Online supervision during COVID-19: Supervisor’s perspective during a time of crisis.

Abstract

One hundred twenty-six supervisors completed a survey regarding their perceptions of telesupervision compared to face-to-face supervision after transitioning to online supervision during COVID-19. The results revealed that most supervisors enjoyed engaging in online supervision, valued it, and wanted to continue using it, but they had little to no training in using this modality during the transition. The findings shed light on ethical considerations, such as the observation of therapy tapes, licensing issues with patients living out of state, supervising work with suicidal or high-risk patients, and the confidentiality of online platforms. Despite these challenges, most supervisors said they would continue to do online supervision, even though they acknowledged the need to address these issues. Most supervisors valued working online and reported feeling that they were as present and helpful to their supervisees as when doing face-to-face supervision. Supervisors also reported believing that their supervisees' online treatments were effective and helpful to their patients. Implications for treatment, training, and future research after the end of the pandemic are addressed. Public Significance StatementThe current telesupervision research is significant because it highlights psychologists' commitment to online modalities and raises awareness of the ethical practice guidelines needed when engaging in online supervision. Online supervision may help address barriers to receive diverse training, prevent illness for people at risk, and improve access to care.