Supporting and Fostering Ethical Conduct Among Mental Health Professionals

We mental health professionals understand that our beloved field is built upon the key principles of empathy, trust, confidentiality, respect, and ethical conduct. Therapists and other mental health professionals play a pivotal role in helping individuals navigate their mental and emotional challenges. Because of the trust extended to us as professionals, it is imperative that each of us maintain the highest ethical standards not only with clients but also with our fellow colleagues.

In my business coaching and consulting role, one of the highest sources of joy is supporting and encouraging my colleagues toward achieving their professional dreams and goals. However, my heart grows heavy when, on occasion, a colleague sets up an appointment and shares that the reason they are meeting with me is to seek support to discuss a situation when they have been a victim of plagiarism, theft, gossip, discrimination, gaslighting, or harassment. These colleagues often express feelings of shock, betrayal, anger, fear, sadness, and anxiety, and are sometimes uncertain which way to turn or what steps to take.

While I am not an attorney, when a colleague who has been victimized in this way reaches out, we discuss the steps they can take to advocate for themselves. Sometimes that is communicating their concern, or setting a boundary, other times it is contacting an attorney, copyrighting their intellectual property, or requesting no contact if that is what feels safest.

Below I explore various ways therapists can support ethical behavior when interacting with fellow mental health professionals. I realize some of this may seem as obvious as the nose on one’s face, however, because I have colleagues reaching out to me a few times a year expressing their frustrations, betrayals, fears or harmful experiences, it seems important to share as a support.

Avoid Plagiarism

One of the cornerstones of ethical behavior among therapists is refraining from plagiarism. Plagiarism undermines the trust and integrity of the entire profession. Always give proper credit to your colleagues when referencing their work, whether in research, publications, or presentations. Additionally, please do not copy from websites, books, blogs, images, take ideas, and so forth. Trust that you can produce your own unique work - no one appreciates a copy cat. If a colleague has been instrumental in supporting you, or has provided you with ideas and inspiration, then give credit where credit is due. Your candle will not grow dimmer by shining light on another colleague’s successes.

Steer Clear of Gossip

Gossip can be corrosive and detrimental to the therapeutic community. Therapists should refrain from engaging in or spreading gossip about their peers. Respect for professional boundaries includes maintaining confidentiality not only for clients but also for colleagues. A great way to manage this process is to step away from gossip right out of the gate. A simple, kind, non shaming statement such as, “I’m sorry to hear this, let’s extend the benefit of the doubt. I prefer not to discuss this colleague and I wish them well. Let’s change the topic to something more uplifting.” Model what you would hope someone would do for you if you were the focus of gossip.

Don't Take Materials for Free

Respect the intellectual property rights of your colleagues. Do not take or download materials, including assessments, treatment plans, books, or therapeutic techniques, or billable materials without proper authorization or compensation. Do not share materials with others who have not paid for these materials. This ensures fair collaboration and supports the creativity and hard work of fellow professionals. If you have mistakenly received materials that should have been paid for, reach out to your colleague and compensate that person. Remind others to do so as well. Additionally, if you attend a training, please do not duplicate that training (or a portion of the training) and then take credit and compensation as if you were the creator of the training. Again, this type of behavior lacks integrity and in some cases, is illegal.

Avoid Gaslighting

Just as we teach children and others, when we make mistakes or cross boundaries, it is essential to take responsibility for our actions. Gaslighting, or manipulating the situation to make it seem like the mistake did not happen, or to blame shift, or attempt to shame a colleague, or minimize as if it wasn't significant, is not only unkind, it is unethical. Instead, acknowledge your mistakes and work to rectify them. I recently had a colleague reach out who had shared a product of mine with his team of 12. Once he realized his mistake, he stepped up, owned it, apologized and corrected the situation. He did not become defensive when I reached out, but fully owned his mistake. That is the kind of integrity I respect vs. a colleague who denies responsibility and instead, doubles down on their deceit and then feigns outrage when called out on their unprofessional behavior.

Respond Responsibly

If a colleague reaches out with a concern, a request to meet regarding an important matter, or a request to coordinate client care, a timely response is important. While most of us juggle very busy schedules, allowing emails to go unanswered for days and weeks at a time, or phone messages to be ignored, or concerns to go unaddressed is highly unprofessional. Yes, we can sometimes inadvertently miss a text, call or email, we are not robots after all. However, if a colleague has attempted to reach you several times and is met with silence, do not be surprised when trust and respect is impacted and boundaries are set.

