The rapid shift to telebehavioral health (TBH) during the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need for Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) to develop robust competencies in this area. The research article, CTiBS and Clinical Social Work: Telebehavioral Health Competencies for LCSWs in the Age of COVID-19, provides a comprehensive framework to help LCSWs enhance their TBH skills.
The Coalition for Technology in Behavioral Science (CTiBS) has identified seven competency domains essential for effective TBH practice:
- Clinical Evaluation and Care
- Virtual Environment and Telepresence
- Technology
- Legal and Regulatory Issues
- Evidence-Based and Ethical Practice
- Mobile Health and Apps
- Telepractice Development
These domains encompass 49 specific objectives and 146 measurable competencies. The framework categorizes competencies into three levels: novice, proficient, and authority, ensuring a developmental progression in skill acquisition.
Clinical Evaluation and Care
Within this domain, LCSWs must address key questions such as:
- How can technology be aligned to meet client needs?
- How can clients use technology wisely to avoid negative outcomes?
- How can emergency services be accessed remotely?
Documentation and Administrative Procedures
Proper documentation is critical for TBH services. This includes:
- Informed consent specific to TBH
- Details of technology used
- Locations of both clinician and client
- Session start and end times
- Notations of unexpected events
Legal and Regulatory Issues
LCSWs must adhere to HIPAA guidelines, obtain Business Associate Agreements, and navigate interjurisdictional practice and licensure portability. The following checklist may help:
- Research state-specific practice definitions
- Confirm licensure validity and seek necessary registrations
- Consult legal counsel for documentation
- Verify professional liability coverage
For further reading on this comprehensive competency framework, please refer to the original research paper: CTiBS and Clinical Social Work: Telebehavioral Health Competencies for LCSWs in the Age of COVID-19.
