Texas Counselor Best Practices for Social Media

Texas counselor best practices for social media should seem like common sense. But what happens when it isn't so obvious? Social media is here to stay and the Texas LPC and LMFT Boards have published best practices. This episode of Texas Counselors Creating Badass Businesses will provide a practical guide to navigating those best practices in your social media marketing today.

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What is the difference between ‘rules' and ‘best practices?'

Rules are typically more formal and specific than best practices. They are often enforced through a system of rewards and punishments, and breaking them can result in consequences such as fines, loss of privileges, or even legal action. Rules are typically used to regulate behavior that is considered essential or mandatory, and they are often codified in laws or regulations.

Best practices, on the other hand, are typically more flexible and open to interpretation than rules. They are often used to provide recommendations or suggestions for how to behave in a given situation, but unless they coincide with rules, they are not mandatory. Best practices are typically used in situations where there is some degree of uncertainty or ambiguity, and they are often based on research, precedent, and expert advice.

Can Texas counselors have social media?

Sure. But a better question might be – should they?

Counselors must use social media responsibly and with careful consideration of the potential impact on their clients, and the impact on their own professional reputation.

Consider boundaries, for example. Counselors must avoid any online behavior that might compromise their clients' privacy or confidentiality. That includes interacting with clients and using social media to discuss client issues.

If you do decide to use social media with your practice, consider the potential impact of your social media presence on your professional reputation. Counselors should ensure that their social media content is appropriate and reflects their professional values and ethics.

The Texas LMFT board developed best practices for social media.  Although these are not rules, they are clear about the online behaviors that can get counselors in trouble and lead to a complaint.

Your best practice? Develop a social media policy for your informed consent and talk about it with clients in the first session.

What is an example of a social media policy for informed consent?