Student Forum on Internet Practice

Have you ever wondered about the opportunities for social workers to use their practice and organizational skills through the Internet? While the Internet has revolutionized professional and social discourse in recent years, little attention has been given to how new technologies can be integrated into practice.

On March 19th, the faculty Bioethics Committee and the Student Government Association sponsored “Social Work Ethics and Technology Practice,” to illustrate innovative strategies and the special ethical dilemmas such practices may create. This mini-conference was offered free to all Wurzweiler students along with a buffet lunch (kosher, naturally!)

Prof. Gary Stein, chair of the Bioethics Committee, moderated a panel that included:

• Richard Hara, MSSW, Ph.D., who directs Cancer Care’s on-line services, including a message board, supportive “chat” among group members, and information and referral.


• Elizabeth Zelvin, LCSW, a clinical social worker who has counseled clients from around the world since 2000 through her website, http://www.lzcybershrink.com/.


• David Wasserman, JD, MA, the Director of Research for the Center for Ethics at Yeshiva University, who asked prodding questions to highlight ethical and practice concerns.

Discussion reinforced the value of the Internet as yet another powerful intervention for helping clients, especially clients who may be challenged by traditional face-to-face strategies because of distance, illness, or disability. Service is also enhanced for clients who prefer using the “narrative” to communicate, or who may benefit from services that can be provided at any time or place. Clients may appreciate being able to review their social worker’s words whenever support would be helpful. However, ethical concerns, such as confidentiality and security, are ever-present. In addition, new territory is being charted here. Which jurisdiction’s licensing laws govern technology practice, where the social worker is based or where the client receives the message? The regulation of Internet practices is a new concern, and one that will debated in the upcoming years as a growing number of professionals enter this practice arena and as the technology further evolves.