Best Practices in Teletherapy (ETHICS)

Course overview

Therapists who choose to provide virtual services in Ohio are required to document competence and training as it relates to teletherapy. This training is designed to meet this requirement by reviewing the legal and ethical expectations set forth by the OCSWMFT Board and the Ohio Administrative Code. This includes understanding our scope of practice as virtual professionals as well as collecting informed consent and meeting documentation expectations, maintaining boundaries and confidentiality, and awareness of multicultural considerations. In addition, we emphasize ethical considerations from the ACA, NASW, the AAMFT, and HIPAA. Other sources will also be included to create a comprehensive review of best practices to maximize our effectiveness as virtual clinicians. A brief review of recommended platforms, apps, and softwares will be included alongside considerations from insurance companies. Extensive handouts will be provided and matched by frequent opportunities to stop and discuss and/or apply these guidelines to clinical examples.