Law & Ethics for Psychotherapists: LGBTQIA+, Poly and Kinky Communities
"David and Rouse Academy are cutting edge in terms of being exploratory while clearly indicating legal and ethical obligations."
- Marcia L. Dean, LMFT. Live Workshop Attendee
In this workshop, you will be able to:
Describe three unique confidentiality considerations when working with polyamorous clients in complex relationship networks.
Identify four key legal protections for LGBTQIA+ individuals under California law and their implications for therapeutic practice.
Explain five essential elements of informed consent when providing therapy to clients involved in BDSM/kink practices.
List three specific documentation strategies for working with transgender and gender-diverse clients while protecting privacy and safety.
Distinguish between boundary crossings and boundary violations in the context of dual relationships within small marginalized communities.
Apply California mandated reporting requirements to two complex scenarios involving consensual adult BDSM activities.
Summarize four evidence-based approaches for addressing therapist bias when working with non-traditional relationship structures.
Identify three specific ethical dilemmas that arise when providing couples therapy to polyamorous clients and appropriate resolution strategies.
Describe two intersectional considerations when working with clients who hold multiple marginalized identities (e.g., LGBTQ+ and kinky).
This workshop explores the complex legal and ethical landscape of providing mental health services to LGBTQIA+, polyamorous, and kinky communities. Drawing from current research, California legislation, and clinical best practices, participants will examine how traditional ethical frameworks apply—and sometimes fall short—when working with marginalized sexual and gender communities.
Through evidence-based content and interactive case studies, therapists will develop practical competencies for navigating unique challenges including confidentiality in complex relationship networks, documentation considerations for diverse identities, dual relationships in small communities, and the intersection of mandatory reporting with consensual adult behaviors. The workshop emphasizes creating genuinely affirming therapeutic environments while maintaining rigorous professional boundaries and legal compliance.
By the end of this training, participants will be equipped with concrete strategies for providing culturally competent, ethically sound care that honors client autonomy while meeting professional obligations under California law.
Event Details
When: Friday Sept 19th, 9 am to 1:15 pm PST
Where: Online - secure Zoom room
How Much: $79
CEUs: 3 CEUs included in the price
Recording: Yes, it will be available within 1 week of the workshop
Sign Up: Sign up below at Rouse Academy
Instructor Bio
David F Khalili, LMFT
David F Khalili is a licensed marriage and family therapist, board-certified sexologist, and founder of Rouse Relational Wellness, a boutique couples and sex therapy center in San Francisco, and authored Mental Health Workbook for Men and Sex Worriers: A Mindfully Queer Guide for Men’s Anxiety to Sex and Dating.
David pulls from many influences in the world of mental health and sexual wellness, as well as cultural and spiritual influences from his heritage from Iran. David aims to help those in the margins feel less lonely and more connected with their communities. Specializing in couples and sex therapy, David draws from his diverse background, which includes peer sex education, work in adult boutiques, and a Master's degree in Sexuality Studies from San Francisco State University. For more information about David's practice, visit rousetherapy.com.
CA BBS CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM POLICIES
David F Khalili, LMFT is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for MFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs licensed through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. CEPA Provider # 1000132. David F Khalili, LMFT maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content. Contact him at www.rouseacademy.com, phone 415-200-2119, 4124 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94114, or david@rouse.academy.
To receive your CE certificate: Pay the ticket price, watch the live workshop with your camera on, and complete a brief evaluation after the workshop.
Grievance Policy: For this course, “Instructor” refers to David Khalili Marriage and Family Therapy, Inc.
If there is a grievance, the participants will be asked to put their concerns in writing to David Khalili david@rouse.academy.
If the grievance concerns the instructor, the content presented by the instructor, or the style of presentation, the individual filing the grievance will be asked to put his/her comments in written format. The participant will receive a written response in 1-2 business days. When necessary, the participant will receive a full refund.
If the grievance concerns a workshop offering, its content, level of presentation, or the facilities in which the workshop was offered, the instructor will mediate and will be the final arbitrator. If the participant requests action, the instructor:
a. attempt to move the participant to another workshop or
b. provide a credit for a subsequent year's workshop or
c. provide a full refund of the workshop fee.
Actions 4b and 4c will require a written note, documenting the grievance, for record keeping purposes. The grieved individual need not sign the note.
Refund Policy: Refunds are not available on all items, especially live webinars (see individual promotional materials). Refunds are always available if CE item was purchased in error. Full refunds for CE test payment itself will be granted when the request is submitted in writing and a post-test has not been submitted and graded. Refunds will be issued within 7 days of request to the payment method used to pay for the original purchase.
Disability Accommodations: Arrangements can be made for those with disabilities or special needs; please contact David Khalili at 415-448-6743, david@rouse.academy or the address above.
Continuing Education Units: 1 continuing education unit available for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs in California. Outside of California, check with your states licensing board.
Format and Length:
Live zoom meeting. Total running time 195 minutes.
Topic Area:
Clinical practice
Instructional Level:
All levels
Live Course Completion Requirements:
Live viewers must complete an online evaluation at the end of the course to obtain their CE certificate via email.
Who Should Attend:
Counselors, masters or doctoral level clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, and licensed professional counselors. Other wellness providers who work with couples, especially queer couples.
Course Date:
October 24, 2025
Conflict of Interest Statement:
There is no potential conflict of interest or outside commercial support for this course.
Refund Grievance Policy:
Click here for the full refund and grievance policy.
Contact Information:
For any inquiries related to subject matter guidance, correction, grading, comments, or problem resolution, please contact us at david@rouse.academy.
David F Khalili, LMFT is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for MFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs licensed through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. CEPA Provider # 1000132.