Practice Under Pressure: Ethics, Boundaries, and Professional Roles in Rural Youth PSB Work

Providing services for youth with problematic sexual behavior (PSB) in rural settings presents distinct ethical and professional challenges. These youth are often placed far from their families and communities, creating additional complexity around treatment planning, family engagement, and continuity of care. This seminar explores the ethical dilemmas, boundary considerations, and role navigation that professionals face when working in under-resourced, geographically isolated areas. Through case discussions and practical frameworks, participants will gain tools to manage competing responsibilities, advocate effectively, and maintain ethical integrity in the face of logistical and systemic pressures unique to rural PSB work.

Presenter: Ashley Kellogg, LICSW
Presentation Date: Nov. 18, 2025

Learning objectives:

• Identify and analyze common ethical dilemmas and boundary challenges that arise when providing problematic sexual behavior (PSB) services to youth in rural or geographically isolated settings.
• Apply frameworks to assess professional roles, clarify boundaries, and make informed ethical decisions in complex, resource-limited practice environments.
• Develop strategies for collaboration, documentation, and advocacy that support ethical integrity and role clarity when youth are placed far from their families and traditional support systems.