Ethics of Social Media for Mental Health Professionals: Pitfalls & Possibilities

Course overview

Social media platforms continue to evolve at a speed that often outpaces professional organizations abilities to provide up-to-date guidelines. Some mental health professionals advocate for never posting about themselves or their clients online. Yet, others are attracting hundreds of thousands of followers by dispensing mental health advice in quirky and entertaining ways, sometimes in a manner that leaves colleagues and patients alike questioning such an approach. The course begins with an interview with Courtney Warren, PhD, faculty member, author, and social media expert who discusses many of the nuances and considerations that therapists and non-therapists alike need to be aware of. The interview is followed with two articles that further outline ethical considerations and guidelines. A fascinating case is discussed in which a former clients wellbeing is jeopardized and made evident through social media posts. The authors discuss ethical responsibilities and limitations faced by the previous therapist. The question of whether social media use impacts the mental health of adolescents is discussed in a review article. The course ends with a brief commentary that offers suggestions on how posting client stories online can be done in an ethical and respectful manner. As an added bonus, sample media and social media policies are included in a Word format, allowing them to be customized. All content is presented in both audio and written format.