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Ethics & Boundaries in School Psychology

CE Hours 1.5

About this course

In the complex ecosystem of New York schools, school psychologists rarely wear just one hat. Whether serving as a student advocate, a CSE/504 Chairperson, an MTSS coordinator, or a de facto administrator, the pressure to balance competing roles creates significant ethical "friction." This 1.5-hour intermediate-level self-paced course explores the critical distinction between boundary crossings and boundary violations, with a specific focus on how well-intentioned therapeutic alliances can inadvertently slip into ethical "grey zones".

Drawing on NASP (2020) and APA ethical standards, as well as recent research on wellness as an ethical mandate, this presentation addresses the "inevitable" nature of multiple relationships in school-based and rural practices. Participants will examine the potential for harm to students and families when boundaries are mismanaged and learn to identify "imminent risk" signs in their professional interactions. The session concludes with a practical application of the NASP Ethical Problem-Solving Worksheet, utilizing case studies to navigate quasi-administrative responsibilities, documentation requirements, and the necessity of clinical supervision.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify three specific ethical tensions inherent in "dual-role" positions, such as the school psychologist serving as a CSE/504 Chairperson.
  • Distinguish between boundary crossings and boundary violations and describe two potential harms each can cause to students, families, or staff.
  • State three warning signs of "clinical drift" where a therapeutic alliance begins to overstep professional boundaries.
  • Demonstrate the application of a structured ethical problem-solving model to navigate one unavoidable multiple-role case study.
  • List two strategic documentation practices and articulate the necessity of clinical supervision for high-risk ethical scenarios.

Learning Levels

  • All Levels

Target Audience

This educational activity is intended for behavioral health professionals, including School Psychologists, Licensed Psychologists, Social Workers, Counselors, and MFT's. In addition educational professionals such as teachers, administrators, and school based therapists may benefit from the information presented in this session.

Course Instructor(s)

  • Robin Murray, PsyD

    Dr. Robin Murray currently works as a consultant for the Baldwin School District and as a per diem evaluator for a non-profit agency in NYC which serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She has been a School Psychologist for over thirty years. Dr. Murray graduated from Morris Brown College; an HBCU in Atlanta Georgia. She received a doctorate in school psychology from Yeshiva University. She also has a specialty diploma in School District Administration from Queens College.

    Dr. Murray worked as a school psychologist and a school administrator in the Mount Vernon City School District and in the Massapequa School District. She recently retired from working full-time in Baldwin, where she served as the Supervisor of Psychological Services. In addition to supervising a clinical staff of fifteen psychologists and nine social workers, her role in Baldwin consisted of supporting the Special Education Department by working directly with the families, staff, and students who attended out-of-district programs. Dr. Murray was the lead coordinator for the school psychologist and social worker Internship program which successfully recruited and trained dozens of graduate students. She has participated in professional panels and has conducted workshops on: Mental Health and Wellness, Social-Emotional Learning, Self-Care and Cultural Responsiveness. Her clinical interests center on supporting parents of children with special needs, as well as in the training, supervision, and mentoring of school psychology graduate students. Dr. Murray is on the Policy Board for the Baldwin Teachers Center. She is a member of the Long Island SEL Forum, the Black School Psychologists Network and she is a volunteer for the South Queens Parks Association.

    Along with fellow psychologist Nick Harris, Dr. Murray is the Co-Chair for the Ethics and Professional Practices Committee for NYASP.

  • Jessica Hussar Boyle, PsyD, NCSP

    Jessica M. Hussar Boyle, PsyD, NCSP, is a New York State Licensed Psychologist, Nationally Certified School Psychologist, and NYS Permanently Certified School Psychologist with extensive experience serving children and families in both rural and urban settings. She is the owner of Confluence Children and Family Psychology, PLLC, where she provides psychological services with a focus on neurodevelopmental assessment. Dr. Hussar Boyle has over a decade of experience in public schools, currently working as a school psychologist at the elementary level in a Greater Binghamton NY school district, and she previously served in multiple school-based roles including CSE/504 Chairperson.

    In addition to her clinical and school-based work, Dr. Hussar Boyle was an adjunct instructor at Binghamton University and SUNY Broome Community College, where she taught courses in general psychology and childhood neurodevelopmental disorders. She has contributed extensively to professional scholarship through publications, presentations, and her leadership as the Rural Initiatives Chairperson and CPD Co-Chairperson for the New York Association of School Psychologists (NYASP). Her research interests and advocacy center on improving access to diagnostic services in underserved rural communities and empowering school psychologists to fully utilize their professional scope.

Disclosure

DISCLOSURE OF RELEVANT FINANCIAL RELATIONSHIPS CE Learning Systems adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity ― including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others ― are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (formerly known as commercial interests). The following relevant financial relationships have been disclosed by this activity’s planners, faculty, and the reviewer: PLANNERS AND REVIEWER The planners of this activity have reported that they have no relevant financial relationships. FACULTY The faculty of this activity have reported that they have no relevant financial relationships.

