Posts, Privacy, and Professionalism: Ethics in the Social Media Era

This interactive workshop explores the ethical principles and best practices related to social media use and online access to client data. Participants will examine the challenges of maintaining confidentiality, privacy, and professionalism in digital environments. Through case studies and real-world scenarios, attendees will learn how to navigate ethical dilemmas and implement responsible strategies while upholding professional standards and protecting client privacy. Ideal for professionals working in psychology, counseling, social work, healthcare, or any field involving client data, this workshop aims to foster ethical awareness and promote integrity in digital interactions.

Learning objectives:

• Identify key ethical principles relevant to social media, including privacy, confidentiality, professionalism, and responsible communication
• Understand the ethical ramifications of accessing client data online
• Demonstrate ability to apply ethical frameworks to scenarios involving social media interactions, content sharing, and online reputation management
• Develop strategies to maintain professionalism and uphold ethical standards in their personal and organizational social media activities
• Understand how social media influences public perception, trust, and ethical responsibilities of professionals and organizations
• Learn to apply ethical engagement practices that foster trust, transparency, and respect in online interactions.

About our Presenter

Chris Brown, PhD, is Professor Emerita and former Chair of the Division of Counseling and Counseling Psychology at the University of Missouri–Kansas City. She also served as the program coordinator for the master’s program in counseling, interim Dean of the School of Education, and interim Vice Provost of Student Affairs and Dean of Students. With three decades of experience as an educator and researcher in counselor preparation programs, along with over 40 years as a licensed psychologist providing psychotherapy to culturally diverse populations, Chris has dedicated her career to educating and mentoring students, as well as helping clients understand their challenging circumstances and change problematic behaviors. In addition to having taught ethics for 23 years (2000 to 2023), she delivers continuing education workshops on ethics and professional issues to mental health professionals and served on the American Psychological Association’s Ethics Committee from 2016 to 2019. Chris has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed articles and is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association in Divisions 17 (Society of Counseling Psychology) and 29 (Psychotherapy). Her work emphasizes ethical practice and the creation of knowledge that improves client mental health while addressing broader social issues.

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