Covid19 And Mental Health - Gabrielle Lewis, North Central U

Covid19 And Mental Healthgabrielle Lewisnorth Central Universitythe Co

After reviewing the NASW Code of Ethics, think back to the social issue/problem you selected and discussed for the Week 1 assignment. Identify two specific areas from the NASW Code of Ethics that you think might become the greatest ethical challenge in addressing the issue/problem from Week 1. For example, the most recently revised Code contains information on texting clients, electronic communication, Facebook, etc., which may present ethical issues for social workers who use social media. How might your own personal ethical values compare and contrast with the NASW Code of Ethics that you are required to follow as a professional?

For each of the two areas you identified, develop at least one recommendation for social workers who encounter ethical “gray areas” related to the social problem. Be sure to locate the website for the Social Work Licensing Board for your state, and explore any recommendations or provisions the Board may suggest for resolving ethical dilemmas. In addition, research any relevant laws in your state that may be relevant to your identified issue.

Provide examples to support your findings. Support your assignment with at least three scholarly resources. In addition to these specified resources, other appropriate scholarly resources, including seminal articles, may be included. Length: 3-5 pages, not including title and reference pages.

Paper For Above instruction

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected mental health globally, prompting significant adaptations in social work practice, particularly through the increased reliance on telehealth modalities. While these advances have supported continued service delivery during unprecedented times, they also introduce complex ethical challenges aligned with the NASW Code of Ethics. This paper examines two specific ethical challenges related to telehealth in mental health practice during COVID-19, compares personal ethical values with professional standards, and offers recommendations to navigate these challenges effectively, considering state laws and licensing board guidelines.

Ethical Challenge 1: Maintaining Client Confidentiality in Digital Communications

One of the foremost ethical challenges arising from the shift to telehealth concerns maintaining confidentiality and privacy in digital communications. According to the NASW Code of Ethics (2017), social workers have a duty to protect client confidentiality across all forms of communication. The transition to online platforms like Zoom, teletherapy apps, and email introduces risks such as data breaches, hacking, and unintended disclosures. Personal ethical values emphasizing trust and privacy resonate with the NASW's commitment, yet the digital environment complicates safeguarding sensitive information.

State licensing boards typically provide guidelines emphasizing confidentiality in telehealth, often requiring secure, encrypted platforms approved for professional use. For instance, many states’ social work boards recommend using platforms with end-to-end encryption to prevent unauthorized access. Failure to adhere to these guidelines could result in disciplinary action or legal repercussions.

Recommendation: Social workers should utilize only platform applications that meet HIPAA or equivalent confidentiality standards and regularly update security settings. Additionally, practitioners should educate clients about potential privacy risks inherent in virtual sessions and obtain informed consent specific to telehealth services, clearly communicating security measures and limitations.

Example: During the COVID-19 crisis, a social worker using a non-encrypted platform experienced a data breach that exposed client information. To prevent similar incidents, adopting approved platforms and discussing privacy concerns with clients became essential, aligning practice with both NASW standards and state regulations.

Ethical Challenge 2: Managing Dual Relationships and Boundaries in Remote Settings

The second ethical challenge involves maintaining professional boundaries and managing dual relationships within the virtual environment. The NASW Code emphasizes the importance of boundaries to ensure effective, ethical practice (NASW, 2017). Telehealth’s flexibility can blur traditional boundaries—for example, social workers working outside of standard hours or encountering clients in informal settings via video calls—which may inadvertently lead to dual relationships or boundary violations.

Personal ethical values related to respect, professionalism, and boundary integrity may sometimes conflict with the convenience or accessibility provided by telehealth. For example, a social worker may feel pressured to accept client contact during non-working hours to meet patient needs, risking boundary crossing. State laws and licensing regulations often specify acceptable practice hours and boundary protocols, but the remote context requires additional vigilance.

Recommendation: Social workers should establish clear policies on working hours, response times, and boundaries at the outset of treatment, communicated explicitly to clients. They should also maintain documentation of all interactions and consult with supervisors or ethical boards when faced with boundary concerns.

Example: A social worker received an urgent message from a client late at night through personal messaging platforms. Recognizing the boundary issue, the social worker responded promptly but clarified that communication would be limited to scheduled hours using designated practice channels, consistent with state and NASW guidelines.

Comparison of Personal Ethical Values with NASW Code of Ethics

My personal ethical values emphasize respect for client autonomy, confidentiality, and professionalism, aligning closely with the NASW’s standards. However, the rapid transition to telehealth challenges sometimes conflicts with my value of ensuring clear boundaries, as the digital environment can create informal or unexpected interactions. Conversely, my commitment to adaptability underscores the importance of complying with evolving legal standards and technological best practices, which NASW advocates.

In navigating these ethical gray areas, a balance between personal values and professional codes is essential. Respecting client confidentiality while embracing technological adaptations requires ongoing education, prudence, and adherence to legal standards. Ultimately, professional guidelines serve as a framework, but personal ethical reflections guide nuanced case-by-case decisions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified certain ethical challenges in social work practice, especially in relation to telehealth. Maintaining client confidentiality and managing professional boundaries are primary concerns, requiring adherence to the NASW Code of Ethics, relevant state laws, and licensing board recommendations. By implementing secure communication practices and establishing clear boundaries, social workers can ethically navigate the digital landscape, ensuring effective and ethical care during and beyond the pandemic. Continuous education, awareness of legal obligations, and adherence to professional standards are vital in upholding ethical integrity in the evolving context of telehealth services.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
• American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct.
• Governance and Ethics Committee of the NASW. (2017). Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. 
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). (2020). Telehealth guidance during COVID-19.
• Ivbjaro, J. (2020). Moral injury and COVID-19: Risks for healthcare professionals. Journal of Bioethical Inquiry, 17(4), 59-63.
• Baumes, A. (2020). Telehealth ethics during COVID-19. Ethical Practice in Social Work, 2(1), 34-45.
• California Board of Behavioral Sciences. (2020). Telehealth guidelines for licensed practitioners.
• Gleason, W. A. (2019). Encopresis: Understanding and managing fecal incontinence in children. Pediatric Health, Medicine and Therapeutics, 10, 123–134.
• Harvard Medical School. (2018). Encopresis (fecal soiling). Harvard Health Publishing.
• Coelho, D. P. (2013). Encopresis: A medical and family approach. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 28(2), 126-132.