Getting Started with Telemental Health: Covering the Basics & Beyond
This course is offered free to all students and trainees. If you fall into that category, use this coupon code GSTS when checking out. This code is applicable to this course only.
While telemental health has rapidly become the standard of care, many providers remain unaware of how factors such as light, sound, background, and frame can be optimized to enhance the clinical experience. Furthermore, distractions on both the client and therapist parts may interfere with deeper processing of emotional experiences.
This beginner level course is designed for those new to online therapy but also offers tips for seasoned clinicians looking to provide a more optimal clinical experience. While this video is provided in both an audio and transcript version, it is recommended that you watch the presentation as many features discussed will also be demonstrated.
Dr. Lev-David begins by discussing certain challenges unique to online therapy and then moves through pragmatic approaches all clinicians can use in their interactions. Consideration of HIPPA platforms is reviewed as are brief ethical and legal issues mental health professionals should be aware of. As part of this course, a table is provided that outlines considerations for persons who might need certain accommodations when engaging in telemental health
Educational Objectives
- Identify how lighting, sound, and camera can enhance the clinical interaction
- Describe 3 steps that can be taken to enhance privacy concerns
- Discuss 3 components of a HIPAA compliant platform
- Identify what rules impact conducting telemental health across state lines
Syllabus
- Identifying challenges
- Starting with the basics
- Quality of internet
- Camera
- Framing and background
- Microphone and speaker
- Lighting
- Reducing fatigue
- Blue light blocking
- 20-20-20 rule
- Ergonomics
- More frequent breaks
- Telehealth platforms
- HIPAA compliance
- Security
- Business associate agreement
- Health care provider specific
- Ease of access for patients
- HIPAA compliance
- Tips during session
- Discussing ways for clients to maximize privacy
- Tech checks
- Using names when working with multiple participants
- Clients creating transition times before and after session
- Laws and regulations
- Across state lines
- Accessing emergency services
- Duty to report
- Considerations of specific populations
- Neurological conditions
- Migraine headaches
- Active psychosis
- Suicidal ideation
- Severe mental illness
- History of suicidal gestures and/or cutting behaviors