leading the way in developing telepsychology guidelines

THE COMMUNICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE -

OHIO PSYCHOLOGICAL

ASSOCIATION

Leading the Way inDeveloping

Telepsychology Guidelines

“TO PROPOSE A SET OF FLEXIBLE AND WORKABLE GUIDELINES THAT CAN BE APPLIED BY PSYCHOLOGISTS WHEN PROVIDING TELEPSYCHOLOGY SERVICES. . . THEY ARE INTENDED TO BE APPLICABLE TO ANY PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES PROVIDED USING COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY.”

Mission

TELEPSYCHOLOGY IS THE PROVISION OF NON-FACE-TO-FACE PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES BY DISTANCE COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY SUCH AS TELEPHONE, E-MAIL, CHAT AND VIDEOCONFERENCING.

What is Telepsychology?

• LEGAL & REGULATORY ACCOUNTABILITY

APA Code of Ethics but no guidelines for

electronic communications

• PUBLIC BENEFIT

• PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE

Why Telepsychology Guidelines?

1. REVIEW OF RELEVANT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS

Guidelines Development Process

• INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY MENTAL HEALTH ONLINE

• AMERICAN COUNSELING ASSOCIATION• NATIONAL BOARD OF CERTIFIED COUNSELORS

• AMERICAN MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS ASSOCIATION

Relevant Telehealth Guidelines and Standards

2. DEVELOP DRAFT AND SUBMIT TO OPA BOARD FOR INITIAL COMMENTS

Guidelines Development Process

Integrating Draft Guidelines with APA Recommendations

Review APA Recommendations for guidelines

Utilize their checklist for practice guidelines

Demonstrating respect for human rights and dignity

Avoidance of bias

Title of Guideline: ______________________________ Reviewed:___________________ Reviewer:___________________. Yes Somewha

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AnswerComments

Outline Elements

1. Is there an adequate statement of the problem?

2. Is there a statement distinguishing between standards and guidelines?

3. Are the users of the practice guidelines explicitly identified?

3 SUBMIT REVISED DRAFT TO STATE ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES FOR COMMENTS

Guidelines Development Process

STATE ASSOCIATION MEMBERS STATE PSYCHOLOGY LICENSING BOARD ALL OTHER STATE PSYCHOLOGICAL

ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY ON NATIONAL

PSYCHOLOGY LISTSERV ANYONE REQUESTING A COPY

Draft Distribution

4. REVIEW COMMENTS AND SUBMIT DRAFT TO STATE ASSOCIATION BOARD FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL

Guidelines Development Process

APPROPRIATE USE OF TELEPSYCHOLOGY

LEGAL & ETHICAL REQUIREMENTS INFORMED CONSENT DISCLOSURES

Draft Guidelines - 1

SECURE COMMUNICATIONS/ ELECTRONIC TRANSFER OF CLIENT INFORMATION

ACCESS TO AND STORAGE OF ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION

FEES & FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS

Draft Guidelines - 2

Guidelines Development Process

5. Approval and distribution6. Continued evaluation

Guidelines are available for download at the OPA Website:

http://www.ohpsych.org

Contact Information:HEI001@aol.com