Many clinicians now conduct telehealth from home at least a few days per week (if not most or all of their week). And why not use such an effective method that is also convenient for clients and therapists? However, there are ethical and legal pitfalls that clinicians aren’t always aware of. What telehealth ethics training is available to guide therapists?
Telehealth in medicine and mental health has become a widespread standard of care. Research in mental health shows that evidence-based treatments are just as effective via telehealth as they are in person. This effect was present even before the pandemic.
The rise of telehealth since the pandemic has (unsurprisingly) brought about a number of new aspects of care delivery to keep track of. From effectiveness of certain interventions over a screen to the growth of interjurisdictional compacts, clinicians must navigate many new considerations.
So how do we stay on top of these developments in telehealth? And how do we ensure we’re following ethical standards of care while remaining compliant with legal regulations? Like so many things in professional life, continuing education provides an answer.
Fortunately, the NICABM has a good telehealth ethics training to help be aware many ethical pitfalls that come about in telehealth practice. It also provides a guide for how to understand and manage these issues.
Additionally, it discusses the legality of telehealth over state lines and internationally. We wouldn’t want to miss legal standards when trying to do therapy on that road trip! The training also provides updates on how interstate reciprocity rules continue to evolve.
Telehealth ethics training can be a very helpful guide to understand rules and guidelines therapists may not be aware of or may not expect. Telehealth is here to stay! Education in legal standards will be good protection to effectively use this continually expanding system.
