAR PLATFORMS
The Office of Continuing Professional Education hosts Live Interactive Webinars through Zoom. This platform offers a high quality and user-friendly webinar platform for our registrants.
System Requirements:
- Operating Systems: Windows XP or higher; MacOS 9 or higher; Android 4.0 or higher.
- Internet Browser: Google Chrome; Firefox 10.0 or higher.
Our system is not compatible with the Safari web browser.
- Broadband Internet Connection: Cable, High-speed DSL and any other medium that is internet accessible.
**Please have your device charging at all times to ensure that your device does not lose power during the webinar.
Course Interaction Requirements:
To participate in Live Interactive Webinars, you MUST have a device that allows you to view the presentation on screen and hear the instructor at all times. We do not allow participants to call-in from their phones or mobile devices and solely listen to the presentation. Participation in Live Interactive Webinars is mandatory.
Our webinar policies can be found on our website by clicking here.
Webinar Policies & FAQs
Click The Link to View The Webinar Policies & FAQs
https://umbsswcpe.ce21.com/Page/live-interactive-webinar-procedures-policies-4129
Code of Conduct
The Office of Continuing Professional Education at the University of Maryland School of Social Work adheres to the NASW Code of Ethics. This policy is to ensure that the training environment for social work professionals remains respectful, productive, and conducive to learning. Disruptive behavior that interferes with the learning process, disrupts the training experience for others, or undermines the integrity of the program will not be tolerated.
Expectations for Participant Engagement:
In alignment with the NASW Code of Ethics and the University of Maryland Baltimore Code of Conduct, participants are expected to demonstrate professionalism, which includes respecting confidentiality, maintaining a collaborative and respectful tone, and contributing positively to the group dynamic. Disclosures made during the training (e.g., case studies or personal reflections) must be handled with care and in accordance with ethical and legal guidelines.
All participants in the training program are expected to:
- Engage actively in the learning process and show respect for the opinions and contributions of others.
- Demonstrate professionalism in both attitude and behavior, maintaining respect for instructors, peers, and the training environment.
- Maintain open communication by expressing concerns or disagreements constructively and respectfully.
- Follow the guidelines and expectations provided by instructors and facilitators.
- Support a collaborative learning environment where all participants feel valued and safe to contribute.
Instructors and CPE staff reserve the right to dismiss participants who do not adhere to ethical/professional principles and standards. If removed, CEs will be adjusted to reflect the time attended, unless otherwise specified.
ADA Accommodations
If you are requesting ADA accommodations, please contact our office via email at least two weeks prior to the workshop date. Requests after that date may not be fulfilled.
Our email address is cpe@ssw.umaryland.edu.
Late Fees and Refunds
The base price is $130, which includes CE credit.
Late Fee: On 10/30/25, a non-refundable late fee of $20 is added to the base price. Late fees cannot be refunded or applied to account credit.
Cancellations: **ALL cancellations will be subjected to a $35.00 administration fee.** To be eligible for a refund or CPE account credit, cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before the workshop.
For more information, please read the general policies on our website.