Telehealth

In recent years there has been a growing emphasis on the use of telehealth in psychological assessment and psychotherapy. The recent COVID pandemic forcing people to shelter-in-homes has forced psychotherapists to use video and other digital technology to conduct psychotherapy with patients. To many psychotherapists’ surprise, this overcame much resistance and satisfaction surveys showed preferences by both psychotherapists and patients to this mode of delivery. This presentation will review some of the resistance and ways it has been overcome. Protocols and Guidelines will be discussed to facilitate its use in diagnosis and treatment of various mental health issues. We will describe use of social media and APPs as adjuncts to psychotherapy. Despite some changes in the laws and third-party payors, there are still many problems with interjurisdictional practice that we will discuss and suggest some ways to practice telehealth in a safe and ethical manner.