*Registration payment includes Credit Cards and Interfund Transfers ONLY.
Social workers, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, educators, school personnel, mental health professionals, clinicians, health and human service practitioners, and other health care professionals.
By the very nature of their jobs, mental health professionals and other healthcare personnel are frequently working with people in difficult, stressful situations. The combination of a client’s vulnerability (and/or emotional volatility), the often sensitive nature of the subject matter being discussed, and the possibility that the underlying situation is or may be the subject of legal proceedings can prove to be a risky and challenging one for a compassionate, engaged caregiver. And for many of us, the mere thought of having to deal with lawyers—whether they are asserting malpractice claims or just seeking testimony for a mutual client’s benefit—may induce feelings of confusion, fear, or even revulsion.
This interactive workshop, facilitated by a practicing attorney and a former attorney-turned-therapist who present for lawyers throughout the U.S. and Canada, will provide clinicians with practical guidance for both (1) navigating client relationships in a manner that avoids potential ethical (or at least unprofessional) pitfalls and traps for the unwary, and (2) interacting with lawyers when preparing for or providing testimony in depositions or other court proceedings. The ethics portion will focus on such issues as maintaining proper boundaries in client relationships, and keeping alert for subtle conflicts between the client’s interests and our own. The second part will go beyond a mere overview of the legal system to give an inside look at how lawyers think and what they are trying to accomplish when interacting with us as potential fact or expert witnesses. Topics discussed will include responding to subpoenas for medical records, providing deposition testimony or affidavits, and testifying in court. The goal is for participants to leave the program a bit more at ease with the system and (can this be true?) comfortable dealing with lawyers. The lively ReelTime Training format uses a mixture of entertaining and provocative film clips, clinical examples, and lively discussions about participants’ experiences with and questions regarding these thorny topics.
Speakers
Michael Kahn, LPC, JD
Chris Osborn, JD
Charlotte AHEC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5096. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Charlotte AHEC is solely responsible for all aspects of the program.
Gabriela Staley MEd, 704-512-6523
