Craine Counseling and Consulting Group

04/09/2026

Here's an upcoming social work ethics CEU course I am teaching through the University of Michigan School of Social Work on Thursday April 16 from 2 - 5 p.m. Eastern Time. I will put the link in the comments below.

04/02/2026

Here's another ethics discussion based on my presention on boundaries issues at the NASW-North Carolina Ethics Conference. The discussion focused around letters we are asked dto write as social workers.

We might get asked to write letters for any of the following:

1. Emotional support animal.
2. Disability benefits.
3. Gender-affirming care.
4. Medical procedures.
5. Divorce, Custody, parenting time, probate, and even criminal cases.
6. Other

On one hand, it feels simple, and of course we want to support our clients.

On the other hand, this is one of those places where ethics asks us to slow down and look more closely.

The NASW Code of Ethics reminds us that our role is not only to advocate, but also to practice with honesty, accuracy, and integrity.

These letters carry weight.
They are used to make decisions that are legal, medical, and financial.

Sometimes the tension shows up in very human ways:

“I really need this . . . can you make it a little stronger?”
“Can you just say it this way so I qualify?”

These are tender moments. Real moments.
And they matter.

Because this is where we hold the line of Standard 4.04: Dishonesty, Fraud, and Deception being careful not to cross from advocacy into misrepresentation.

So we ground ourselves:

We write what we can truly support.
We stay within our scope.
We are thoughtful about confidentiality.
We make sure our words match our documentation.

We ask ourselves, gently but honestly:

Am I advocating with integrity, or am I being asked to bend reality?

Sometimes the most ethical response is not writing the letter,
but helping someone find the right path to get their needs met.

That, too, is care.

*Disclaimer: This post is intended for educational and reflective purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or clinical consultation. Please consult your state regulations, licensing board, and supervision as appropriate.*

Call now to connect with business.

03/26/2026

When the Helper Needs Help…

This is a tender one.

As social workers, we are often the steady ones. The listeners. The ones holding space for others through pain, grief, trauma, and uncertainty.

Sometimes, we are the ones struggling.

The National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics reminds us that we have a responsibility to monitor our own well-being and ensure that personal challenges are not impacting our ability to care for clients and to make changes in our practice, get therapy, and get consultation (4.05).

That’s not about being perfect.

It’s about being honest.

With ourselves.
With trusted colleagues.
With the reality of what it means to be human in this work.

It also asks something of us in relation to each other.

If we notice a colleague who may be impaired, we don’t look away.

We respond with care, with compassion, and with a focus on protecting clients (2.08).

That can feel uncomfortable.

We might worry about overstepping.
We might not be sure what we’re seeing.
We might hope someone else will step in.

Silence doesn’t protect anyone.

Not the clients.

And not the professional who may be struggling alone.

There is a way to approach this that is grounded, respectful, and ethical.

A quiet check-in.
A conversation rooted in care.
Encouraging support, consultation, or time to step back if needed.

We are human.

Ethical practice includes caring for the humans doing the work; not just the ones we serve.

💛

Call now to connect with business.

03/21/2026

When You See a Client at a Protest…

This is something that doesn’t get talked about enough.

As social workers, many of us care deeply about advocacy, justice, and showing up in our communities. In fact, the NASW Code of Ethics reminds us that engaging in social and political action is part of our responsibility (6.04).

Yet, sometimes we find ourselves in the same space as our clients at a protest, march, or community event.

So what do we do?

Do we say hello?
Do we pretend we didn’t see them?
Do we stand together?

There isn’t one “right” answer.

But there are important ethical considerations especially around confidentiality (1.07), boundaries and dual relationships (1.06), and honoring a client’s self-determination (1.02).

Even a simple interaction in a public space can unintentionally reveal that someone is a client.

This is why these conversations matter before they happen.

I often encourage clinicians to gently explore this with clients:

“If we happen to see each other out in the community, how would you like me to handle that?” (1.03 Informed Consent)

It’s such a small question, but it can create so much clarity and safety.

What if you do find yourselves in the same space?

