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Ethics & Boundaries: Navigating Blurred Lines with Adolescents in a Complex World
Presented by La'Tanya Campbell, MS, LPC, NCC

*Up to 4 CE credits will be issued to those attending this virtual opportunity.
Details: March 19, 2026 (10:00am - 2:30pm) via Zoom (includes 30-minute lunch break) 

This event is offered in collaboration with the Coalition for Expanding School-Based Mental Health in Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Office of Children's Mental Health. See fee information below.

Description: Working with adolescents requires navigating a delicate balance of empathy, ethics, and boundaries. Today's youth are navigating trauma, identity, family dysfunction, systemic barriers, and mental health crises—all while trying to find their voice. As providers, we are expected to offer guidance, support, and safety without crossing professional lines or compromising ethical codes. This interactive workshop examines the complex ethical dilemmas that arise when working with adolescents, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. We'll dig into real-world case examples that test the limits of confidentiality, disclosure, cultural competence, and therapeutic presence. We'll explore how our identities—race, gender, sexual orientation, lived experience—show up in the room, and how intentionality, awareness, and firm boundaries can be both healing and protective. Participants will review key sections of the ACA Code of Ethics, explore scenarios involving parental rights versus youth autonomy, and unpack best practices for navigating disclosure, identity affirmation (especially for LGBTQIA+ youth), and suicide risk. This presentation is an honest, practical, and deeply reflective conversation about how to show up ethically and responsibly for the adolescents we serve.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify and apply key components of the ACA Code of Ethics as they relate specifically to adolescent care, including boundaries, confidentiality, and informed consent.

• Differentiate between appropriate and inappropriate self-disclosure when working with youth, and understand how provider identity can impact clinical boundaries.

• Evaluate the ethical complexities of parental disclosure vs. youth privacy, with consideration for age, safety, legal mandates, and relational dynamics.

• Discuss ethical challenges and affirming approaches when working with LGBTQIA+ adolescents, including gender-affirming care and navigating family resistance.

• Examine current data on adolescent suicide risk, especially among marginalized populations, and discuss ethical responsibilities related to risk assessment and safety planning.

• Apply a multicultural ethical framework to case scenarios that involve race, class, religion, and intergenerational trauma, ensuring culturally responsive care.

• Engage in self-reflection and peer discussion to examine personal values, countertransference, and the impact of vicarious trauma on ethical decision-making. 

Presenter Information: La’Tanya M. Campbell has transformed personal trauma into a lifelong mission of healing and hope. With over a decade of experience, she is deeply committed to helping individuals move from merely surviving to truly thriving. Her purpose-driven work is grounded in the belief that everyone possesses resilience— and with the right support, they can tap into that inner strength to overcome even the most difficult circumstances.

La’Tanya works primarily with youth and adolescents (ages 12–18) who have been impacted by complex trauma and adverse childhood experiences, including abuse, neglect, homelessness, and parental addiction or incarceration. She also specializes in treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, intergenerational trauma, and issues related to sexual assault and domestic violence. La'Tanya also works with adults impacted by complex trauma, relationship issues, or life stressors. Drawing from a multicultural, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral framework, La’Tanya centers therapy around the individual. She uses a strength-based, integrated approach, offering a safe and compassionate space where clients feel seen, heard, and understood. Known for her deep empathy and intuitive ability to “hear what’s not being said,” La’Tanya builds trust and connection that allows for meaningful growth and healing.

Beyond the therapy room, La’Tanya is a passionate advocate for traditionally marginalized communities, particularly those navigating challenges related to ethnicity, age, gender and sexual identity.

La'Tanya holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is a Nationally Certified Clinician and an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Counseling Association, the American Mental Health Counselors Association, the Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development, and Chi Sigma Iota.

Her commitment to advocacy and equity is reflected in her service on the boards of the ACLU of Wisconsin and End Abuse Wisconsin. She also contributed her leadership to the Mayor of Wausau’s Liberation and Freedom Committees and the Marathon County Diversity Affairs Commission.

In recognition of her impactful work, La'Tanya received the Women of Vision Award in 2022 and the United Way Dedication to Service Award. She has also led and organized numerous community initiatives, including Courageous Community Conversations and events honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Black History Month, World Culture Day, and Juneteenth.

A Note on WAFCA Webinars: Webinars are live virtual learning opportunities designed to be accessed by individuals. Group participation is not encouraged; post-webinar group discussions are a recommended alternative.

In order to offer CE credits for these virtual learning opportunities via NBCC, WAFCA verifies attendance using Zoom. Each registrant receives a unique link that confirms their attendance and email address for CE certificates. Link sharing is not permitted, and CE credits are not available for unregistered participants.

About our Offerings: WAFCA has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6778. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. WAFCA is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. Visit the WAFCA-CE registration page for more information on fees and policies.