Mental Health Professionals and the Use of Social Media: Navigating Ethical Challenges

Course overview

Course Description: This course is based upon material published in the Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics is available as an open-access article. Social media has become an integral method of human engagement. Over the previous decade there has been a significant increase with over 70 percent of Americans of all ages using various online media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and LinkedIn. What began as a vehicle for social communication has become a primary method of professional communication. Professionals and consumers have access to information and are now interfacing in ways that are both intentional and unintended. The mental health professional (MHP) is faced with challenges regarding the application of ethical principles in the context of ever evolving and pervasive social media. Nevertheless, it is the responsibility of the MHP to create and maintain appropriate relational boundaries intended to safeguard client welfare. The purpose of this survey research was to collect data about the scope and use of social media by mental health professionals. More specifically, information about the MHPs knowledge of potential risks, safeguards, and practices will be discussed. This course on ethical challenges surrounding social media use for mental health professionals is designed for social workers, professional counselors, psychologists, nurses, and substance abuse counselors, who do clinical work. In addition, this course is appropriate for beginning, intermediate and advanced level practitioners who wish to develop their knowledge of ethical challenges surrounding social media use for mental health professionals The course material includes a literature review of research. It may also be useful for licensed clinicians who require continuing clinical education courses for license renewal. The course is based on a journal article that includes research. It contains statistical analysis and data that some clinicians enjoy reading and others do not. A significant benefit of reading research-based articles for continuing education is they provide practitioners with the latest findings in their field. Authors: Wardi-Zonna, Hardy, Sanders, Hardy Learning Objectives: This course will provide the practitioner with detailed information regarding ethical challenges surrounding social media use for mental health professionals. Specifically, a professional will: Describe potential risks that may occur if mental health professionals misuse social media. Identify prevalence and sentiments surrounding social media use amongst mental health professionals. Recognize clinical issues associated with social media use. Citation: Wardi-Zonna, K., Hardy, J. L., Sanders, E. M., & Hardy, R. M. (2020). Mental Health Professionals and the Use of Social Media: Navigating Ethical Challenges. Journal of Social Work Values & Ethics,1, 17(2), 68-77.