Ethics & Social Media: Navigating Visibility, Boundaries, and Professional Responsibility

Social media has become an unavoidable part of modern clinical practice—whether therapists actively post online, maintain a professional presence, or simply exist in digital spaces where clients can easily find them. While social platforms offer opportunities for education, connection, and advocacy, they also introduce complex ethical challenges related to boundaries, confidentiality, self-disclosure, dual relationships, and professional identity.

This continuing education course provides therapists with a clear, practical framework for ethically navigating social media use while remaining aligned with professional standards and values. Participants will explore how ethical principles apply to real-life digital scenarios, including therapist self-disclosure online, client interactions on social platforms, content creation, marketing, and managing visibility in small or overlapping communities.

Through case examples, discussion, and ethical decision-making models, clinicians will learn how to assess risk, clarify boundaries, and develop a social media presence (or absence) that supports both client welfare and therapist integrity.

Participants will leave with increased confidence in making thoughtful, ethical choices related to social media use—without relying on rigid rules or fear-based avoidance.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify common ethical risks related to therapist use of social media

• Apply core ethical principles to digital and online scenarios

• Navigate boundaries, confidentiality, and dual relationships in online spaces

• Evaluate therapist self-disclosure and content creation through an ethical lens

• Develop personal guidelines for ethical social media engagement

Course Format

This course is educational in nature and includes didactic teaching, case examples, and opportunities for reflection and discussion.

Intended Audience

Licensed mental health professionals and pre-licensed clinicians seeking continuing education in ethics and professional practice.