Preferred registration deadline: September 11th

3 CEs

Owning and managing a private therapy practice in today’s evolving landscape presents complex ethical considerations that extend beyond traditional guidance. From telehealth platforms and electronic health records (EHRs) to artificial intelligence (AI) and digital marketing strategies, social workers must continuously adapt while maintaining adherence to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics.

This workshop examines contemporary ethical challenges in private practice and applies relevant NASW ethical standards to real-world scenarios. Participants will explore how emerging technologies and shifting business practices impact confidentiality, informed consent, competence, and professional boundaries. The workshop will also provide practical strategies for updating policies, refining clinical and administrative practices, and integrating innovation in an ethically responsible manner. Through case examples and guided discussion, participants will strengthen their ability to analyze ethical dilemmas, mitigate risk, and align their practice with professional standards while responding to the demands of a modern

This is an interactive synchronous distance learning course via Zoom. This workshop meets the licensure requirement for 3 hours of continuing education in ethics. 

General Admission: $65**
**Eligible discounts can be applied during checkout.

Class size is limited to 45.

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Course Outline

Content Level: Intermediate

Target Audiences: Social workers, Counselors, and other Helping Professionals in private practice settings

Agenda:

• Introductions - 5 mins
• Class polls and topic engagement - 10 mins
• Upholding the value of competence in private practice - 15 mins
• Use of AI in private practice and ethical dilemmas - 30 mins
• Use of ethical practice management and billing platforms - 30 mins
• Insurance vs private pay - 15 mins
• Ethical dilemmas surrounding pricing for services - 15 mins
• Factors when picking a practice location - 15 mins
• Participant polls and case study review - 35 mins
• Q&A - 10 mins

Learner Outcomes

• Analyze ethical considerations related to the use of emerging technologies (e.g., telehealth, EHRs, AI) in private practice using the NASW Code of Ethics. 
• Apply relevant NASW ethical standards to identify and address common ethical risks and pitfalls in private practice settings. 
• Examine strategies for maintaining professional competence, including the development and refinement of a defined clinical niche.

Course Completion Requirements:

• The Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Professional Development, provider #2130, 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: 9/24/2025 – 9/24/2028. Social workers completing this course receive 3 ethics continuing education credits.
• The Brown School is also an approved provider of Social Work CEs in Missouri and Illinois.
• To earn ACE credit, attendees must arrive at the scheduled time, attend the entire course, and complete an online course evaluation. ACE credit is not provided for partial attendance.  However, you may still qualify for partial Social Work Missouri and Illinois CEs provided by the Brown School.
• Brown School CE Certificates will be available online within 10 business days of course completion by visiting your learner profile at https://ce.wustl.edu/portal/logon.do?method=load&parentSite=brown.  You will receive an email notification with specific instructions for accessing the online certificate when it is available. ACE CE Certificates, if requested in your evaluation survey, will be emailed within 10 business days of course completion.
• For more information about CEs, accessibility, refund/cancelation policy, our grievance policy, or other inquiries, please visit our About Us page or email brownprofdev@wustl.edu.