Continuing Education

Client Rights and the Code of Ethics

Empowering Ethical Practice in Social Work Settings

Mental Health Education

About The Course

Course Title: Client Rights and the Code of Ethics

Learning Method: Record asynchronous distance (non-interactive). This course includes a recorded video and access to the presented resources.

Amount of CE Credit Offered: 1.5 credits (ethics). ASWB ACE and NBCC.

Fees: This course can be purchased individually for $25 or as part of an annual unlimited continuing education subscription available for $99/year.

Posttest: Following the course, the participant will take a 10 question posttest. A score of 70% correct is required to pass and obtain a certificate. If you do not pass the posttest, it can be re-taken after fully reviewing the materials again.

Certificate of Completion: In order to receive a certificate of completion, you must indicate that you’ve watched the entire video portion of the course, earn a passing grade on the test, and complete the requested course evaluation.

Description of the Course:

Why is understanding this topic important?

1. Promotes Client Trust and Empowerment:

Understanding client rights and ethical principles ensures transparency, respect, and collaboration, fostering a strong therapeutic alliance.

2. Ensures Ethical and Legal Compliance:

Adherence to the NASW Code of Ethics and relevant laws protects both clients and practitioners, reducing the risk of ethical violations and legal repercussions.

3. Enhances Professional Integrity:

Ethical awareness and practices uphold the reputation of the social work profession, demonstrating a commitment to social justice, inclusivity, and client-centered care.

Learning Objectives:

Understand and Apply Ethical Guidelines: Participants will be able to identify and implement key principles of the NASW Code of Ethics, focusing on client rights, informed consent, and confidentiality in their practice.
Improve Client-Centered Communication: Learners will develop strategies to effectively communicate therapeutic processes and boundaries, fostering trust and collaboration with clients.
Navigate Ethical Challenges: Attendees will gain skills to address complex ethical dilemmas, including cultural sensitivities, mandated reporting, and professional boundaries, while maintaining ethical and legal standards.

Target Audience:

Mental health professionals and Masters and Clinical level licensees pursuing continuing education.

Content Level:

Both beginning and intermediate-level content are included in this course.

Instructor Bio(s):

Sarah Simpson, Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

Sarah is an experienced therapist who specializes in a range of complex issues including trauma, addiction, anxiety, and fostering healthy relationships. She approaches therapy with a compassionate and supportive mindset, firmly believing in the importance of walking alongside her clients as they navigate the varied challenges that life presents. Her goal is to empower individuals to understand and overcome their struggles, ensuring they feel heard and valued throughout their therapeutic journey.

Professionally trained in several evidence-based therapeutic modalities, Sarah has extensive expertise in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS). She continually seeks to enhance her knowledge and skills by engaging in ongoing professional development and training, allowing her to provide the most effective and current treatments.

Course Outline:

1) Introduction to Client Rights and Ethics

Overview of the NASW Code of Ethics
Importance of understanding client rights in social work
Goals and objectives of ethical social work practice

2) Informed Consent and Transparency

Definition and significance of informed consent
Key components of informed consent in therapy
Setting client expectations and fostering collaboration

3) Confidentiality and Legal Mandates

Importance of confidentiality in building trust
Exceptions to confidentiality (e.g., harm, mandated reporting)
Best practices for securing client information

4) Navigating Ethical Challenges

Addressing cultural competence and humility
Managing dual relationships and professional boundaries
Strategies for handling ethical dilemmas effectively

5) Practical Application and Conclusion

Case examples of ethical decision-making
Engaging in ongoing professional development
Summary of key takeaways and their application in practice

Course Creation Date: 1/27/25

Requesting Accessibility Accommodations:

Please email [email protected] to request accessibility accommodations.

System Requirements:

The most recent version of Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge browser
Javascript enabled
PDF plugin
Graphic and audio output capability
Broadband internet connection with a minimum speed of 5Mbps (recommended)
TLS 1.2 supported by your web browser

Refund Policy: In general, refunds will not be provided. However, if you do have any concerns or grievances, please contact us at the email address below. Registrants who do not complete their course(s) will not receive a refund. Registrants who purchased the course but did not achieve a passing grade will not receive a refund. The Agents of Change Grievance Policy can be viewed here.

Cancellation Policy: If an Agents of Change Continuing Education course is canceled, a full refund will be provided to all participants.

Please email [email protected] with any questions about the course.

Agents of Change is Approved by ACE

Agents of Change, #1919, 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: 7/26/2023 – 7/26/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 1 continuing education credit.

Agents of Change is Approved by NBCC

Agents of Change has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7620. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Agents of Change is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

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Your Continuing Education Includes

Audio + Visual Content

We design our continuing education to support all learning styles. Each topic includes engaging videos and visual slides. With your purchase, you also get access to on-the-go audio resources.

High Quality Materials

Build your understanding with high quality materials and comprehensive explanations. Agents of Change will help you master the topics you need to know to build your career.

PEER + Email Support

With your purchase, you'll be invited to the Agents of Change community, a supporting skill building environment. You'll also have access to the Agents of Change team for any questions!