Ethical Considerations for Mental Health Professionals Working with Children and Families: Florida Edition (3 Hours)

This course examines the ethical and legal questions that arise when mental health professionals work with children, couples, and families. Drawing on the family therapy ethics literature, the current ACA, AAMFT, and NASW codes, and Florida statutes, it addresses who the client is, who may consent for a minor, how divorced parents share decision making and records access, and how to obtain a child's assent and work with family members who have intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Later modules cover confidentiality and privilege in family records, written secrets policies, mandated reporting of child and vulnerable adult abuse, requests from schools, attorneys, guardians ad litem, and courts, and the separation of therapy from custody evaluation. The final module addresses multiple relationships, triangulation, testimony, social media and telehealth, competence, culture, and ethical decision making. Each module includes a practical routine, a documentation tool, and Florida case studies.

This course is designed around the continuing education requirements of the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling but not approved or endorsed by the Board.

See my Florida CE requirements guide for everything your renewal includes.

Dr. Paulson Professional Counseling LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7987. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Dr. Paulson Professional Counseling LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.