Apologize When Boundaries Are Crossed

Therapists are not infallible, and at times, boundaries may unintentionally be crossed. Rather than assuming the worst in a colleague, my motto is to extend the benefit of the doubt, reach out via a meeting, email, text or phone call and give the other person a chance to respond. In such cases, when you are the person who has accidentally crossed a boundary and have made aware of this, seek to understand the other person’s point of view, respond promptly so that your colleague does not need to reach out repeatedly only to be met with silence, acknowledge your error, apologize, and take appropriate steps to prevent it from happening again. Ownership, along with open and honest communication is key. A string of excuses or defensive reactionary responses is never appropriate (i.e. “I did not receive any of your emails”; “I don’t know what you are talking about”; “I am offended that you are sharing this with me,” etc.). The goal should be repairing the rupture vs. creating further wounds.

To Thine Own Self Be True

One of the most difficult things, at least for me, is to allow someone to have a negative opinion of me. When this happens to any of us, it is human nature to want to defend ourselves. We may even want to explain why they’re wrong, or attempt to convince that person that we are decent and worth liking.

As we share with our clients, we are not in control of another person’s opinion, how they view you (or I), the lens they see me (or you) through, and we cannot control what they share with others.

There is a peace in practicing that they’re entitled to their feelings about me/you. A person can choose to like or not like me/you. Or to choose or not choose me/you. They may have labeled you or I in a way that we cannot relate to. They may accept our viewpoint…or not.

However, a negative opinion about you does not define your character. You (and I) get to define our own characters. We can define our own values. We can define our own worth. They may have an opinon or perception of who you are and what you do, but that doesn’t impact your value.

Remember: we don’t have to run ourselves ragged, and exhaust ourselves emotionally and physically trying to people please or accept responsibility for how people choose to read us. You (and I) are not going to be the right fit for everyone, and that is OK. You (and I) are fine just as we are - an imperfect person in progress.

Maintain Professionalism

Professionalism should extend beyond interactions with clients and include how therapists treat one another. Let’s endeavor to show respect and courtesy in all professional exchanges, whether in-person, online, or in written communication. I can’t tell you how many times I have had non PhD therapists, pre-licensed associates, or non clinical mental health professionals (such as recovery coaches) share how poorly they have been spoken to or treated by licensed therapists and/or clinical supervisors, or those with advanced degrees. Let’s extend respect to each person in our mental health community regardless of one’s title, degree, years of experience, or number of awards.

Online Etiquette

In today's digital age, it is vitally important that therapists interact professionally and kindly on social media and in online therapy groups and listservs. While lively and respectful debates or differences of opinions may help round out our various points of view, let’s agree to avoid reactive and volatile confrontations, negative name calling, and other unprofessional and draining actions. By engaging in constructive discussions, we can promote a more supportive online community. If the person you are attempting to engage is unwilling to show up honestly or professionally, consider disengaging, setting a boundary, and protecting your energy.

Protect Client Confidentiality

As we know, respecting client confidentiality is paramount. A gentle but important reminder is not to share any identifiable information about clients, even with colleagues, without explicit consent, this includes within our professional clinical spaces and online spaces. Safeguarding this trust is essential for maintaining ethical conduct within our profession.

Do Not Engage in or Tolerate Harassing Behaviors

Harassment, in any form, is unacceptable. Whether in-person or online, therapists must refrain from engaging in or endorsing any harassing behaviors not only toward clients but toward colleagues, employees, supervisees, peers, and any person with whom we interact. It is vital to promote an inclusive and supportive environment for all colleagues in our practices, clinics, and professional organizations. If you are being harassed by any person, colleague or supervisor, please contact your board, professional organization, or an attorney if your stated boundaries are not being respected.

Embrace Diversity

I think we can all agree that inclusivity should be considered a fundamental ethical principle and a hallmark of professional integrity. We therapists should actively seek to support diversity in our professional organizations and practices, ensuring that clients and colleagues from all backgrounds and identities are valued and respected. If you are struggling with a bias, I encourage you to seek out supervision. Regular supervision and peer review sessions can provide a platform for colleagues to discuss ethical concerns and seek guidance. These processes can help identify and address potential ethical breaches early on.

