The practice of tele-mental health- Ethical, legal, and clinical issues for practitioners
Date
2016
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Practice Innovations
Abstract
The integration of various technologies into clinical services and the provision of tele-mental health can help practices run more smoothly and efficiently, increase access to needed treatment for individuals in remote areas, and expand the reach of the professional services psychotherapists offer. While this brings many potential benefits to practitioners and clients alike, the practice of tele-mental health also brings a number of ethical, legal, and clinical challenges. These are addressed and highlighted through representative case examples. Ethics issues discussed include determining the appropriateness of tele-mental health services for clients, informed consent, confidentiality, clinical and technological competence, and emergency procedures and safeguards. Legal issues addressed include interjurisdictional practice and the role of laws in the jurisdictions where the practitioner and client each are located. Relevant ethics standards and professional practice guidelines are reviewed, and specific recommendations for the ethical, legal, and clinically effective practice of tele-mental health are provided. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
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Keywords
telemental health, clinical care, rural areas
Citation
Barnett, J. E., & Kolmes, K. (2016). The practice of tele-mental health: Ethical, legal, and clinical issues for practitioners. Practice Innovations, 1(1), 53.