Table 1.
APA’s telepsychology guidelines, rationale, and examples of how they may be applied
| Guideline | Rationale | Specific Example(s) of Application |
|---|---|---|
| (1) Competence of the Psychologist | As telepsychology is an emerging area, psychologists must continuously assess their own competency and risk management practices. | Psychologists should assess and develop their technical competence in addition to their regular professional practice competence. Be familiar with local emergency services and prepare a written plan and instructions for patients in case of risk. |
| (2) Standards of Care in the Delivery of Telepsychology Services | The same ethical and professional standards of care for in-person services must be upheld for telepsychology services. Assessment of the appropriateness of telepsychology technologies is encouraged. | Conduct a risk-benefit analysis of telepsychology services with the consideration of patient’s unique characteristics and communicate those with the patient. Consider the efficacy, privacy, and safety of the chosen telepsychology intervention and technology/platform. |
| (3) Informed Consent | Obtain informed consent by including a thorough description of telepsychology services, policies, and procedures. Also consider implementing additional security measures and inform patients about them. | Obtain and document written informed consent that is specific to the type of services provided. Include boundaries and procedures in the use of technologies. Include billing documentation and fees as part of informed consent as it pertains to specific telepsychology services (eg, video chat, texting fees, and so forth). |
| (4) Confidentiality | Psychologists must familiarize themselves with risks to confidentiality unique to telepsychology and consult technology experts when needed. Further, psychologists must be thoughtful about boundary issues that may arise from participation in social networking sites. | Consider the risks and benefits of searching patients on the Internet before and during services. Set and maintain appropriate boundaries. Understand the risks to privacy and confidentiality when using electronic communication. |
| (5) Security and Transmission of Data and Information | Psychologists must be mindful of security threats (eg, hackers, theft, viruses, and so forth) and take steps to protect themselves and patients against them. | Conduct an analysis of security risk - and consult experts when necessary—to ensure data are accessible only by authorized entities and/or individuals. When documenting, specify the types of telecommunications used. |
| (6) Disposal of Data and Information and Technologies | Psychologists must ensure the secure destruction of patient information, particularly electronic data and information and the technologies involved in maintaining that data. | Understand means of storage and disposal of patient data specific to telepsychology technologies (eg, videoconferencing file storage). Document the procedures followed for both storage, transmission, and disposal of data. |
| (7) Testing and Assessment | Psychologists must consider the suitability of assessments created for in-person use when applying them in telepsychology services. Further, they should maintain the integrity of the original assessment as much as possible. | Maintain the integrity of the original assessment as much as possible. Make and document modifications to testing when needed. Consider all types of possible distractions during assessment (eg, smell, sound, and so forth), and interpret assessment results accordingly. Be aware of special considerations when working with diverse populations (eg, age, physical/sensory impairment, and so forth), and enlist an on-site proctor to facilitate the assessment if needed. |
| (8) Interjurisdictional Practice | Psychologists must inform themselves of laws and regulations that govern the provision of telepsychology as described by their organizational system, state, province, territory, and country. | When practicing in jurisdictions without laws and regulations in place, search for statements and regulations in relevant governing bodies and nearby jurisdictions to guide telepsychology service delivery. Stay informed of the changes in laws, regulations, and the credentialing of telepsychology as this mode of delivery evolves. |
Data from American Psychological Association (APA). 2013. Guidelines for the Practice of Telepsychology. Accessed December 14, 2021. https://www.apa.org/practice/guidelines/telepsychology.