Expressing Differences Respectfully

Though most of us understand that diversity of thought is enriching, we can also agree that disagreements can arise from time to time. When expressing a difference of opinion, it will go a long way with your colleagues if you can do so respectfully and constructively. Engage in healthy dialogue that promotes growth and learning rather than creating divisions and misunderstandings.

Important Note: If a colleague is being deceptive, disrespectful, unprofessional, or insists on crossing boundaries, is attempting to contact you if you have expressed a boundary of no further contact, you may want to consider blocking that person if it supports your peace of mind and professional safety. Gentle Reminder: You are not required to participate in an ongoing conversation of any kind that feels unhealthy, is gaslighting in nature, or unproductive. You are not required to apologize for your boundaries or expressing your experience clearly and professionally. You are not required to explain your decision of no contact if that is your decision. You are not required to make it “OK” for the person who is conducting themselves in this manner. You are not required to stay silent for fear of retaliation. You are not required to provide proof that they are right and you are wrong, or debate about your lived experience. You are not required to participate in anything that impacts your integrity. You can respectfully state your truth, trust your gut, honor your experience, and maintain your boundaries no matter how they may attempt to spin their unprofessional and unethical actions.

Supervision and Peer Support

I cannot express enough the importance of regular supervision and peer consultations. Both can provide a platform for colleagues to discuss ethical concerns and seek guidance. These processes can help identify and address potential ethical breaches early on.

Ethical Case Consultation

None of us should be working in a bubble in the mental health field. Let’s encourage one another to seek consultation from colleagues, mentors or supervisors when encountering ethical dilemmas. A fresh perspective from a trusted colleague can shed light on complex situations and lead to more ethically sound resolutions with clients or between mental health professionals. If you belong to a professional organization, seeking out legal support when needed is also wise.

Mindful Non Shaming Self-Reflection

I wish we had more focus on helping foster a culture of self-reflection in our mental health profession. This need not be a shaming practice, rather it can be enlightening and encouraging to take a moment to gently and thoughtfully reflect on where we can improve and/or grow our skills. Let’s encourage ourselves and our colleagues to regularly assess our own ethical practices, identify areas for improvement, and take proactive steps to address any areas that may need some attention and improvement.

Creating Safe Spaces

Mental health professionals need more safe spaces where colleagues feel comfortable discussing ethical concerns, mistakes they have made, supervision questions, areas of confusion, fears they contend with, and clinical uncertainty. Each of us need spaces and places to ask questions (yes, even the “obvious” questions), and a chance to discuss concerns without fear of judgment or being humilated. This type of shame free, safe and open dialogue can lead to greater awareness and professional growth.

Final Thoughts…

Let’s be honest, this is not an “easy” profession, as providing the highest level of clinical care is complex and requires years of education, years of supervision, years of test taking and passing licensing exams, then more years of acquiring continuing eduction and, for many of us, years of acquiring multiple certifications to enhance our various specializations, and of course years of practice and experience. Supporting and fostering ethical conduct among mental health professionals is not only vital for the continued trust and credibility of the field, but incredibly beneficial for the health and well being of each and every mental health professional.

I hope what I have outlined underscores the importance of ethical behavior among mental health professionals in maintaining the trust and integrity of the therapeutic community. By adhering to principles such as avoiding plagiarism, refraining from gossip, communicating respectfully and honestly, extending compassion and non judgment, and respecting boundaries, therapists can foster a culture of professionalism, respect, and inclusivity within the field. Upholding ethical standards not only benefits the profession but also ultimately enhances the well-being of the clients we serve.

As I bring this to a close, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation and deep respect to all of you who are engaged in the invaluable work of providing healing within your respective communities. Each day, I am filled with immense awe and gratitude for the remarkable colleagues and friends I have had the privilege to connect with and work with, not only across the United States but also around the world. I see you, I see your efforts, and I honor you. Let’s support one another as we continue to grow as individuals and as a community.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts here. I invite you to share your thoughts on this topic in the comment section below. What encouraging words or suggestions would you like to share to support our colleagues in this field that we all love so much?

Kindly and in support,
Mari