Dr. Ethan Potter

03/02/2026

March is Social Work Month.

I’m grateful to be part of a profession rooted in dignity, advocacy, and the belief that people are capable of growth and change.

Social work happens in therapy rooms, hospitals, schools, communities, policy spaces, and quiet conversations that never make headlines. It is steady, often unseen work grounded in compassion and accountability.

To my fellow social workers, students, and the clients who trust us with their stories, thank you. This work matters.

Happy Social Work Month!
https://tinyurl.com/5n8uunvn
Social workers are well-educated, train for years and develop expertise not just to change people, but to reshape systems that can help people live far richer and improved lives. Our society over the course of the last year has seen incredible upheavals that have changed our economy, the way we access and pay for care, and interact with one another.
That is why this year’s theme is Social Workers: Uplift. Defend. Transform.
Learn more and find a toolkit to create your own content at socialworkmonth.org

02/14/2026

With a series of critical higher ed regulations soon to be opened for public comment, Inside Higher Ed spoke with three experts on how to submit feedback that makes an impact. Here’s what they had to say.

02/14/2026

Social workers are the backbone of the U.S. mental health workforce—serving in child welfare, behavioral health, schools, healthcare, and community settings.

Limiting access to MSW education will deepen workforce shortages, increase wait times, and leave communities without critical care.

Help ensure social work remains a professional degree and submit your public comment by March 2nd to let the DoE know that

Need help knowing what to write? Visit our website for steps on what to write and where to submit it: https://bit.ly/3O9n5SK

02/09/2026

Missouri LMSW/LCSW Exam Prep — In-Person Workshop (Springfield, MO)

Registration is now open for a small, in-person LMSW/LCSW exam prep workshop focused on practical test strategy and exam decision-making skills.

This full-day (7–8 hour) interactive training will be held in Springfield, Missouri and is designed for social work graduates and candidates preparing for the licensing exam. Content includes:

• Exam reasoning models
• Decision and ethics frameworks
• Question breakdown methods
• Practice scenario walkthroughs
• Pacing and confidence tools

The training is planned for the late May to early June window, with the final date announced by May 8 based on participant availability.

This is exam preparation support only (not a CEU event) and is not affiliated with ASWB, NASW, or any licensing board.

Total cost is $229. A $50 refundable seat deposit reserves a seat and is applied toward the total.

Details and registration:
https://www.whtherapy.com/trainings-workshops

Future sessions may include virtual options based on statewide interest. Feel free to share with anyone in Missouri preparing for the LMSW or LCSW exam.

LMSW and LCSW exam prep trainings offered in Missouri, including in-person and future virtual options. Strategy-focused, interactive preparation for social work licensure candidates.

02/07/2026

Join NASW-MO for L.E.A.D - Legislative Educational Advocacy Day on March 4th!

This is your opportunity to learn skills to prepare to lobby on the bills NASW-MO is supporting in this session!
You will be assisted in finding out how to connect to YOUR legislator (if you are a Missouri resident)
The LEAD Prep Session will be facilitated by the experienced Lobbying Team of NASW-MO.
LEAD Prep will allow time for questions about LEAD

Make sure to attend the LEAD Preparation on FEBRUARY 20th

Learn more and register today!

https://naswmo.socialworkers.org/LEAD

01/26/2026

PLEASE SHARE! Affordable therapy options for anyone in Missouri: in-person and telehealth available.

01/23/2026

BIG on that NOT SORRY part! 👊🗣️ Some things are just worth fighting for. What are you passionate about?
Running $15 special any size and color 🫶
Completely customizable. 🖤

01/23/2026

Crisis Cold Weather Shelters have also added capacity to provide more beds to those experiencing homelessness, though volunteers are still needed. See link below ⬇️ bit.ly/4a5HRLr

01/23/2026

🎓 Join us for an MSW Program Info Session! Have questions or need help with your application? We’re here to help ✨

Friday, January 23 (12pm CST):
🔗Register here: https://tinyurl.com/33hvrcmf

Thursday, February 5 (10am CST):
🔗Register here: https://tinyurl.com/yc7venc2

Friday, February 20 (12pm CST):
🔗Register here: https://tinyurl.com/5n7p3ux9

Thursday, March 5 (10am CST):
🔗Register here: https://tinyurl.com/rwnwtf6z

Friday, March 13 (12pm CST):
🔗Register here: https://tinyurl.com/3pwpytxf

01/23/2026

This is deeply unsettling and heartbreaking.

The loss of a mental health professional in a targeted act of violence reverberates far beyond one office or one community. It impacts colleagues, clients, families, and the broader helping profession.

Holding space for her loved ones and for mental health providers who may feel shaken by this news. Safety, support, and care for those who care for others matter.

BREAKING: THERAPIST KILLED IN TARGETED ATTACK INSIDE ORLANDO OFFICE

A licensed mental health counselor was fatally stabbed inside her workplace in Orlando, Florida, in what investigators are calling a targeted attack.

Police say Rebecca White, 44, was attacked inside an office building on Lee Road in Orange County late last night. Authorities report that a former patient, Michael Smith, 39, arrived at the office and attempted to meet with her. When White refused, investigators say he forced his way inside and pulled a knife.

White was stabbed multiple times.

A male client who was inside the office at the time tried to intervene and called 911 while the attack was happening. He was also stabbed but survived after undergoing emergency surgery.

The suspect fled the scene following the assault. Early this morning, his body was discovered in a wooded area near Windy Ridge Road. Investigators believe Smith died by su***de.

Law enforcement has confirmed the incident appears to have been intentional and targeted, not random. The investigation remains active as authorities work to confirm the full timeline, prior contact history, and motive.

This is a devastating loss and a stark reminder of the real-world risks faced by mental health professionals.

06/01/2025

👋 Welcome to the professional page of Dr. Ethan Potter, DSW, LCSW, ACSW — therapist, educator, researcher, and social work advocate.

This space is for sharing reflections and insights related to mental health, social work, supervision, burnout, self-care, and social work education. It is intended to inform, support, and encourage thoughtful conversation — not to provide therapy or crisis services.

From time to time, I may also share broader reflections connected to professional life and lived experience.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This page and its inbox are not monitored 24/7 and are not secure platforms for clinical communication. Engaging with this page does not establish a therapeutic relationship. For urgent support, please call 988 or your local emergency services. Please avoid sharing personal or sensitive information in comments or messages.