Ethical Challenges of Integrating Neuroscience into the Clinic: Case Examples and Discussion

• What if you discover a structural malformation during an fMRI scan for a patient with opioid use disorder with a history of trauma in your research study? How should you handle client disclosure of direct-to-consumer genetics testing that changes client treatment preferences and needs? What are the risks of using neuroscience in perpetuating race-based bias and other forms of bias in clinical practice?
• The bioethics of neuroscience integration in psychotherapy are a critical consideration for future practitioners of CBT but rarely discussed. Learn from Dr. Judy Illes, an internationally-recognized bioethicist, Professor of Neurology and Distinguished Professor in Neuroethics at the University of British Columbia, and pioneer of the field of neuroethics. 

This session offers 1 CE credit.

Ethical Challenges of Integrating Neuroscience into the Clinic: Case Examples and Discussion 

This session includes an expert-led discussion centered around three compelling case examples concerning ethical principles in genetics, functional neuroimaging, and racial bias in neuroscience research and practice. The discussion will be led by Dr. Judy Illes, a pioneer of the field of neuroethics. Dr. Illes is Professor of Neurology, Distinguished Professor in Neuroethics, and Director of Neuroethics Canada at the University of British Columbia. Her work encompasses research, teaching, and outreach efforts addressing ethical, legal, social, and policy concerns at the intersection of brain sciences and biomedical ethics. Dr. Illes will guide session attendees through three case studies, offering insights into complex ethical dilemmas they present and real-world applications of ethical principles in addressing them. The audience will have the opportunity to ask questions and share perspectives in real time, for a thoughtful and engaging discussion that is poised to provide attendees with a deeper understanding of ethical considerations in neuroscience and practical strategies for navigating them. 

Categories: Neuroscience/Neuroimaging

Keywords: Ethics, Neuroscience, Mental Health Literary

All levels of familiarity with the material.

Earn 1 continuing education credit

Outline: 

1. Introduction to bioethics skills required of future CBT clinicians

1. Discussion of ethical challenge case examples

1. Case 1: Neuroimaging with good intentions but bad planning

1. Research ethics in grant-seeking
2. Research ethics in research design
3. Research ethics in post-study phase

1. Case 2: Misinformed genetics testing 

1. Ethics related to trustworthiness
2. Ethics related to adequate informed consent
3. Ethics related to privacy and confidentiality

1. Case 3: Do-it-yourself psychedelic microdosing practices on social media

1. Ethics of trustworthiness
2. Ethics of duty to care 

At the end of this session, the learner will be able to:

1. Describe ethical principles as they apply to areas within neuroscience, including functional neuroimaging, neurotechnology, and racial bias in research and practice;
2. Frame ethical questions and evaluate complex ethical dilemmas presented in neuroscience case examples, with consideration of potential ethical, legal, social, and policy concerns;
3. Apply ethical principles and considerations to real-world scenarios in neuroscience research and practice.

Long Term Goals for the Attendee (takeaways)

1. Develop an intuition for evaluating the key ethical considerations in research and clinical issues pertaining to using neuroscience in mental health clinics
2. Identify ways in which ethical issues emerge in real world scenarios involving neuroscientific research and practice 

Recommended Readings:

1. Martinez-Martin, N. & Kreitmair, K. (2018). Ethical issues for direct-to-consumer digital psychotherapy apps: Addressing accountability, data protection, and consent. JMIR Mental Health, 5, e32. 
2. Martinez-Martin, N., Dunn, L. B., & Roberts, L. W. (2018). Is it ethical to use prognostic estimates from machine learning to treat psychosis? AMA J Ethics, 20, E804-811. 
3. Sargent, S., & Illes, J. (2024). Health aspirations for transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Neuroethics, 17, 16. 
4. Park, J. K., & Lu, C. Y. (2023). Polygenic scores in the direct-to-consumer setting: Challenges and opportunities for a new era in consumer genetic testing. J Pers Med, 13, 573.  
5. Shen, F. X., Wolf, S. M., Lawrenz, F., Comeau, D. S., Dzirasa, K., Evans, B. J., Garwood, M. (2024). Ethical, legal, and policy challenges in field-based neuroimaging research using emerging portable MRI technologies: guidance for investigators and for oversight. Journal of Law and the Biosciences, lsae008.

This session offers 1 CE credit. All attendees will receive a certificate of completion when the course requirements are satisfied. Certificates of completion is included in the cost of the summit

ABCT is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. ABCT maintains responsibility for this program and its content

The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5797. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs

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