The Use of Technology Supported Counseling and Communications (TSCC)

CMHCs recognize that technology has become culturally normative worldwide and may employ modern technology communications judiciously, attentive to both the benefits and risks to clients and to the therapeutic process of using technologies to arrange, deliver, or support counseling.

a. CMHCs understand that the uses of TSCC in counseling may be considered to fall under the following categories:

i. The use of TSCC as the medium for counseling, also called “telehealth” or “distance counseling,” which includes but is not limited to the delivery of counseling by video call (e.g., internet, video chat), by voice (e.g., telephone), by synchronous text (e.g., chat or SMS), or by asynchronous text (e.g., email)

ii. The use of TSCC as an adjunct to counseling (i.e., for arranging, coordinating, or paying for counseling services), including the use of payment processing services that are integrated with TSCC (e.g. PayPal, Stripe, Zelle) for receipt of payment for counseling services

iii. The use of online “cloud-based” services for the storage of counseling records

iv. Marketing, educational forums, and other TSCC to include blogs, webpages, chatroom, etc.

b. CMHCs recognize that federal, state, and local laws prevail and that the standard of care for TSCC is expected in the same manner as face-to-face and in-office counseling. Continuity of care is crucial and, at times, may conflict with local laws and regulations. CMHCs should employ a solid ethical decision-making model to secure continuity of care.

c. CMHCs are not required to provide services via TSCC or may decide not to offer services based on appropriateness.

d. CMHCs only provide telehealth or distance counseling when they have had sufficient training which can be gained through education, supervision, or other appropriate activities