References

  • American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct (2002, amended effective June 1, 2010, and January 1, 2017). https://www.apa.org/ethics/code
  • Armistead, L., Williams, B. B., & Jacob, S. (2011). Professional ethics for school psychologists: A problem-solving model casebook (2nd ed.). National Association of School Psychologists.
  • Barnett, J. E., Lazarus, A. A., Vasquez, M. J. T., Moorehead-Slaughter, O., & Johnson, W. B. (2007). Boundary issues and multiple relationships: Fantasy and reality. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 38(4), 401–410. https://doi.org/10.1037/0735-7028.38.4.401
  • Campbell, C. D., & Gordon, M. C. (2003). Acknowledging the inevitable: Understanding multiple relationships in rural practice. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 34(4), 430–434. https://doi.org/10.1037/0735-7028.34.4.430
  • Darley, D., Blundell, P., Cherry, L., Wong, J. O., Wilson, A. M., Vaughan, S., ... & members of the Breaking the Boundaries Collective. (2024). Breaking the boundaries collective – A manifesto for relationship-based practice. Ethics and Social Welfare, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/17496535.2024.2312674
  • DeCino, D. A., Waalkes, P. L., & Iverson, V. (2023). Rural school counselors’ experiences with dual relationships. Journal of Child and Adolescent Counseling, 9(3). https://doi.org/10.1080/23727810.2023.2195535
  • Domenech Rodríguez, M. M., & Bates, S. C. (2012). Aspiring to ethical treatment of diverse student populations. In R. E. Landrum & M. A. McCarthy (Eds.), Teaching ethically: Challenges and opportunities (pp. 101–111). American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/13496-009
  • Edwards, L. M., & Sullivan, A. L. (2014). School psychology in rural contexts: Ethical, professional, and legal issues. Journal of Applied School Psychology, 30(3). https://doi.org/10.1080/15377903.2014.924454
  • Gallardo, M. E., Johnson, J., Parham, T. A., & Carter, J. A. (2009). Ethics and multiculturalism: Advancing cultural and clinical responsiveness. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 40(5), 425–435. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0016871
  • Gottlieb, M. C., & Younggren, J. N. (2009). Is there a slippery slope? Considerations regarding multiple relationships and risk management. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 40(6), 564–571. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0017231
  • Gutheil, T., & Brodsky, A. (2011). Preventing boundary violations in clinical practice. Guilford Press.
  • Harris, N. (2025). The ethics corner: Psychological counseling / therapy services and multiple relationships. New York School Psychologist, XLIII (2), 27-28
  • Harvard Business Impact Education. (n.d.). How to define boundaries with your students—and stick to them.
  • Holman, A. R., D’Costa, S., & Janowitch, L. (2023). Toward equity in school-based assessment: Incorporating collaborative/therapeutic techniques to redistribute power. School Psychology Review, 52(5). https://doi.org/10.1080/2372966X.2021.2001655
  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq. (2004). https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title20/chapter33&edition=prelim
  • Kapoulitsas, M., & Corcoran, T. (2017). School psychologists and ethical challenges. Educational and Developmental Psychologist, 34(1). https://doi.org/10.1017/edp.2017.2
  • Killion, S. K. (2026). Bandwidth, burnout, and boundaries—Oh my! Communique, 54(5), 10–11.
  • Klose, L., & Pearrow, M. (2020). Guidance for use of the NASP ethical problem-solving worksheet. National Association of School Psychologists.
  • Maki, K. E., Kranzler, J. H., & Wheeler, J. M. (2024). Ethical dilemmas in school psychology: Which dilemmas are most prevalent today and how well prepared are school psychologists to face them? School Psychology Review, 53(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2372966X.2022.2121733
  • Moffett, L. A., Becker, C. J., & Patton, R. G. (2014). Fostering the ethical sensitivity of beginning clinicians. Training and Education in Professional Psychology, 8(4), 229–235. https://doi.org/10.1037/tep0000054
  • National Association of School Psychologists. (2020). The principles for professional ethics. https://www.nasponline.org/standards-and-certification/professional-ethics
  • National Association of Social Workers. (2021). Code of ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English
  • New York State Education Department. (n.d.). Part 200: Students with disabilities. New York Codes, Rules and Regulations (8 NYCRR). https://www.nysed.gov/special-education/part-200-regulations-students-disabilities
  • New York Education Law Article 153, § 7600 et seq. (Psychology). https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/EDN/7600
  • New York Education Law Article 154, § 7700 et seq. (Social Work). https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/EDN/7700
  • New York State Assembly. (2025). Assembly Bill A01745: An act to amend the education law, in relation to the practice of school psychology. https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1745
  • New York State Education Department Office of the Professions. (n.d.). Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries (Mental Health Practitioners Guideline 5; Social Work Guideline 4). https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/social-work/professional-practice/appropriate-professional-boundaries
  • Pipes, R. B., Holstein, J. E., & Aguirre, M. G. (2005). Examining the personal-professional distinction: Ethics codes and the difficulty of drawing a boundary. American Psychologist, 60(4), 325–334. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.60.4.325
  • Pollard, A., & Sharkey, J. (2025). Living and working in community: The ethical practice of liberation psychology’s accompaniment principle. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1002/casp.2895
  • Sakata, E. (2024). A self-reflective framework for culturally responsive educational psychology practice. Educational Psychology in Practice, 40(3). https://doi.org/10.1080/02667363.2024.2325514
  • Schwarz, J., & Cooper, J. M. (2025). Wellness as an ethical mandate: Examining the mental health, stress, and self-care practices of school psychology graduate students. School Psychology Review, 54(6). https://doi.org/10.1080/2372966X.2024.2389360
  • Shevellar, L., & Barringham, N. (2016). Working in complexity: Ethics and boundaries in community work and mental health. Australian Social Work, 69(2). https://doi.org/10.1080/0312407X.2015.1061587
  • SlideServe. (n.d.). Boundaries for school counselors. [PowerPoint slides]. https://image1.slideserve.com/1595119/boundaries-for-school-counselors-l.jpg
  • Wagner, S. (2025, December, 4). Staying in your lane: recognizing and addressing boundary issues. [Webinar]. Rockland BOCES. https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87467417539
  • Williams, B.B., & Monahon, L.W. (2018). Ethical and Legal Foundations. In S.L. Grapin & J.H Kranzler (Eds.), School Psychology Professional Issues and Practices (pp.77-93). New York, NY: Springer.
  • Zur, O. (Ed.). (2016). Multiple relationships in psychotherapy and counseling: Unavoidable, common and mandatory dual relations in therapy. Routledge.

