Ethics and Visibility Are Not in Conflict: Here Is Why Therapists Think They Are
By Danny L. Ross, LPC-S | For Therapists | DLR Counseling Group
Quick answer: A therapist can educate the public about counseling topics without turning social media into a treatment space. Ethical public communication still requires attention to confidentiality, advertising accuracy, informed consent, and professional boundaries.
If you have ever hesitated to post something on LinkedIn because you weren't sure if it was ethical - I understand that hesitation. I spent years inside it. But the field has conflated two very different things: the ethics of the clinical relationship and the question of professional visibility. They are not the same thing.
What the Ethical Codes Actually Say
The ACA Code of Ethics and most state licensing board guidelines address the clinical relationship. They speak to client privacy, confidentiality, dual relationships, scope of practice, and the boundaries of the therapeutic encounter. They do not prohibit a therapist from having a LinkedIn profile. They do not prohibit a therapist from writing about their area of specialization. They do not prohibit a therapist from sharing professional perspective on clinical topics.
What they do require is that you not blur the line between clinical care and public communication. You do not treat clients on social media. You do not disclose client information. You do not use your platform to simulate or replace the therapeutic relationship. Those are guardrails. Guardrails are not walls.
The Framework That Works
Here is the framework I have used for over twenty years of professional presence: Social media is where I teach. It is not where I treat.
Within that framework, I share clinical knowledge, professional perspective, and expertise developed across a career that has included school counseling, clinical practice, supervision, national speaking, and eight books. I do not conduct therapy on social media. I do not respond to clinical disclosures as a therapist. I do not allow the platform to become a substitute for care.
That line is clear. It is defensible. It makes everything else easier.
If you have been waiting to build a professional presence that you feel confident is ethical - that framework is where to start. Therapy's Best Kept Secret Is You is built on it. Visit dlrcounselinggroup.com.
Danny L. Ross, M.Ed., CAGCS, CSC, LPC-S, BC-TMH, NCC
Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor | DLR Counseling Group, PLLC | dlrcounselinggroup.com
Ethics reference
Professional online visibility is governed by more than confidentiality alone. The American Counseling Association's 2014 Code of Ethics includes standards on advertising and soliciting clients (Section C.3) and on social media (Section H.6). Counselors should also review applicable state board rules.
Frequently asked questions
Can counselors use social media professionally?
Yes. A professional presence can share general education and information about services, as long as the counselor follows applicable ethical, privacy, and advertising requirements.
Can a social media comment become a counseling session?
A public comment or direct message should not be treated as a substitute for a properly established clinical relationship and an appropriate secure care channel.
What guidance covers counselors and social media?
The ACA Code of Ethics addresses advertising and soliciting clients in Section C.3 and social media in Section H.6. State licensing rules may impose additional requirements.
Continue with DLR Counseling Group
Comments