The primary goal of this presentation is a review & discussion of state & federal laws, rules and regulations and ethical guidelines that apply to licensed mental health professionals who provide mental health and forensic services to children and families. This program will provide strategies for reducing risk, limiting stress and avoiding common pitfalls that can plague an unwary provider. A family’s relationship is often interrupted by death, divorce, separation, the involvement of CPS or other agencies, or a serious health or mental health diagnosis that requires outside intervention. Facing difficult family situations can be particularly difficult for mental health professionals so additional care must be taken to enforce boundaries, prioritize the big picture in determining client needs over client wants, keep the therapeutic relationship intact where possible, and anticipate and plan for crisis situations. There will be specific instruction on identifying the client, documentation dilemmas, dealing with families in litigation, responding to requests for records, and maintaining professional ethics in legal situations. Attendees will gain an understanding of how the legal system works, the importance of preparation for crisis situations, maintaining professional boundaries and staying within the role of therapist. There will also be a discussion of the BHEC complaint investigation process and recent changes that impact licensed professionals in Texas.

Specific Learning Objectives:

1.        Understand state and federal laws, Board Rules and ethical guidelines that apply to providing mental health services to children and families when addressing parental access to a child’s records, the age of consent for services, and expertly evaluating and responding to subpoenas for testimony or records within the legal system.

2.        Understand the need for advance planning and the development of policies and procedures to help deal with anticipated crises within the family system as well as emergencies that may arise.

3.        Understand Texas law regarding mandatory reports of suspected abuse and neglect of a child, an elderly person or a disabled person.

4.        Develop strategies for maintaining professional boundaries and protecting the professional when dealing with the legal system or families in crisis.

5.       Understand the BHEC process for receiving, investigating and resolving licensing board complaints.

This workshop is approved for 6 ethics CEU credits for LPC, LCDC, LMFT, Social Workers, Educators, TEA CPE #902304.

Kenda Dalrymple is a Partner in the firm of Dalrymple, Shellhorse, Ellis & Diamond, L.L.P. in Austin, Texas. She earned her B.A. in Communications from Baylor University and her law degree from Baylor University School of Law. She practices in the areas of administrative and health law, with an emphasis on representing licensed professionals before their licensing boards and advising them on matters related to their practices. She is married to her college sweetheart, Bill Dalrymple, and they live in Cedar Park with

lots of dogs.