Table 1.
Checklist for Providing Teletherapy a
| Screen client(s) to determine whether videoconferencing services are appropriate: |
| □ Consider client’s clinical & cognitive status—can the client effectively participate? |
| □ Does the client have technology resources for a videoconference: e.g., webcam or smartphone? |
| □ Does the client have physical space for a private teletherapy session? |
| □ Is parent/guardian permission required? |
| □ Assess risk to determine if the client is appropriate |
| Technology: |
| □ Do you and the client have adequate internet connectivity for videoconferencing? |
| □ Have you shared with the client(s) how to download and join a Zoom meeting? |
| □ Are you using a password‐protected, secure internet connection, not public or unsecured WiFi? |
| □ Schedule all your appointments in Zoom with separate meeting ids & passwords |
| Office setup: |
| □ Is the location private? Is it reasonably quiet? |
| □ Make sure the room is well lit |
| □ To improve eye contact, position your camera so it is easy to look at the camera and the client |
| □ Remove personal items or distractions in the background |
| □ Check the picture and audio quality. Can you see and hear each other? |
| Consent: |
| □ TFI’s service agreement has a provision for electronically mediated service, including teletherapy |
| When offering teletherapy for the first time, confirm: (a) services will be provided via a videoconferencing platform that is HIPAA compliant. (b) There are risks to privacy that do not exists in face‐to‐face therapy that cannot be completely removed despite following best practices |
| Beginning of EACH teletherapy session: |
| □ New clients must verify their full name and date of birth |
| □ In the case of minors, determine where the adult will be at that location |
| □ Confirm client’s location & phone number if case there is technical difficulties or an emergency |
| □ Review importance of privacy at your location and client’s location |
| □ All individuals present for the virtual visit must be within view of the camera |
| □ Confirm that no one will record the session without permission |
| □ Turn off apps and notifications on your computer or smartphone. Ask client to do the same |
American Psychological Association Services, Inc. https://www.apa.org/practice/programs/dmhi/research‐information/telepsychology‐services‐checklist.pdf.
a
Adapted from: Office and Technology Checklist for Telepsychological Services (2020).