Interprofessional telebehavioral health competencies framework: Implications for telepsychology.

Abstract

The Coalition for Technology in Behavioral Science (CTiBS) telebehavioral health (TBH) competency framework is presented to assist in using technology to affirm and adapt existing in-person clinical psychology practices. This paper identifies the theoretical rationale for the development and use of the CTiBS evidence-and consensus-based framework. It examines two derivative applications and then discusses limitations and areas for future research. The CTiBS TBH competency framework is a nested model consisting of seven competency domains (with subdomains), each of which has a distinct number of objectives, which in turn have specific competencies or practices. These then cut across three competency levels. The CTiBS framework applies an interprofessional TBH competency framework to telehealth for psychology, sometimes referred to as "telepsychology." Relevance of the TBH competency framework is discussed for psychology education, training, supervision, and longitudinal professional development and to guide certification and licensure regulations for psychological practice.

Online supervision: Addressing clinical services in rural communities during COVID-19.

“…Past research confirms that TM-H is efficacious across populations and in response to numerous symptoms; yet, practitioners must acknowledge and accommodate for the contextual differences that exist between face-to-face and online clinical environments (Maheu et al, 2020). When providing TM-H services, practitioners must be proficient in several domains, including: (a) clinical evaluation and care, (b) virtual environment and telepresence, (c) technology, (d) legal and regulatory issues, (e) evidence-based and ethical practices, (f) mobile health technologies, and (g) telepractice development.…”

“…Each state establishes and maintains its own telehealth standards. Generally, online providers are required to be licensed professionals, yet specific requirements for specialized training in the provision of telehealth vary by jurisdiction and credential (FSMB, 2021; Maheu et al, 2020). Accordingly, inconsistent training opportunities related to this mode of treatment delivery are observed.…”

“…Further, given the physical distance that typically occurs between online supervisors and their supervisees, the informed consent document should also include an explicit plan for emergency situations (Shore et al, 2018). Confirmation of supervisees’ virtual competency skills, including their ability to effectively navigate the supervision platform, use technology ethically and legally, and engage in basic troubleshooting efforts (Maheu et al, 2020) may occur in tandem within the informed consent process.…”

A narrative review of alliance formation and outcome in text-based telepsychotherapy.

“…This concern may arise from the lack of exposure to telepsychotherapy and a lack of knowledge regarding how it operates (Richards & Viganó, 2013). As this area continues to develop and gain attention, there will likely be more opportunities of training programs to provide educational curriculum and training in telepsychotherapy (Maheu, Drude, Merrill, Callan, & Hilty, 2020). Other therapists have endorsed advantages of telepsychotherapy, including greater time to think before responding and a more equal power balance between participants (Bambling, King, Reid, & Wegner, 2008).…”

Evaluation of a multi-site health services psychology training program for telehealth and integrated behavioral health

“…Some examples of telehealth competencies for providers across various disciplines have been proposed over the years. One example of telepsychology competencies covers seven domains: (1) clinical evaluation and care, (2) virtual environment and telepresence, (3) technology, (4) legal and regulatory issues, (5) evidence based and ethical practice, (6) mobile health technologies, and (7) telepractice development ( Hertlein et al, 2021 ). The American Academy of Medical Colleges also published telehealth competencies for licensed medical professionals that addressed the following domains: (1) patient safety and appropriate use of telehealth, (2) access and equity in telehealth, (3) communication via telehealth, (4) data collection and assessment via telehealth, (5) technology for telehealth, and (6) ethical practices and legal requirements for telehealth ( Association of American Medical Colleges, 2021 ).…”