Embedded Files
Teletherapy Environment
Teletherapy Environment
Student therapists are responsible for providing a teletherapy environment as follows:
All teletherapy sessions will be provided from within the Couple & Family Therapy Center at Peck Hall. Student therapists are not to conduct sessions from their homes, internship sites, or any other locations except appropriate rooms within Peck Hall.
Therapists are to be dressed consistent with the clinic professional attire policy when facilitating teletherapy sessions.
Therapists will ensure cameras are adjusted so their upper body & face is visible to the client at all times.
Do not use blurred or virtual backgrounds
Telehealth Session Checklist
Telehealth Session Checklist
When meeting with clients via Zoom, be sure to review this checklist at every session or as otherwise appropriate. Be sure to document responses to teletherapy session checklist questions in session summaries, especially any information related to changes in the physical environment of the client.
Telehealth Session Checklist.docxTeletherapy Frequently Asked Questions
Teletherapy Frequently Asked Questions
What to do if the connection is bad?
What to do if the connection is bad?
Do not continue with session. Use the procedure agreed upon with client during informed consent process. This may look like disconnecting from Zoom and calling the client by phone to troubleshoot connectivity (if possible), to confirm safety, and/or to reschedule for another day/time when connectivity will hopefully be better, assuming the issue is not chronic.
If the client has safety concerns due to domestic violence, your procedure for addressing connectivity issues may look different. Seek supervisor support in identifying a process that best accommodates the client's unique circumstance.
What if my client is in a car? Outside walking somewhere? Or generally, in a public place?
What if my client is in a car? Outside walking somewhere? Or generally, in a public place?
Do not continue with session. Remind client of necessity for both them & therapist to be in a safe, private location while logging on for session. If the client is unable to be in a safe, private location, session should be cancelled and rescheduled for a day/time when the client is able to be in a safe, private location.
What if my client is out of frame?
What if my client is out of frame?
It is important for confidentiality and assessment purposes for you to be able to see your client while in a teletherapy environment. Please ask the client to adjust the camera, to whatever extent possible, so you are able to at least see their face. If this is an ongoing concern, please bring to your supervisor for guidance on how to address further.
What if my client is using substances during a teletherapy session?
What if my client is using substances during a teletherapy session?
If a client is using substances while in a teletherapy session, it is important to discuss this directly with the client. There are many ways to go about this conversation depending on a variety of factors such as the alliance with the client, client’s substance use history, and/or the specific behaviors the student therapist is observing that elicits the concern. Student therapists are encouraged to inquire about the purpose the substance use is serving for the client, discuss how being under the influence while in session impacts treatment, and/or refer to the informed consent conversation or consent to teletherapy the client signed to remind client of their agreement to refrain from substance use in session.
If a client is actively using substances while in session, therapy cannot continue. If there are extenuating circumstances related to safety (suicidality, child abuse/neglect, IPV, homicide), the student therapist is expected to pause session and consult with a supervisor.
Student therapists are expected to bring concerns about client substance use during session to the attention of their supervisor.
Page updated
Report abuse