Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Therapist Development Center Practice Exam

What is unethical for a therapist to include on their professional website?

1. Highlight the therapist's expertise

2. Share extensive information about the therapist's training

3. Include information about the therapist's fees

4. Collect clients' testimonials

The correct answer is: Collect clients' testimonials

In the context of professional ethics for therapists, collecting clients' testimonials for a website is considered unethical due to various reasons related to confidentiality and the nature of the therapeutic relationship. Testimonials can unintentionally reveal client identities or sensitive information, thus compromising the confidentiality that is fundamental to therapy. The power dynamic inherent in the therapist-client relationship can also make it difficult for clients to provide honest feedback without feeling pressure or concern about the implications of their words. Professional organizations, such as the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), encourage therapists to present themselves transparently and honestly but also stress the importance of maintaining client privacy. Therefore, while it is permissible for therapists to provide information about their training, fees, and areas of expertise, showcasing client testimonials crosses ethical boundaries by potentially exposing client identities or causing discomfort for clients who may feel their honesty could affect their therapeutic relationship.