Social media presents a variety of clinical and ethical challenges for clinicians who provide face-to-face mental health services. These challenges can include extra-therapeutic contacts between clinicians and their clients. Clinicians must also consider what distinguishes personal from professional activities online. These challenges are compounded when clinicians lack clearly developed policies related to their online behaviors and interactions. 



In this 2-hour continuing education web conference, Dr. Keely Kolmes will discuss how to apply digital ethics to social networking sites and activities. Dr. Kolmes will provide guidelines for anticipating and managing issues that may arise for practitioners who are using social media. Additionally, Dr. Kolmes will address current applicable ethical standards.



This introductory instructional level web conference is designed to help clinicians:




  1. Analyze the latest research on clients and clinicians seeking one another’s information on the internet.

  2. Describe several popular social media sites and services. 

  3. Summarize the ethical challenges that may arise from engaging in activities on the internet. 

  4. Assess different approaches and strategies toward social networking and managing one’s online presence. 

  5. Create a social media policy for a practice to address potential ethical issues with clients.



If you have any questions or concerns about this web conference or would like more information, please contact us here.


How the Web Conference Works

Before the scheduled event, all registered attendees will be sent a reminder email from GoodTherapy with specific instructions on how to log in to the web conference center, as well as links to optional handout materials if applicable.



To attend the event, registered attendees will log in to the web conference center using a computer or device (smartphone or tablet with internet access) and calling into the teleconference line on a phone.



Attendees will be able to ask live audio questions via phone and/or submit text chat questions via their computer or device. Attendees who are logged in to the event center will be able to see the live streaming video and/or document sharing. Alternatively, attendees may dial into the teleconference line only, though attendees dialing in by phone only will be unable to ask questions.



At the conclusion of this event, participants will receive an email with information about how to request a CE certificate in the GoodTherapy Member's Area. To confirm attendance, participants must enter the start and end codes announced at the beginning and end of the live presentation. Participants will also be prompted to complete an online survey evaluating the event. Participants will need to complete this online survey within six days after the event. Once completed, participants will be able to download a copy of their CE certificate instantly.



For additional information about this event or our CE grievance procedures, please contact us here


Continuing Education (CE) Information

2 CE contact hours will be provided by GoodTherapy for attending this web conference in its entirety. 

GoodTherapy is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEPTM) and may offer NBCC-approved clock hours for events that meet NBCC requirements.

GoodTherapy is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. GoodTherapy maintains responsibility for this program and its content. This homestudy course is cosponsored by Person Centered Tech, LLC. Person Centered Tech, LLC is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Person Centered Tech, LLC maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

GoodTherapy, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0395.

GoodTherapy, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0022 and for licensed mental health counselors #MHC-0031.

Registration Information

Premium and Pro Membership with GoodTherapy includes access to this web conference at no additional cost. Not yet a member? Sign up for a Premium or Pro Membership, here.

Mental health professionals who are not members can access the homestudy recording for $15.50. Sign up here to purchase this CE course and earn a CE certificate.

Event Reviews from Members

Meet the Presenter

Keely Kolmes, PsyD

Keely Kolmes, PsyD is a licensed psychologist in private practice in San Francisco, CA. Dr. Kolmes currently serves as Vice Chair on the Ethics Committee of the California Psychological Association (CPA) and is CPA's elected Council Representative on the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Council.



Dr. Kolmes writes, researches, and provides consultation and training on clinical and ethical issues related to social networking and technology. Their Private Practice Social Media Policy has been cited and adapted internationally. They have published a New York Times Op-Ed on the challenge of consumer reviews of mental health services. Dr. Kolmes has also been quoted in The Washington Post, Forbes.com, HuffPost Live, and BBC News on issues related to the internet, ethics, and clinical practice.