Presenter: Scott May, LMFT
Date: 12/17/26 | 12:00 PM MST
Format: Live, synchronous webinar | 1 hour
Content Level: Beginner
Target Audience: Clinical Mental Health Providers
CE Credits: 1 continuing education credit
Certificates Available: ASWB/ACE, THGI
Course Description
Outcome measures are increasingly part of routine clinical practice, yet many clinicians receive little graduate training in how to use them ethically, interpret them thoughtfully, or recognize their limits. This training examines the ethical considerations involved in selecting, administering, and applying outcome measures, with attention to how these tools can support long-term client growth when used well and cause harm when used uncritically.
Participants will explore the research foundations behind commonly used measures, including how the backgrounds and assumptions of the researchers who developed them shaped their design, and will consider when a given measure may not be appropriate for clients from cultural and marginalized populations. The session also addresses other aspects of the therapeutic relationship that are often overlooked in graduate programs, helping clinicians integrate measurement into therapy in a way that is ethical, collaborative, and clinically meaningful.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this training, attendees will be able to:
Identify the ethical considerations involved in selecting, administering, and interpreting outcome measures in clinical practice.
Evaluate whether a given outcome measure is appropriate for use with clients from cultural and marginalized populations.
Describe how the research foundations and backgrounds of outcome measure developers shape a measure's design, validity, and potential blind spots.
Limitations, Risks, & Benefits
This training presents a limited amount of information and is not intended to be comprehensive; clinicians who desire additional depth are encouraged to pursue more in-depth training and to consult the code of ethics for their respective profession. There are no anticipated risks beyond the possibility that some participants may have their assumptions and worldview challenged. Benefits include a stronger understanding of how to use outcome measures effectively and how to apply their results to enhance therapy.
Cultural Sensitivity
This training addresses myths, biases, and misunderstandings surrounding outcome measures, including the ways measures developed within particular research contexts may not generalize to all clients. Participants are invited to consider how cultural identity, marginalization, and access to care may affect the validity and usefulness of a measure, and how to account for these factors ethically when using outcome measures with the clients they serve.
Course Content
This training is delivered through lecture and didactic instruction. The session covers the ethical considerations surrounding outcome measures, practical guidance for using them effectively and therapeutically, the research basis and potential biases of commonly used measures, and aspects of the therapeutic relationship that are not often emphasized in graduate training.
Relevance
This training addresses content directly applicable to clinical practice, including assessment, treatment planning, and the ethical use of measurement to support clients' long-term growth and healing. It is relevant to professionals across mental health disciplines, including licensed social workers, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, and marriage and family therapists, and reflects core professional values including the dignity and worth of the person, the importance of human relationships, social justice, and competence.
About the Presenter
Scott May is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at The Healing Group. He holds a master's degree in Couple and Family Therapy from Kansas State University and a bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science with an emphasis in Psychology from Utah Valley University. Scott is a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
Course Details
Delivery method: Live webinar via the Institute learning platform
Course interactivity: Lecture and didactic instruction with live Q&A
Posttest/quiz: Because this is a live course, a standard posttest is not required. Participation will be monitored throughout the session.
Certificate issuance: Certificates of credit will be issued immediately after course completion to participants who attend the full session and complete the course evaluation.
Contact for questions: institute@thehealinggroup.com
Accessibility accommodations: To request accessibility accommodations, please contact institute@thehealinggroup.com prior to the event. We are committed to making our trainings accessible to all participants.
Registration
Register online at thehealinggroupinstitute.com. Refunds are not available. Full refund and cancellation policy is available on the website.
Commercial Support & Conflict of Interest Disclosure
No commercial entity has provided funding or support for this course. Scott May has no relevant conflicts of interest to disclose.
ASWB ACE Statement
The Healing Group Institute, provider number 2716, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 3/31/26 to 3/31/27. Social workers completing this course receive 1 continuing education credit.
AASECT
This training is not eligible for AASECT CE credit.
References
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. (2015). Code of ethics. https://www.aamft.org/AAMFT/Legal_Ethics/Code_of_Ethics.aspx
American Mental Health Counselors Association. (2020). AMHCA code of ethics. https://www.amhca.org/events/publications/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