The Ethical Mental Health Therapist-Back to Basics

5 CE Hours

Ethical dilemmas arise when there is a conflict between two or more ethically right decisions. But therapists don’t always feel comfortable making these decisions or, may even disregard the codes that are meant to guide decision making. While we’ve all experienced a time when we were unclear, failing to make ethically sound decisions can lead to:

  • Harm to clients
  • Legal consequences
  • Loss of licensure
  • Damage to your reputation, and
  • Personal and professional stress

This course utilizes the NASW, ACA, AMHCA, AAMFT, and APA codes of ethics and is designed to provide you with the skills and competencies you need to enhance your ability to make informed ethical decisions in your practice. In this course, you’ll learn how to recognize and address common ethical dilemmas in our current climate and gain insight on finding the most ethically sound path for mental health clinicians to follow. Components of the course include:

  • The What and Why of Ethical Codes
  • Provider Competence and Informed Consent
  • Confidentiality, Mandated Reporting, and Duty to Warn and Protect
  • Professional Boundaries and Multiple Relationships (Sexual and Non-Sexual)
  • Ethical Challenges with Technology
  • Ethical Decision Making
  • Responding to or Making an Ethics Complaint

CE Hours

Completion of the full course provides 5 NBCC approved CE hours.



Your Instructor


Lynell Howard, PhD, LPC, NCC, CPCS
Lynell Howard, PhD, LPC, NCC, CPCS

Dr. Lynell Howard has been providing psychological counseling, consulting, and training services for over 20 years. A native of New Orleans, LA, she holds licenses as a professional counselor in Texas, Georgia, and Louisiana and has been a practicing consultant and clinician in various settings. Dr. Howard began her career as a member of a private group practice where she engaged in clinical counseling and psychometric assessment. She later established an independent practice and has served numerous consulting clients in small and large organizations, including the US Armed Services, public school districts, state government, and the private sector. Dr. Howard is a Board Certified Counselor and Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor and has provided training and consulting services across the US, Europe, and Asia.


Course Curriculum


  The Ethical Mental Health Therapist
Available in days
days after you enroll
  End of Course Quiz, Evaluation, and Certificate
Available in days
days after you enroll


ACEP Logo-web.jpg

Howard Harris and Associates has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6977. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Howard Harris and Associates is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.


Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

Get started now!