Additionally, someethicaland legal concerns become more complicated with teletherapy.
This article discusses the ethical, legal, and security issues related toonline therapy.
It also discusses some special concerns including recent changes due to world events.
Click below to listen now.
As with any online activity, be extremely protective of your personal information.
Guidelines
The American Psychological Association providesspecific guidancefor therapists who use telecommunication to treat patients.
Online Platforms
You may be accessing online therapy through a former in-person provider who has gone digital.
Both therapists and clients should be aware of the potential risks to privacy that online therapy poses.
Technology Challenges
Teletherapy is more accessible and convenient for many.
Access to private spaces and internet services can also be more challenging for vulnerable or underserved clients.
This can be a particular concern among older adults.
Lack of digital proficiency is frequently abarrier to telehealth servicesfor people in this age group.
Ethical Codes
Several professional associations have posted ethical guidelines for telehealth.
This policy and its list of standards can be found on its website.
Informed Consent
Therapists must obtaininformed consentfrom all teletherapy clients.
They must also take care to respect professional boundaries.
What Is Informed Consent?
These will be the same online as they would be in person.
This is called “duty to protect.”
A practice agreement known as the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact, orPSYPACT,may change this.
so that practice under PSYPACT, therapists must be licensed by the PSYPACT Commission.
A Word From Verywell
Online therapy is here to stay.
During the pandemic, 98% of therapists practiced teletherapy.
If you are interested in online therapy, spend some time researching your options.
Learn more about the platforms and technology that online therapists use as part of their practice.
Find out which option is the best for you.
Calkins H.Online therapy is here to stay.Monitor on Psychology.
PSYPACTMap - psychology interjurisdictional compact (PSYPACT).
Virtual reality telepsychology may be next.Front Virtual Real.
