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Exploring the Ethics of Confidentiality

Enroll in the Online Self-Study course and complete it at your own pace.
3 CE hours available for behavioral health clinicians upon completion.

Confidentiality is the cornerstone of behavioral health practice—yet navigating its ethical and legal boundaries can be complex and emotionally charged. When does protecting client privacy give way to a duty to warn, protect, or report? And how do you make the right decision when lives or careers are on the line?

This course empowers clinicians to navigate the gray areas of confidentiality with greater clarity, competence, and confidence. Through real-world scenarios and clear, research-informed guidance, participants are equipped to uphold both professional integrity and client trust.

Enroll in the 3 CE Online Self-Study for $60

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Kathryn Krase, Ph.D., J.D., M.S.W., is a nationally recognized expert in professional ethics and mandated reporting. As Principal Consultant with Krase Consulting, she brings decades of experience advising community agencies and government entities on ethical practice standards. Her deep understanding of law, social work, and clinical realities positions her as the ideal guide for this critical training.

Dr. Krase takes a grounded, practical approach to ethics, combining legal analysis with human-centered teaching. Her style is approachable yet precise, offering learners an accessible path through even the most difficult ethical dilemmas.

Participants will explore the ethical and legal foundations of confidentiality, the concept of privilege, and the nuanced obligations clinicians face when client information intersects with harm, legal proceedings, or third-party requests. Topics include managing confidentiality in digital spaces, working with minors or cognitively impaired adults, court-ordered disclosures, and maintaining appropriate client records.

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Instructor

Kathryn Krase, Ph.D., J.D., M.S.W., Principal Consultant with Krase Consultant, is an expert on the professional reporting of suspected child maltreatment. She has authored multiple books and articles on the subject. She has years of experience consulting with government and community based organizations to develop policy & practice standards.

“Making the Tough Call” is a project of Krase Consulting. Kathryn S. Krase is the sole proprietor of both initiatives. Both Making the Tough Call and Krase Consulting are registered entities in New York State. 

Key Takeaways:

  • Clarify your legal and ethical boundaries: Learn when confidentiality must be maintained—and when it must be breached.

  • Strengthen your communication skills: Discuss confidentiality openly with clients to build informed trust and avoid future misunderstandings.

  • Navigate complex scenarios with confidence: Respond appropriately to legal subpoenas, mandated reporting laws, and client crises.

Why this course?

  • Deep expertise with real-world application: Dr. Krase’s legal, clinical, and consulting experience ensures the training is grounded in both theory and practice.

  • Trusted CE provider: The Telehealth Certification Institute is known for delivering high-quality, accessible, and up-to-date continuing education for behavioral health professionals.

  • Learn what others miss: Confidentiality violations are the most common ethical breach in the field—yet often go unnoticed. This course helps you avoid hidden pitfalls that could jeopardize your clients or career.

Learning Objectives:

  • Explain the legal obligation to keep client information confidential.

  • Competently discuss with their clients these obligations so that clients make an educated decision when sharing information with the professional.

  • Respond to ethical, legal, and moral conundrums faced when considering to breach client confidentiality.

Whether you're a seasoned clinician or new to the field, this self-paced course offers essential tools to protect your clients, yourself, and the integrity of your practice. Join us in exploring what it means to “keep a confidence”—and when doing so may come at too high a cost.

Add this course to your cart to begin learning instantly.

This is a non-interactive, self-study course that consists of 180 minutes of video instruction, a post-test and a course evaluation.

Enroll in the 3 CE Online Self-Study for $60

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Availability: From the time of registration, you have six months to access the coursework.

Who Should Attend: This course is intended for clinicians who provide behavioral health services.

Teaching Methods: This is a non-interactive, self-study course. Teaching methods for this course include recorded lectures, videos, a post-test, and a course evaluation.

How to attend: Directions for completing a course can be found by clicking here.

This program was recorded on October 13, 2023.

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