PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: This program will provide an overview of current ethical issues in the field of mental health and psychology.  There will be discussion of the process of ethical decision-making related to ethical judgment. Problems in the decision-making process that might create a “slippery slope” and increase risk ethical problems will be explored.  There will be a summary of the mission and operational policies of the Arizona Board of Psychological Examiners and the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners, especially in relation to the complaint process.  The program will educate psychologists and other mental health professionals about practical ethical concerns, and assist psychologists/mental health professionals in developing a course of action that will facilitate handling of a board complaint in an effective manner.  A review of recent complaints and their outcomes will alert practitioners about the ethical issues which are of concern in current practice.  This program is aimed at intermediate to advanced skill level. 

FACULTY: Fred Wechsler, PhD, PsyD, ABPP, is currently the Director of Clinical Training at Argosy University/Phoenix. He was the Director of Clinical Training at Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona. Dr. Wechsler is a former Arizona Psychological Association Liaison to Arizona Board of Psychological Examiners.  He was an Adjunct Clinical Faculty at Wright State University School of Medicine and School of Professional Psychology.  Dr. Wechsler was employed at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital where he managed a pain program. He also had a private practice.  He is a Diplomate in Clinical Psychology, American Board of Professional Psychology. Dr. Wechsler was a staff psychologist at the VA Medical Center in Dayton Ohio and was an Intern at the VA Medical Center in Louisville. He received his PhD in Counseling from the University of Georgia, and his PsyD in Clinical Psychology from Wright State University. Dr. Wechsler has presented numerous papers at regional, national and international conferences.

Lawrence M. Sideman, Ph.D., is currently a Professor of Clinical Psychology at Argosy University, The American School of Professional Psychology, in Phoenix, Arizona. He is licensed by the State of Arizona as a Psychologist, a Professional Counselor (LPC) and as an Independent Substance Abuse Counselor (LISAC).  He served over five years on the Ethics Committee of the Arizona Psychological Association and is currently the Chair of the Arizona Counselors Association Ethics Committee. Dr. Sideman has over 25 years of direct clinical experience. Among his many professional endeavors, he was instrumental in developing and overseeing practicum and internship training programs at TASC (Treatment Assessment Screening Center), an outpatient behavioral health agency, where he provided clinical supervision for doctoral level and masters level practicum and internship students while maintaining the positions of Clinical Director and Assistant Executive Director. Dr. Sideman is published in several professional journals and has presented various research papers at National Psychological Conventions. He has designed and implemented a substance abuse education/prevention program for university athletic teams and is the past Director of Training for the Arizona Psychology Training Consortium. He maintains a private practice in Phoenix and is the clinical Director of the Maricopa County Sherriff’s Office ALPHA Program.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:  At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to: 

• identify current ethics concerns in the practice of psychology,

• discuss the impact of compromised decision-making which may lead to poor ethical judgments,

• understand the mission and procedures of the Arizona Board of Psychological Examiners,

• discuss strategies for participation in the complaint process,

• discuss recent Board reviews and outcomes.  

AGENDA: 

8:00 AM - 8:15 AM              Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:15 AM - 10:15 AM           Overview Of Current Ethical Issues
                                              Process Of Ethical Decision-Making 

10:15 AM - 10:30 AM         Morning Break 

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM         Boards and the Complaint Process
                                              Review Of Recent Complaints And Their Outcomes 

12:30 PM                             Program Closure 

INTENDED AUDIENCE:  Psychologists, social workers, licensed professional counselors, addiction therapists, chaplains, and other mental health professionals. 

CONTINUING EDUCATION STATEMENTS: The Southwest Health Professions Education Center, Inc. (SEC) certifies this program for 4 contact hours.  A certificate of attendance will be awarded. 

[APA] The Southwest Health Professions Education Center, Inc. (SEC) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. SEC maintains responsibility for the program and its content.  This program provides 4 CE credits. 

[ ASWB ] -- VA Employee Education System, Provider Number 1040, is approved as a provider for continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards 400 South Ridge Parkway, Suite B, Culpeper, VA 22701. www.aswb.org. ASWB Approval Period: 4/7/07 - 4/1/10. Social workers should contact their regulatory board to determine course approval. Social workers will receive 4 continuing education clock hours in participating in this course.

[ NBCC ] – The VA Employee Education System is approved by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) to offer continuing education accreditation for National Certified and Licensed Counselors.  We adhere to NBCC Continuing Education Guidelines.  This program is approved for 4 contact hours.  Provider #5927.

REGISTRATION FEES: Registration fee is $65.00.  Fee for full-time VA employees is $12.00.  Includes continental breakfast and course material.  Credit card registrations may be faxed to (928) 776-6137.  Registration is not complete until payment received.  Space is limited.  Please register early.  Refunds, minus a $15.00 processing fee, will be made until three days prior to the program.  No refunds will be made after this date. There will a $20.00 processing fee for any returned checks.
Confirmation letters will not be sent.