Social Justice and Mental Health Professionals: Issues, Acts, and Ethics

Eligible Participants: Social Workers, Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, School-Based Clinicians, Graduate Students, and others supporting the mental health and well-being of children and youth. 

Date/Time: Friday, August 9, 2024; 10 am - 12 pm

Method: Live Instruction via Zoom (Link will be provided prior to course date)

Cost: This course is free-of-charge through a generous grant from the Pew Charitable Trusts.

CE Credits: Participants will receive 2 CE Credits upon completion.

Child Guidance Resource Centers (CGRC) is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors to offer continuing education for social workers, marriage and family therapists, and professional counselors. CGRC maintains responsibility for the program.

Description: This workshop offers participants the opportunity to explore the concept of social justice and how it ties in with professional codes of ethics.  Part I will highlight how social justice is addressed in various professional codes of conduct.  In Part II, participants will learn about relevant economic and political theories, as well as how the concept of social justice has evolved over time.  Part III will address issues of social justice specific to the mental health system.  It will also explain opportunities for addressing social justice issues within an ecological framework.  In Part IV, a psychosocial history of a family will be presented.  Participants will be challenged to identify potential issues and opportunities for acting in furtherance of social justice.  

Course Format: This 2-hour course will be held on-line via Zoom. The format will include a PowerPoint presentation and interactive participation using chat, small break-out groups, and large-group discussion. 

Course Objectives: At the conclusion of the training, participants will be able to:

1. Discuss the evolving concept of social justice and how it relates to mental health professionals’ ethical responsibilities.
2. Describe the importance of viewing clients through an intersectional lens.
3. Identify at least 3 activities that mental health professionals can engage in to facilitate social justice.
4. Demonstrate an ability to identify social justice concerns and opportunities for advocacy based on a family’s psychosocial history.

Terms

By providing my electronic signature below or by printing, signing, and returning this document to CGRC, I acknowledge that I have completely read and understand the following:

1. The information provided during registration may be used for the following:

• Provide Zoom link and course material
• Process Continuing Education Credits if applicable

2. A Certificate of Completion will be awarded upon completion of the course, post-test (80% minimum score) and satisfaction survey.

3. Record of Attendance and Completion will be maintained for7 years.