Telehealth Law & Ethics: Clinical Considerations & Best Practices

Telehealth Law & Ethics: Clinical Considerations & Best Practices (on-demand)

• Intended for: Novice/Beginning Learners: No advance knowledge required
• Content/curriculum: The entire curriculum is focused on law & ethics
• NBCC Content Area: Counseling Theory/Practice and the Counseling Relationship
• CE hours available: 3

Program Description

In many ways, providing therapy through Zoom or other online options is similar to working with a client in person – except when the technology glitches out, or the client is in crisis, or the client is traveling to another state. Are you prepared for these situations? This course offers specific guidance on the legal requirements and practical considerations for providing therapy by telehealth in 2025, including informed consent, assessing appropriateness for telehealth, telehealth across state lines, HIPAA and confidentiality, and documentation. You’ll learn about important safety plans that should be prepared for each client, along with suggestions for implementing a simple technology failure protocol. The focus will be on best practices for two-way video therapy conducted on Zoom or other platforms, though all telehealth modalities will be discussed.

This course specifically meets the requirements of the California BBS for a one-time 3-CE telehealth training, and is also appropriate for clinicians licensed in other states. The entire training counts as law & ethics.

Educational Goals

This course covers legal and ethical considerations for delivery of telehealth by LMFTs, LPCCs, LCSWs, and other licensed mental health professionals,, with a focus on client safety and unique considerations for clinical care via telehealth.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:

• Assess a prospective client for suitability for therapy via telehealth.
• Name 3 components of a client telehealth safety plan.
• Identify 3 requirements in California law (which are recommended for practicing in any state) for documenting telehealth sessions with clients.
• Explain when telehealth is permitted across state lines and describe how to assess legality of providing telehealth to a specific client in a specific state before providing care.
• Describe 2 ways that telehealth may increase equity in mental health for marginalized populations and support social justice

Equity Focus

The course will discuss factors of equity and how telehealth has the potential to meet the needs of different types of clients. Telehealth increases access to care to populations that may not otherwise be able to engage in therapy, including low-income clients, those who may be home-bound or have limited access to transportation, and those in rural areas with few providers nearby. Telehealth can reduce barriers including cost and inconvenience, making mental health services more accessible.

Presenters

Presenter Name: Lisa Wenninger, PhD (she/her)

Dr. Lisa Wenninger (she/her) has a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Antioch University Seattle. Lisa was trained in telehealth starting in early 2019 in her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at The Family Institute at Northwestern University. Lisa was a recipient of the 2022 CCE Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider training award and has been a Board Certified TeleMental Health provider since 2023. She is a National Certified Counselor and is licensed in California, Washington, and Virginia, with a telehealth-only social justice counseling practice working with individuals with marginalized identities who are navigating a complex and difficult world.

Resonant Equity, Inc. has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7682. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Resonant Equity, Inc. is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.