Follow their lead. Stay grounded in your role. And give yourselves space to process it later if needed.

We are human.
We are part of our communities.
And we are also bound by an ethical commitment to protect and honor the people we serve.

Both can be true.

And both deserve our care.

💛

03/11/2026

There is still time to join the webinar I’m teaching through NASW-Michigan

When: March 12, 2 to 5 pm

What: Ethical Considerations with Informed Consent

The link to register is in the comments.

03/06/2026

Social workers deserve a living wage.
But how do we set fees ethically?

I’ve been hearing two very real concerns from clinicians lately:

“I don’t charge enough to sustain myself.”
“I’m worried my fee might be too high.”

Both are ethical questions and not just business ones.

The National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics (2021) reminds us of the following:

1.13 (Payment for Services) that fees should be fair, reasonable, and commensurate with the services provided, while also considering a client’s ability to pay.

3.05 (Billing) calls for transparency and accuracy, and

1.06 (Conflict of Interest) reminds us that financial pressures shouldn’t interfere with our professional judgment.

The NASW Clinical Social Workers in Private Practice Reference Manual (2022) also encourages clinicians to consider the real costs of practice including overhead, non-billable time, insurance delays, administrative work, continuing education, taxes, benefits, and retirement.

When we ignore those realities, many social workers underprice their services and eventually experience burnout.

But the flip side matters too. Fees set far above market without clear rationale can raise questions about fairness and access; especially in communities where mental health services are already limited.

Over the years, both in my clinical work and in conversations with many fellow clinicians, I’ve seen how complicated these decisions can become.

In my work, I often return to my copyrighted 5 Pillars for Navigating the Social Work Ethics Maze. This is my signature framework for guiding financial and ethical decisions and includes the following:
ethical considerations, relevant law, policies and procedures, case facts, and the documents that guide our practice.

Ethical fee-setting often lives somewhere in the middle between self-sacrifice and self-exploitation. Not easy territory to navigate, but clarity and structure make it manageable.

I’m curious. When you think about your own fee setting, which side feels harder to navigate: charging too little or charging too much?

03/04/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Cqy7c1ftY/?mibextid=wwXIfr

03/03/2026

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/02/opinion/hospice-care.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share

Too many hospice care responsibilities are placed on families.

02/17/2026

I have been asked to share a list of upcoming trainings I am offering in social work ethics. I will put a link to all upcoming workshops in the comments below. Please reach out with any quesstions.

02/04/2026

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/drgourjoinemwade_friday-focus-activity-7422990447188553728-nU6n?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAAAZpUiEBqUvt4E64MVa0pDCbwfV4Ce3JcjY

Friday Focus. 📌

02/02/2026

What does taking 100% responsibility for 50% of a relationship mean to you?

01/13/2026

🌐 Ethics in the Digital Age

When “Just One Click” Becomes an Ethical Crossroads

In today’s digital world, it can feel harmless to look up information online especially when you’re trying to help or understand a situation better.

But the NASW Code of Ethics (effective January 2021) (1.07(q)–(r)) reminds us to slow down.

Social workers are asked to avoid searching for client information online unless there is a compelling professional reason and, when appropriate, the client’s informed consent. We’re also advised to avoid posting any identifying or confidential client information online even when names are changed or not mentioned at all.

Using my copyrighted 5 Pillars for Navigating the Social Work Ethics Maze, here’s how to pause before clicking:

1️⃣ Scenario Facts
What do you actually know and what are you assuming?
Is there a clear professional reason for searching?

2️⃣ Ethics Standards
Curiosity, discomfort, or wanting “more context” doesn’t automatically meet the ethical threshold.

3️⃣ Law
Public information can still carry legal and ethical risks, especially in court-involved or high-conflict cases.

4️⃣ Policies & Procedures
What do your agency or practice policies say about online searches and social media boundaries?

5️⃣ Documentation
If you wouldn’t ethically justify documenting it, it’s worth pausing before doing it.

✨ Sometimes the most ethical choice is not clicking at all.

Reflection question:
What helps you pause before turning curiosity into an ethical risk?