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  • Author:

    Ray W. Christner, PsyD

  • Level: 

    Foundational

  • CREDIT(S)

    1

  • Video

    1 hour

When Ethics Meet the Law: Navigating Legal Requests and Letter Writing in Practice 

Mental health professionals are increasingly asked to participate in legal processes, whether through subpoenas, court orders, or requests for advocacy letters. This workshop addresses the critical intersection of ethics and the law, providing school and clinical psychologists with the tools to navigate legal requests without compromising ethical standards. Participants will learn the differences between subpoenas and court orders, how to respond appropriately while protecting client confidentiality, and how to avoid the pitfalls of role conflict and impaired objectivity when writing letters for legal or non-clinical purposes. Through real-world examples and practical strategies, attendees will gain the confidence to uphold professional ethics even when facing complex legal pressures. 

Course Objectives:

1. Describe appropriate procedures for responding to subpoenas and court orders, including differentiation between legal obligations and ethical standards regarding client confidentiality.​
2. Evaluate the clinical and ethical implications of writing advocacy or third-party letters, especially in cases involving dual roles or legal proceedings.​ 
3. Identify best practices for protecting client confidentiality and avoiding role conflicts when asked to provide documentation for legal, educational, or workplace purposes.​ 

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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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. 

100 West Eisenhower Drive, Suite B, Hanover, PA 17331

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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