CE Process Info

Content

  • Materials
    7 parts
    • NASP Ethical Problem-Solving Worksheet - PDF
    • NASP Ethical Problem-Solving Worksheet - MS Word
    • NASP Problem-Solving Worksheet: Case Study 1
    • NASP Problem-Solving Worksheet: Case Study 2
    • Google Form Documentation Resources
    • Ethics & Boundaries in SP Slides - 2 per page
    • Ethics & Boundaries in SP Slides - 3 slides w/ notes
  • Recordings
    1 parts
    • Ethics & Boundaries Video
  • Joint Accreditation

    Joint Accreditation (JA)

    In support of improving patient care, CE Learning Systems is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

  • American Psychological Association (APA)

    Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists are provided through the co-sponsorship of the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP). The APA CEP office maintains responsibility for the content of the programs.

  • National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)

    NYASP is approved by NASP (National Association of School Psychologists) to offer continuing education for school psychologists. NYASP maintains responsibility for the program. NASP Approved Provider # 1021

  • New York Association of School Psychologists (NYASP)

    Any sessions that are not NASP CPD sessions are available for New York Association of School Psychologists (NYASP) continuing education hours.

  • New York Education Department's State Board for Social Work (NYEDSW)

    CE Learning Systems, LLC  (d/b/a impactce.com) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers. #0060.

  • New York Education Department Board of Creative Arts Therapy (NYSEDCAT)

    CE Learning Systems, LLC  (d/b/a impactce.com) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board of Creative Arts Therapy as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed creative arts therapists. #CAT-0008

  • New York Education Department for Licensed Mental Health Counselors (NYSEDLMHC)

    CE Learning Systems, LLC  (d/b/a impactce.com) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0072.

  • New York Education Department Board for Licensed Psychoanalysts (NYSEDLP)

    CE Learning Systems, LLC  (d/b/a impactce.com) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychoanalysts as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychoanalysts. #P-0031.

  • New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology (NYEDPSY)

    CE Learning Systems, LLC  (d/b/a impactce.com) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists. #PSY-0016.

  • New York Education Department's State Board for Marriage and Family Therapy (NYEDMFT)

    CE Learning Systems, LLC  (d/b/a impactce.com) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Marriage and Family Therapy as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists. #MFT-0045.

FAQs

  • CELS Grievance
    If a grievance arises pertaining to continuing education activities or processes, please contact Tyler Gibson via confidential email to tyler@celearningsystems.com as soon as possible, so that the nature of the concern may be addressed in a timely fashion.
  • ADA Accommodations (Self-Paced)
    ADA accommodations will be made in accordance with the law; please indicate your special needs upon registering by sending an email to support@ce-go.com or by calling us at 888 498 5578.
  • Course Completion
    To complete the course, review the course objectives, then watch the video power point presentations following along with the corresponding pdf, and lastly complete an evaluation. Your certificate will be available to download immediately when you complete the evaluation.
  • Where can I find my Attendee Dashboard link?
    Upon registering, you should receive an email from support@ce-go.com with a link to access your Attendee Dashboard. If you do not see it in your inbox, please check your spam/junk folder. If you still cannot locate the email, you may retrieve your Attendee Dashboard link by clicking HERE
Ethics & Boundaries in School Psychology
You Have Completed This course
$30
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  • CE Hours
    1.5
  • Type
    Self-Paced
  • Publication Date
    Jul 22nd, 2026

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