Telemedicine CE Bundle (4 CE)

This course is for:  Psychologists, Counselors, and Addiction Counselors

Course By: Kristin Ceppaluni, LMHC, NCC

Content By: Lin L., Casteel D., Shigekawa E., Weyrich M.S., Roby D.H., and McMenamin S.B. (2019) Telemedicine-delivered treatment interventions for substance use disorders: A systematic review. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment. 101, 38-49.

Course Description: The increased rate of negative effects imputed to substance use disorders (SUDs) warrants exploration pertaining to treatment effectiveness and access to care for individuals in this demographic. Telehealth is a treatment alternative that may afford increased reach and access to care. Telehealth via video conferencing has demonstrated effectiveness for patients with mental health disorders and chronic illness. Nicotine, alcohol, and opioids functioned as the primary exploratory substances in the accompanying review. Telemedical treatment was an effective alternative when access to care was limited, this treatment-type was also associated with high patient satisfaction rates.

Learning Objectives:

1. Review telemedical concepts for SUD treatment
2. Consider and evaluate the delivery process of telemedicine, and telehealth related treatment interventions, for patients with SUDs
3. Evaluate the summarized findings and methodological problems discovered by the researchers who conducted the accompanying study

Course Outline:

• Read and understand Telemedicine-delivered treatment interventions for substance use disorders: A systematic review
• Review the Course Description and Learning Objectives
• Consider the benefits and challenges of delivering SUD treatment interventions via telemedicine
• Complete the post-test questions; keep in mind that answer selections should be derived from the referenced article
• Return to the article for any missed questions and/or to better understand the role of telemedicine in the treatment of SUDs

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Telemedicine Interventions for Mental Disorders

Course By: Tamara Avery, PsyD

Content By: Bashshur, R.L., Shannon, G.W., Bashshur, N., and Yellowlees, P.M. (2016). The Empirical Evidence for Telemedicine Interventions in Mental Disorders. Telemedicine Journal and e-Health 22(2): 

Course Description: The increasing availability and potential of telemental health (TMH) treatment necessitates that the practitioner has an understanding of the empirical evidence concerning the feasibility/acceptance and impact of telemental health (TMH) interventions on disease management and specific mental health disorders. It is of paramount importance that practitioners, payers, policymakers, program developers, and members of the broader public understand definitive information regarding the true merit of TMH. The accessibility of TMH, the effects on medication compliance, related health outcomes, and associated costs were further considered in the accompanying study.

Learning Objectives:

1. Review the concepts, interventions in mental health management, and suggested improvements for TMH
2. Consider the review of TMH findings pertaining to various mental health disorders
3. Understand each identified study and how it relates to the overall theme of TMH
4. Review the costs, summaries, and conclusions associated with TMH

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Ethical Issues For Online Psychotherapy

Course By: Tamara Avery, PsyD

Content By: Stoll, J., Muller, J.A., and Trachsel, M. (2020). Ethical Issues in Online Psychotherapy: A Narrative Review. University of Zurich, Switzerland Frontiers in Psychiatry 10(993):  

Course Description: Technological innovation is leading to rapid change in many professions including psychology. A growing number of patients are seeking online psychotherapy. Consequently, it is imperative for therapists to understand the associated risks and benefits. Greater personalized care, adherence to patient compliance, and patient empowerment are identified treatment advantages. Conversely, the disadvantages include a lack of data security, boundary issues, and a loss of therapeutic control. A summarization of ethical arguments for and against online psychotherapy should help practitioners decide if they’d like to offer this form of treatment.

Learning Objectives:

1. Review the concept of online psychotherapy and the ethical issues for and against this type of treatment approach
2. Consider the recommendations for the practice of online psychotherapy
3. Understand the findings and recommendations for future research efforts

Approvals: