Development of a training module on therapeutic boundaries for mental health clinicians and case managers

This article describes the development of a training model to teach mental health clinicians and case managers about therapeutic boundaries. Awareness of boundary transgressions is vital for establishing and maintaining the moral and ethical integrity of mental health treatment. Our structured teaching model was presented to staff from many different treatment settings throughout our mental health organization. A major portion of each session was utilized for exploration of common boundary dilemmas in the clinical setting as they relate to current policies and ethics codes. Efforts were made to mention the variety of boundary transgressions that may occur in various settings. Participants reported a broadened perspective in their work with clients, having learned about types of boundary issues that they had not previously recognized. Maintaining an understanding of boundary issues among staff requires ongoing educational efforts in training. The health organization's policies on boundaries must be clear and specific to guide the staff. Although training was given in a mental health setting, these lessons can be extended beyond the mental health arena. Safe therapeutic boundaries must be practiced in all settings.