Provision of Mental Health Services via Telehealth: Legal, Ethical and Clinical Considerations

California Board of Behavioral Services one-time requirement for telemental health.

Note: Although this course covers California laws and ethics pertaining to telemental health, given inclusion of clinical and technology factors, this course is not classified as a course in law and ethics.

While telemental health has rapidly become the standard of care, many providers are continuing to work through details regarding how to best use this modality to enhance the clinical interaction. Furthermore, some remain unclear regarding practicing across state laws, as well as fully understanding the legal and ethical requirements necessary when working virtually.

This advanced beginner/intermediate level course contains three sections, the first of which provides an overview of best practices in terms of setting up a virtual practice. HIPAA guidelines and pragmatic guidance regarding practice needs are reviewed as well.

The second section contains two articles highlighting key legal and ethical standards required for every clinician engaging in online treatment. Included is a discussion of informed consent, security, and privacy.

In the final section, the focus shifts to clinical considerations, including how to evaluate who is appropriate for virtual treatment, tips on enhancing the therapeutic alliance, and suggestions on being more creative with the technological capabilities that are available. A section is dedicated to discussing how the online disinhibition effect impacts therapy. The course concludes with recommendations and strategies for working with specific populations.

As a bonus, a sample informed consent is provided in Word format that clinicians can modify to suit their specific practice needs.