Navigating Dual Relationships in Social Work: Ethics, Challenges, and Responsible Practice

Dual relationships — when a social worker ends up having more than one type of relationship with a client — are one of those tricky but important parts of the job. On paper, it seems easy: keep your personal life and professional life separate. But in real life? Especially in small towns, tight-knit communities, or places where everyone knows everyone, that separation is not always possible. That’s why understanding the risks, the ethics, and how to handle these overlap moments thoughtfully matters so much. It keeps clients safe and helps maintain trust in the profession.

What Are Dual Relationships - and Why Do They Matter?

Reamer (2003) explains that boundary issues, including dual and multiple relationships, arise when a social worker’s professional role overlaps with a social, business, religious, or other personal relationship. This can happen simultaneously (such as being both a therapist and a neighbor) or later on (like becoming friends with a former client after services have ended). These kinds of situations are actually pretty common, especially when social workers live and work in the same community.

The big concern is that dual relationships can blur boundaries and make things confusing. Clients share personal, vulnerable information and depend on the social worker’s judgment. When there’s an extra layer to the relationship, it can affect objectivity, create power imbalances, or lead to misunderstandings. That’s why Reamer points out that boundary issues continue to be some of the hardest and most common ethical dilemmas in social work.

Ethical Standards from the Code of Ethics: What the Profession Requires

The NASW Code of Ethics talks directly about dual relationships. Under Standard 1.06 (Conflicts of Interest), social workers are told to avoid dual or multiple relationships when there’s a risk of harm or exploitation.

But the Code also recognizes that life isn’t always that simple. It doesn’t ban all dual relationships. It acknowledges that some situations – like rural areas, small towns, cultural communities, or overlapping social circles – make dual relationships unavoidable. When that happens, the Code expects social workers to set boundaries that are clear, appropriate, and culturally sensitive.So instead of treating dual relationships as black-and-white “right or wrong,” the Code pushes for thoughtful judgment. Dual relationships aren’t automatically unethical, but they do come with responsibilities.

Distinguishing Boundary Crossings and Boundary Violations

Reamer also stresses the difference between boundary crossings and boundary violations, and this distinction is really helpful.

● Boundary crossings are small shifts from strict professional boundaries. They’re not necessarily harmful. Things like running into a client at the grocery store or having brief social contact in community settings are normal, especially in small communities. When handled openly and respectfully, these don’t automatically break ethical rules.

● Boundary violations, though, are serious. These happen when the overlap harms the client or serves the social worker’s personal interests, like sexual involvement, emotional manipulation, business relationships, or financial entanglement. These actions violate ethical standards and can put clients at real risk.

It’s also important to remember that even well-intentioned acts (like giving gifts, offering extra personal help, or becoming social with clients) can unintentionally cause confusion or boundary problems. Since dual relationships fall on a spectrum, ethical practice requires awareness, consistency, and ongoing reflection.

Navigating Dual Relationships: Principles for Ethical Practice

So how can social workers approach dual relationships responsibly? Using Reamer’s guidance and the NASW Code of Ethics, here are some grounded principles to help navigate:

1. Prioritize client welfare and safety.

If something could harm the client or cloud your judgment, that’s your answer: don’t do it.

2. Conduct a thoughtful risk assessment.

Before entering a dual relationship, or if one comes up unexpectedly, check in with yourself. How might this affect confidentiality? Power dynamics? Role clarity?

3. Maintain transparency and informed consent.
If you know dual relationships are likely (like in small towns, religious communities, or close cultural groups), talk openly with your clients. Clear communication sets expectations and protects the relationship.

4. Establish and uphold clear, culturally sensitive boundaries.

Boundaries should be clear and consistent — whether in person, online, through phone calls, or in community spaces. This also includes not friending clients on personal social media or accepting personal gifts or favors. The Code of Ethics specifically cautions against using technology for personal interaction with clients.

5. Seek supervision or consultation when in doubt.

Dual relationship questions are rarely simple. Talking things through with a supervisor or trusted colleague helps you see blind spots and make better ethical choices.

6. Document decisions, boundaries, and conversations.

If a dual relationship is unavoidable, writing down your thought process, your discussions with the client, and the boundaries you set helps protect both of you.

7. Refer out when necessary.

If you can’t maintain ethical boundaries or if things become too complicated, referring the client to someone else is sometimes the most responsible and respectful choice.

Why This Matters

Dual and multiple relationships aren’t just theoretical problems. When handled poorly, they can cause emotional harm, confusion, exploitation, and a breakdown of trust, both in the individual social worker and in the profession itself. Reamer highlights that many ethical complaints stem from boundary violations.

When dual relationships are handled thoughtfully, openly, and ethically, professionals can still practice in small or interconnected communities without harming clients. This means being aware of the context you’re in, being honest about what’s happening, and keeping the client’s needs front and center.

Conclusion

Dual relationships are part of the reality of social work, especially in certain communities. Guided by Reamer’s insights, the NASW Code of Ethics, and strong ethical practices, social workers can approach these situations with confidence instead of fear. When practitioners assess risks, keep boundaries clear, seek support, and always prioritize the client’s well-being, they can maintain ethical practice while still being part of the communities they serve.

References

“Dual Relationships in Counseling: Ethics, Boundaries, and Best Practices.” Therapy Trainings® | Online CEU Courses for Mental Health Professionals, June 2025, www.therapytrainings.com/pages/blog/dual-relationships-in-counseling-ethics-boundaries-and-best-practices.

Great Valley Publishing Company, Inc. “Eye on Ethics.” Managing Boundaries and Dual Relationships, www.socialworktoday.com/news/eoe_030402.shtml.

“Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibilities to Clients.” NASW, National Association of Social Workers, www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English/Social-Workers-Ethical-Responsibilities-to-Clients.

Reamer, Frederic G. “Boundary Issues in Social Work: Managing Dual ...” Boston University, Jan. 2003, www.bu.edu/ssw/files/2017/07/Reamer-F .-Boundary-Issues-in-Social-Work-Managing-dual-relationships.pdf.

Written by Aracely Guzman, MSW Student Intern – Carve Your Own Path