Online Therapy: A Beginner’s Guide
Online Course Materials:
Articles
Audios
Articles
Videos
All materials are available as audios with transcripts.
Developed by Glenn Marks, Ph.D.
General Course Description
This course is offered for FREE to any who want to improve their knowledge of the logistics of online therapy. It is intended for those relatively new to virtual therapy and focuses on how to improve the online experience of both the clinician and patient alike.
This introductory course is presented in video format, with both an audio and text (transcript) version available as well. Users should benefit greatly from watching these videos, as a number of demonstrations regarding the effects of an external camera and ways to minimize physical distress are provided. The first of two videos covers topics ranging from how to evaluate whether a platform is HIPAA compliant to discussions of ways to manage fatigue, eye strain, and other concerns. The second brief video delves into a discussion of ethical and pragmatic concerns including whether virtual treatment is appropriate for all patients and other concerns clinicians need to be aware of.
Educational Objectives:
- This course will teach the participant to
- Describe whether an online platform is HIPAA compliant
- Identify what types of equipment is likely to enhance the virtual interaction.
- Discuss ethical considerations when considering whether to engage in online therapy with certain populations.
Course Syllabus:
- Introduction to purpose of course and limitations
- How to access resources for more in depth learning
- How to evaluate whether a platform is HIPAA compliant
- Business Associate Agreement
- Security Settings
- Questions to consider when considering which platform to use
- Additional features such as note taking
- Costs
- Client population, e.g. age, groups, etc
- Size of your organization
- Both yours and your client’s level of comfort with technology
- Both yours and your client’s access to internet
- Reducing fatigue and enhancing virtual experience
- Scheduling rhythms
- Ergonomics
- Screen size and type
- External camera
- Professional background
- Clinical and ethical considerations
- When to consider alternatives to virtual treatment
- Special population considerations
- Sensitive to headaches/light
- Dissociative and/or suicidal clients
- Resistance to virtual therapy
