Ethics of Media Interactions for Mental Health Professionals

Mental health professionals are increasingly offered opportunities to interact with the media. For example, you may be asked to appear on a podcast or television show, be interviewed by a reporter about a current event, socially advocate for a cause by signing an online petition, promote your latest research through social media sites, or even write an ongoing blog. Although there are many important benefits of media engagement for mental health professionals, such interactions also come with some unique ethical dilemmas that require consideration and deliberate action.

In this beginning-level course, Dr. Warren is interviewed by Dr. Marks and discusses ethical issues and concerns that arise when considering whether and how to respond to media requests. Dr. Warren provides guidelines and specific actions every mental health professional needs to be aware of before participating in media interactions. She also discusses the ethics of seeking out interviews and letting news sources know of one’s expertise. Sample Media Policies are offered by Dr. Warren but are not included in the posttest.