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  • Author:

    Ray W. Christner, PsyD

  • Level: 

    Foundational  

  • CREDIT(S)

    1.25

  • Video

    1 hour 24 minutes

Beyond the Code: Navigating Ethics and Risk in School-Based Practice

This presentation provides a comprehensive exploration of ethics in the practice of school psychology, emphasizing that ethical decision-making is not a one-time requirement for continuing education but an ongoing, foundational aspect of professional conduct. Designed for school psychologists and allied professionals, the session delves into the contextual complexities that influence ethical practice in educational settings, including intersecting legal, professional, and organizational standards. Using real-world scenarios and evidence-informed frameworks, the presentation guides participants through key concepts such as confidentiality, informed consent, documentation, and risk management. It introduces a structured problem-solving model to navigate ethical dilemmas and encourages critical reflection on the roles, responsibilities, and rights of students, families, and professionals. By grounding ethical practice in both principle and pragmatism, this session supports practitioners in cultivating an ethically responsive and legally sound approach to their daily work in schools.

Course Objectives:

1. Describe the contextual factors that influence ethical decision-making in school psychology settings, including differences in legal, organizational, and professional standards (e.g., APA, NASP, FERPA, HIPAA).
2. Differentiate between laws, ethical principles, and professional guidelines, and explain how these intersect and sometimes conflict in school-based practice.

3. Apply a structured ethical problem-solving model to resolve ethical dilemmas involving confidentiality, consent, and dual relationships in educational environments.

4. Identify best practices for obtaining and documenting informed consent and assent when working with minors and families in schools.

Ray W. Christner, PsyD

Ray W. Christner, Psy.D., NCSP, ABPP, is a licensed psychologist and a certified school psychologist in Pennsylvania, a nationally certified school psychologist, and a nationally registered health service psychologist. He specializes in clinical and school psychology, and he is board-certified in behavioral and cognitive psychology. Operating an independent practice in Hanover, Pennsylvania, Dr. Christner also provides telepsychology services in 41 states as an authorization holder of the APIT (Authorization to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology) and the TAP (Temporary Authorization to Practice). His clinical work includes psychotherapy, psychological and neuropsychological testing, consultation services, and program evaluations. He works with children, adolescents, and adults with psychological, developmental, social, behavioral, and learning differences. 

A recognized author and speaker, Dr. Christner has contributed extensively to the field through numerous publications and presentations. His book, Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions in Educational Settings: A Handbook for Practice (now in its 3rd edition), has been translated into Japanese, Korean, and Romanian. Additionally, Dr. Christner shares his thoughts on topics related to psychology as the cohost of the podcast Psyched to Practice and writes the Living Psyched blog for Psychology Today. His work has garnered attention from prominent media outlets such as Today, Parents, Newsweek, Lifehacker, Yahoo!Life, ABC, Fox, Special Education Connection, and Authority Magazine, to name a few.
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About Us

Program

CE Library

Psyched to Practice, LLC, is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Psyched to Practice, LLC, maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 
Psyched to Practice, LLC, is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) to offer continuing professional development (CPDs) for school psychologists. Psyched to Practice, LLC, maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 
Other mental health and education professionals are welcome to attend our webinars, workshops, and courses. Participants will receive a continuing education certificate upon completion. We encourage individuals to consult their respective licensing or accrediting boards to determine eligibility for continuing education credit within their professional field.

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