● Encourage mental health practitioners to participate in the formulation and refinement of public policy (at the state and federal levels) relevant to genetic research, services, and treatment of populations with genetically identified predispositions or conditions
In 2003, the National Association of Social Workers published the NASW Standards for Integrating Genetics into Social Work Practice. These standards were meant to educate and inform social workers, encourage them to participate in formulating and refining public policy, advocate for clients’ life, and make sure that social workers provide services to clients with genetic disorders in a manner guided by the NASW Code of Ethics. ● Select and develop culturally competent methods and ensure that they have the skills to work with persons considered vulnerable (e.g., persons with disabilities and persons for whom English is not their primary language). ● Increase their proficiency in using technology and tools that enhance practice. ● Abide by all regulations in all jurisdictions in which they practice. ● Represent themselves accurately and make attempts to confirm the identity of the client and the client’s contact information. ● Protect client information in the electronic record. ● Provide services consistent with accepted standards of care, regardless of the medium used. ● Use available technology to both inform clients and mobilize individuals and communities so that they may advocate for their interests. ● Advocate for technologies that are culturally sensitive, community specific, and available for all who can benefit from them. ● For those in administrative practice, keep themselves informed about technology that can advance quality practice and operations, invest in systems, and establish policies that ensure security and privacy. ● Conduct a thorough assessment, including evaluation of the appropriateness of potential clients for e-therapy. This includes the need for the social worker to fully understand the dynamics involved and the risks and benefits for the client. ● Evaluate the validity and reliability of research collected through electronic means and ensure that the client is likewise informed. Continue to follow applicable standards and laws regarding supervision and consultation. ● Adhere to NASW Standards for Continuing Professional Education and applicable licensing laws regarding continuing education. ○ Is the origin or location of counseling in the client’s community or the therapist’s? Or is it somewhere in cyberspace? ○ And what defines location if a busy executive is involved in an online session while flying from Tucson to Bangkok? This is clearly an ambiguous area that will undoubtedly continue to be discussed. Kanani & Regehr (2003) have summarized some of the other concerns regarding the use of e-therapy: ● E-therapy does not allow practitioners to observe and interpret facial expressions and body language. ● The Internet poses serious risk to security and thus to confidentiality. ● Inappropriate counseling may occur due to therapist ignorance about location-specific factors related to the client (e.g., living conditions, culture). ● Clients cannot be sure as to the credentials, experience, or even identity of the person they are trusting to provide services. ● Clients may not have any legal recourse for malpractice, given unresolved questions about jurisdiction and standards of care.
TECHNOLOGY
While there are many individuals who are hesitant to embrace new technology that can enhance best practice, one cannot ignore its many benefits. Currently, mental health professionals can use technology, particularly the Internet, to conduct research, provide e-therapy, advertise their services (when permitted), and communicate on a global scale with both clients and other professionals. Email, though fraught with potential for security violations and miscommunication, has certainly increased the efficiency and speed with which people can communicate with one another. For example, a mental health researcher can conduct a search on the Internet to inquire about and then contact another professional in another region to investigate innovative approaches to service delivery. Software applications (e.g., basic word processing, financial management systems, and documentation templates) assist practitioners with service planning, delivery, evaluation, and reporting. And wireless technology allows better utilization of their time away from the office. Cell phones have greatly increased accessibility as well. National mental health associations, along with others, are continuing to develop and published guidelines to assist practitioners in the appropriate use of technology, including those who provide virtual therapy services. Technology and practice are generally defined as any electronically mediated activity used in the conduct of competent and ethical delivery of services. For example, a copy of the standards as developed by several social work organizations can be found at https://www. socialworkers.org/includes/newIncludes/homepage/PRA- BRO-33617.TechStandards_FINAL_POSTING.pdf. Social workers shall: ● Act ethically, ensure professional competence, and uphold the values of the profession. ● Have access to and ensure their clients have access to technology and appropriate support systems. Virtual or e-therapy Depending on their mental health focus and where they practice, many mental health practitioners offer online therapy services through real-time chats, email, videoconferencing, telephone conferencing, and instant messaging. The benefits touted by supporters of online therapy, as described by Kanani & Regehr (2003), include the ability to: ● Serve millions of people who would otherwise not participate (e.g., people with certain conditions such as agoraphobia, persons living in remote locations, or those concerned about the stigma of counseling). ● Decrease inhibitions clients may have about fully disclosing relevant information. ● Increase the thoughtfulness and clarity of communication as an unintended by-product of written communication. ● Produce a permanent record that can be easily referred to, forwarded to clients or colleagues for review and consultation purposes. ● Substantially reduce overhead costs, thus reducing costs for the consumer. ● As discussed earlier in this training, one of the major areas still under debate as a result of this new technology is that of jurisdiction. For example: ○ When the client lives in a different state, how can violations of licensing laws be avoided? And which state’s laws would be applicable?
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Book Code: SWUS1524
EliteLearning.com/Social-Work
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