BC-TMH key terms

The delivery of mental health assessment, treatment, or consultation through telecommunications technology when the client and clinician are at different locations. It includes video, telephone, messaging, and other modalities.

A broad term for using electronic information and telecommunications to support long-distance clinical care, patient education, health administration, and public health. Mental health services delivered this way are a subset.

Real-time interaction between clinician and client, such as live two-way video or telephone. It most closely approximates in-person care and typically permits full assessment and intervention.

Store-and-forward or messaging-based exchange that does not occur in real time, such as secure email, patient portals, or text. Clinicians must plan for response delays and clarify expectations.

Two-way audio and video transmission allowing clinician and client to see and hear each other in real time. It is the preferred modality for most telemental health services because it preserves nonverbal cues.

Care delivered by telephone or similar voice-only connection without video. It improves access for clients lacking broadband or devices but limits nonverbal assessment and requires documented justification.

A care model that intentionally blends in-person and telehealth visits across an episode of treatment. The mix is chosen based on clinical need, client preference, and access considerations.

The physical location where the client receives telehealth services at the time of the encounter. Rules for originating sites vary by payer and may affect coverage and reimbursement.

The location of the clinician providing telehealth services at the time of the encounter. Licensure, credentialing, and billing rules are generally tied to where the clinician is located.

The requirement that a clinician hold a valid license in the state or jurisdiction where the client is physically located during a telehealth encounter, which may mean holding multiple licenses.

An interstate compact that allows participating licensed psychologists to practice telepsychology across member states under an authority to practice interjurisdictional telepsychology, subject to eligibility and state rules.

The legally defined boundaries of what a clinician may do, based on license type, training, and jurisdiction. Telehealth does not expand scope, and clinicians must stay within it.

A documented process explaining the technology, risks, privacy limits, alternatives, emergency procedures, and fees before services begin. It supplements rather than replaces general informed consent for treatment.

A prearranged protocol identifying the client's physical location, local emergency contacts, and steps to take during a crisis. It is reviewed at intake and whenever the client's location changes.

A collaborative, written list of coping strategies and contacts used to reduce risk during a suicidal crisis. In telehealth, it must account for remote access to local resources.

A legal and ethical obligation, where recognized, to take reasonable steps to protect identifiable third parties from a client's serious threat of violence. Application varies by jurisdiction and setting.

The legal requirement to report suspected child abuse, elder abuse, or neglect to designated authorities. Telehealth clinicians must know the reporting laws where the client is located.

The legal authority of a state, tribe, or country over practice and conduct. In telehealth, both the clinician's location and the client's location may create overlapping obligations.

The ethical and legal duty to protect client information from unauthorized disclosure. Telehealth adds risks from devices, platforms, home environments, and electronic transmission that must be actively managed.

The U.S. federal law governing privacy and security of protected health information. It sets standards for permissible disclosures, safeguards, and breach notification in covered entities and their vendors.

A contract required when a vendor handles protected health information on behalf of a covered entity. It obligates the vendor to safeguard data and report breaches.

Individually identifiable health information held or transmitted by a covered entity or business associate in any form. Its use and disclosure are restricted by federal privacy rules.

The process of choosing telehealth software based on security, functionality, accessibility, and interoperability. Clinicians should verify encryption and vendor compliance before use.

A security design in which data is encrypted on the sender's device and decrypted only on the recipient's device, so intermediaries cannot read it. It supports confidentiality in messaging and video.

Electronic communication protected by encryption and access controls, used for appointment reminders, follow-up, or brief check-ins. Clinicians set boundaries and response times and document clinically significant exchanges.

Unequal access to devices, broadband, and digital literacy across populations. It can exclude clients from video care and requires clinicians to offer alternatives or accommodations.

The data capacity of an internet connection affecting video quality and stability. Insufficient bandwidth can disrupt sessions, so clinicians should test connections and have backup plans.

The principle of ensuring fair access to care and reducing disparities across groups. Telehealth can widen or narrow gaps depending on design, outreach, and accommodation.

An ongoing self-reflective stance acknowledging one's own biases and the limits of one's cultural knowledge. In telehealth it includes attention to language, technology access, and home context.

Professional language support provided during sessions, often through remote interpreters or video remote interpreting. Clinicians should avoid using family members and confirm confidentiality with the interpreter.

A software feature that replaces the visible area behind a person on video. It can protect privacy in a home setting but may obscure nonverbal cues or cause visual artifacts.

Steps taken to ensure the client and clinician are not overheard or overlooked during a session, such as using headphones, closing doors, or choosing a private room.

The clinical record of services, including modality, location, informed consent, and significant events. Telehealth notes should record any technical problems, safety steps, and communication outside sessions.

Oversight of a trainee or supervisee's clinical work by a qualified clinician. Telehealth supervision requires clear agreements about technology, privacy, and emergency procedures.

The knowledge, skills, and judgment needed to provide a service safely. Telehealth requires additional competence in technology, remote assessment, and managing emergencies from a distance.

Administering interviews, rating scales, or cognitive tests when clinician and client are apart. Clinicians must consider test norms, validity, environment, and technology before interpreting results.

The provision of psychological services using telecommunications technology, including assessment, therapy, consultation, and supervision. It is governed by the same ethical standards as in-person practice.

Laws or policies requiring payers to reimburse telehealth services at rates comparable to in-person care. Rules differ by payer, state, and service type.

Directing a client to emergency or crisis resources, such as a local crisis line, mobile team, or emergency department. In telehealth, referrals must match the client's actual physical location.