As telecommunication technologies and health apps become more ubiquitous and affordable, they expand opportunities for behavioural and mental health professionals to provide quality care. Telemental health now encompasses the full range of services, including assessment, treatment delivery, psychoeducation, supervision, and consultation. Many of the skills needed for competent telepractice are the same as in conventional in-office care. However, physical distance as well as technology itself can create challenges to safe and ethical practice. For instance, when conducting suicide assessment and intervention via videoconferencing, the clinician must be prepared to involve emergency or support services at the patient's location, while providing all the usual treatment documentation and follow-up. Such challenges are manageable when following the best practices outlined in this book.

This book works as a guide to videoconferencing practice for psychological providers through a broad, simplified, and practical overview of pertinent factors. It is a consolidation of research literature and professional experiences of practicing, teaching, and studying videoconferencing. It begins by defining key concepts such as telehealth, telepsychology, and other related terminology and examining the role of telehealth in addressing ongoing mental health disparities. An overview of existing videoconferencing practices, guidebooks and general recommendations, as well as specifics of ethical and legal factors are discussed. The book then details numerous essential factors of videoconferencing practice that are directly applicable to psychological care, including considerations of computer system, video camera, display screen, microphone, videoconferencing platform, bandwidth and latency, and room setup, along with self-care practices. The appendices provide readers with links to resources, checklists, and other documents to guide their practice. Psychologists, counselors, and other mental health providers will find this user-friendly, research-informed guide indispensable when implementing online treatment and teletherapy.

This timely text provides foundational knowledge and skills pertaining to ethical and evidence-based practice for mental health providers engaging in or considering using distance modalities to treat clients. Targeting day-to-day application, the book explains the core functions of Telemental Health counseling (TMH) and its use across a broad spectrum of mental health modalities and settings. Using the framework of the ACA divisions, ASCA, and CACREP core areas to examine TMH, the text provides instructions to develop skills that readers can apply directly to their own counseling interactions. Providing a wealth of information based on empirical and impartial views, the book helps readers examine the benefits and risks of distance counseling in various settings. It encompasses the history of TMH, ethical codes, legal guidelines, and recent research. Case studies and opportunities for self-reflection enable readers to envision distance counseling in real-world contexts, ask critical questions, and form conclusions about its utility in their practice. Of particular value is the "Voices from the Field" feature, where practitioners from different settings describe using distance counseling. The "Challenges and Opportunities" features discuss the pros and cons of telemental health practice. The book is written through the lens of professional counseling which makes it an ideal companion to Counselor Education program courses in Counseling Skills, Pre-Practicum, Advanced Theory, or elective coursework pertaining to distance counseling and telemental health. Key Features: Includes critical content pertaining to the COVID-19 crisis Expands the view of distance counseling to include such varied professionals as mental health, school, family, couple, rehabilitation, addiction specialists, etc. Presents abundant case studies to provide context and practical application Addresses the positive and negative aspects of practicing distance counseling Includes ethical issues in each chapter pertaining to designated core areas or specialty Presents "Questions of Practice" to foster critical thinking regarding the use of TMH in specific roles or functions, Offers "Voices from the Field" with real-world examples focusing on practicing TMH within the designated core areas or specialties Emphasizes ethical, practical, and logistical TMH practice in all chapters Written through the lens of a professional counselor who is also a board-certified telemental health provider

Delivers key insights on the nuts and bolts of starting a telehealth practice or incorporating it into an existing one This timely reference guide for beginning and aspiring telemedical and telehealth NPs and other healthcare providers is the first to consolidate essential information on these practices into one convenient resource. Written by an NP who implemented a telemedicine program inside of a large practice from the ground up during COVID-19, this guide delivers vital insights into how to establish and maintain a telehealth practice that effectively supports patients and is fiscally successful. Field Guide to Telehealth and Telemedicine outlines step-by-step how to set up and manage a telemedical practice or incorporate it into an existing one. Chapters include information on workflows, staffing, formats and limitations, online etiquette for an optimal patient experience, legal and safety issues, and essential techniques for assessment and remote care. Numerous tables help identify state-specific limitations and clarify the ins-and-outs of billing and reimbursement for remote visits. Additionally, a section specifically devoted to COVID-19 outlines key considerations regarding care of these patients. Of special interest is the author’s compelling story of building his digital health care practice amid Covid-19. Yearly digital updates are included with the book’s purchase to keep readers apprised of rapid changes in the field. Key Features: Includes all the essentials NPs need to launch their digital healthcare practice or align their current digital health approach with best telehealth practice. Provides yearly digital updates to readers via Connect to keep telehealth considerations current. Presents a case study of a real-life issues and solutions in setting up and running a digital healthcare practice. Compiles and simplifies hard-to-find information related to common legal and reimbursement issues. Includes the author's experience ramping up his digital healthcare practice in the midst of COVID-19.

Virtual care is the new normal. Are you prepared? In this comprehensive guide, therapist and certified telemental health trainer Joni Gilbertson discusses the entire virtual treatment process, from intake to termination (and beyond). Drawing from her own successful online practice, in addition to training thousands of professionals on telemental health, Gilbertson's straightforward, conversation style allows clinicians to see themselves in her case examples and clinical decision making. Designed with both the seasoned and newly minted therapist in mind, this guidebook provides a map to the essentials of a successful online practice, including: - Platforms that are both HIPAA-compliant and user-friendly - An ethical roadmap for navigating dilemmas common to virtual care - Up-to-date information on virtual care best practices and laws - Must-have risk management safeguards for your license, your practice, and your client - Customizable, legally sound forms, including informed consent, release of information, emergency plans, and more

This visionary volume spotlights innovative mental health careers in today’s technology-driven climate while inspiring readers to create their own opportunities. Unique and engaging perspectives from professionals across disciplines and job titles describe the thought processes, ingenuity, and discipline behind matching technologies to the needs of specific populations and settings. These non-traditional paths show digital advances as used in frontline, complementary, supplemental, and alternative interventions, in academic and training settings, in private practice, and in systems facing transition. The diversity of these contributions illustrates the myriad openings technology presents for both professional fulfillment and clients’ improved well-being. Highlights of the coverage: Crisis in the behavioral health classroom: enhancing knowledge, skills, and attitudes in telehealth training. Using technology in behavior analysis: a journey into telepractice. Making iCBT available in primary care settings: bridging the gap between research and regular healthcare. Improving veterans’ access to trauma services through clinical video telehealth. Virtual reality therapy for treatment of psychological disorders. Promoting and evaluating evidence-based telepsychology interventions. For mental health practitioners, practitioners in training, researchers, academics, and policymakers, Career Paths in Telemental Health is an ideabook whose time has come—and continues to unfold.