TSBEMFT Update: Guidelines for Technology-Assisted Services
From the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists (TSBEMFT):
Guidelines for Technology-Assisted Services
The delivery of technology-assisted services – “Providing therapy or supervision with technologies and devices for electronic communication and information exchange between a licensee in one location and a client or supervisee in another location” [22 TAC §801.2] – is a rapidly expanding area. While the Council’s rules do not prohibit such services, it is important for licensees to be aware of several concerns about the delivery of services via remote or electronic means, including the following:
- The increased potential that a therapist will have limited knowledge of a distant community’s resources in times of crisis.
- Problems associated with obtaining informed consent.
- The lack of standards for training providers in the use of technology as well as the special therapeutic considerations in the use of the medium.
- The lack of vocal, visual, and other sensory cues.
- The potential that equipment failures may lead to undue client anxiety.
- The potential inability of clients who are unfamiliar with technology to adequately access and use the technology.
- The lack of confidentiality and privacy.
It is important to remember that the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Act (the Act) and all other laws affecting the
delivery of professional services apply to all professional services delivered anywhere within the state of Texas, regardless of
how they are delivered.
For the full guidelines, please click HERE.