Smart Ethics: Protecting Client Privacy in a Digitally Connected World

Target Audience This training is designed for social workers across clinical, healthcare, agency, supervisory, and private practice settings who want to strengthen client privacy and navigate the ethical challenges of an increasingly digital world. Content level Intermediate. Participants should have a foundational understanding of social work ethics and confidentiality; no prior cybersecurity or technology expertise is required. CE credits: 1.5 (Ethics) About the Course As social workers, we uphold the core value of client confidentiality. Yet many of us are unknowingly compromising it through our daily digital practices. From smart speakers in our homes to unencrypted texting apps, our reliance on technology introduces ethical dilemmas and privacy risks we may not recognize. This experiential session explores how common devices, apps, and habits can undermine confidentiality and what steps clinicians can take to assess and mitigate these vulnerabilities. Drawing from real-world examples, open-source intelligence practices, and ethical frameworks, this presentation will empower participants with practical tools to uphold client privacy in an increasingly connected world. This course was recorded on September 30,  2026. Learning Objectives At the conclusion of this webinar participants will be able to: 1. Understand common scams targeting therapists and improve your ability to identify and avoid common pitfalls to protect you, your clients, your license, and your practice. 2. Identify and describe common digital vulnerabilities that pose risks to client confidentiality and therapist boundaries. 3. Apply lessons learned to make ethical decisions about digital privacy dilemmas to your lived experience. Registration The cost is $50 for non-members. CSWA members receive 25% off. Active CSWA members must use a coupon code to access the discount. The coupon code can be found in the members-only area of www.clinicalsocialworkassociation.org. Please contact the CSWA office for assistance, if needed. Both members and nonmembers must register for the course through this platform. This program is non-refundable. This program will be available for purchase indefinitely but will be updated for current content every 5 years at a minimum. Upon purchase, access to the course for the purchasing individual will be available for one year. Course interaction & CE completion requirements This course is a recorded asynchronous distance learning course and is completely online utilizing the CSWA Educational Programming website platform via Thinkific.com. This course is noninteractive. To earn 1.5 CE credits, participants are required to watch the full course recording, complete and pass an online post-test with a minimum 70% score, and complete a course evaluation. Registrants may re-take the test as many times as is needed. Certificates of completion will be automatically provided once the above requirements have been completed. System Requirements Registrants may use a computer/laptop, tablet or phone to view the course, and built-in or external speakers to listen to the course using the CSWA Educational Programming website via Thinkific.com. A fast internet connection is recommended. No additional online platforms or additional physical devices are required. Additional Information About Viewing the Recording Please note that you will not be able to rewind or fast-forward through the recorded program. Pausing will be the only feature allowed during the viewing of the program. Closed captions are automatic but can be disabled or adjusted for personal preference. Special Accommodations To request special accommodations, please contact the CSWA office at [email protected] prior to registration.  CE Provider Information Clinical Social Work Association, provider #1719, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 8/27/26-8/27/29. Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 ethics continuing education credits. Unsure if your state accepts ACE program for continuing education credit? Please visit https://www.aswb.org/licenses/ace-approved-continuing-education/, and also check with your state board for their licensure renewal requirements. It is the registrant’s responsibility to determine if this course is applicable for continuing education credits in the registrant’s state(s). Questions? Contact Angela Katona, CSWA Director of Operations, at [email protected].