Professional Ethics: Operating in an Ethical Vacuum

Kate Speck, PhD, MAC, LADC has over 36 years’ experience as an educator/trainer in the behavioral health field. She has a strong background in addictions co-occurring disorders, prevention/intervention, suicide prevention, adolescents, pregnant and parenting women, and in training and education.

She is currently with the University of Nebraska, Public Policy Center as a Senior Research Manager. Kate teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in the social sciences as well as planning and directing statewide training programs. As a member of the International Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (IMINT) she has provided training and technical assistance locally and nationally in the use of Motivational Interviewing since 1997.

Professional Ethics: Operating in an Ethical Vacuum
All professions are bound by a code of ethics and this is especially important in the human services field. This presentation will describe standards of practice and provide an opportunity to apply the standards to real world cases for professionals. Both mandatory ethics and aspirational ethics will be discussed.
Objectives:
• Review the Functions of the Ethical Code
• Review the Responsibility of Ethical Committees/State Licensure Boards
• Discuss Self Disclosure as component of ethical practice
• Review aspects of boundary violations