Description:
Boundary violations are among the most common reasons for professional discipline of behavioral health clinicians. Dual relationships—both intentional and unintentional—can arise in many forms and often present ethical, clinical, and legal challenges. In recognition of this significant cause of misconduct, as of October 2025 the Washinton Department of Health has implemented a new requirement for two hours of continuing education in “Professional Roles and Boundaries” every two years.
In this two-hour workshop, we will examine Washington State laws and professional ethical standards regarding personal and dual relationships with clients. Drawing from recent Washington Department of Health disciplinary decisions, participants will engage with real-world case studies that illustrate common risk areas. The workshop will also offer practical strategies for establishing and maintaining appropriate clinical boundaries in everyday practice.
This course is designed to meet the Washington State Department of Health’s requirement for continuing education in Professional Roles and Boundaries.
Objectives:
∙ Apply Washington legal guidelines regarding dual relationships;
∙ Apply ethical standards concerning dual relationships with clients;
∙ Recognize risk factors that may contribute to boundary crossings or violations; and
∙ Create and evaluate strategies to maintain appropriate and ethical clinical relationships.
About the Presenter:
Eric Ström is an attorney and Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Seattle,Washington. As an attorney, Eric provides legal counsel, consultation, and guidance to mental health professionals. Eric’s clinical practice is focused on providing counseling services to combat veterans and those in other high-stress professions. Eric currently serves on the American Mental Health Counselors Association Ethics Committee, and is the ethics advisor for the Washington Mental Health Counselors Association. Eric has taught a range of courses in counseling and professional ethics at a variety of graduate and undergraduate programs.
Eric earned a PhD in Counseling at Oregon State University, graduated cum laude from Wayne State University School of Law in Detroit Michigan, earned a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology from the Northwest School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University Seattle, attended the Hague Academy of International Law in the Hague Netherlands, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics from the University of Michigan.
Registration closes January 11, 2026.
This course is approved for 2 CE hours for LMHCs, LMFTs, LCSWs, and all associate-level licensees in Washington State
Washington Mental Health Association (WMHCA) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 2079. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. WMHCA is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
WMHCA Cancellation Policy
To receive a refund, less a $15 cancellation fee, cancellations must be made by contacting WMHCA at least 48 hours prior to workshop date. There will be no refunds within 48 hours of the workshop date. Please make sure you have the link 24 hours prior to the event starting.
