How to Become a Telehealth Therapist

The telehealth industry has seen a dramatic rise in the past few years, particularly with the COVID-19 pandemic making remote healthcare services increasingly necessary. As more and more patients are opting for digital health solutions, more telehealth therapists are needed.

Here’s a guide on how to become a telehealth therapist.

1. Get the Right Education and Experience

Before you can pursue a career as a telehealth therapist, you’ll need to obtain the right education. To become a licensed professional counselor, you’ll need at least a master’s degree in counseling or a related field, such as psychology. You’ll also need to complete a certain number of graduate course hours and supervised clinical experience. In addition, you may need to pass a licensing exam in order to practice telehealth counseling.

2. Use Relevant Technology

Having a working understanding of technology is a key to success in the telehealth field. As with any other type of career, it’s important that you understand the tools you’ll be using on a daily basis. Familiarize yourself with the various telehealth platforms, such as Skype, Zoom, or Google Hangouts, and become comfortable with using these services for video conferencing. Additionally, you should understand how to use digital health records, virtual waiting rooms, and appointment scheduling tools.

3. Adopt a Regulatory Mindset

The number of regulations and policies governing telehealth can vary from state to state. To ensure that you stay in compliance with any relevant regulations, become familiar with state-specific laws and regulations, as well as HIPAA and other regulatory requirements.

4. Keep Up With Continuing Education

While most professional counselors are expected to attend some form of continuing education, this is especially important when working in the telehealth field. Technology is constantly changing and evolving, so keep yourself apprised of any new developments. Join online communities of other telehealth therapists, take digital courses, and stay up to date on the latest trends and advancements in telehealth.

5. Consider AI in the Future

The role of AI (artificial intelligence) is becoming increasingly important in the digital health space. AI can be used to automate a number of processes or to power scientific decision support systems. Telehealth therapists should begin researching AI and consider how they might use it in their practice. For instance, AI chatbots can be used to provide basic support and automated appointment scheduling, freeing up therapists to focus on more complex tasks.

The Bottom Line

Becoming a successful telehealth therapist requires a combination of both technical and interpersonal skills. With the right education, knowledge, and adherence to regulations, you can make a successful career out of providing digital mental health services. As the telehealth world grows, keep up with the development of AI and other advances in technology, while utilizing the professional experience and expertise you’ve gained while becoming a telehealth therapist.