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Dec 6, 2023
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Uploaded by courtneywells1995
1
Proposition Paper
Proposition Paper
Courtney Wells
University of West Alabama
Theory/ Technology Distance Counseling
Dr. Debbie Rose
September 29, 2023
2
Proposition Paper
Proposition Paper
Literature Review
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (n.d.), the provision of mental health
services through telecommunications or videoconferencing technology is known as telemental
health or distance counseling. The delivery of mental health services through
telecommunications has become more prevalent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Carper et al.
(2022) noted as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for social distancing, the
services provided were expanded considerably in both scope and volume. This allowed for a
greater range of options to be made available to users, ultimately leading to a safer and more
effective experience for all involved. This shift has resulted in a departure from traditional face-
to-face care provision (Appleton et al., 2023).
During this course, I have gained knowledge on providing effective telemental health
services. Additionally, I have discovered the advantages of delivering mental health support,
such as improved accessibility for service users who live remotely or struggle with
transportation, as well as greater convenience for certain individuals who may find mental health
care settings stigmatizing or intimidating (Madigan et al., 2021). I also discovered that telemental
health or distance counseling comes with its own set of challenges. These may include limited
access to technology, lack of internet connectivity, and inadequate private space to use during
telemental health care. Additionally, some service users have reported difficulties in establishing
and sustaining a therapeutic relationship. Through my research, I discovered that the
implementation of telemental health has varied greatly across settings and regions, and many
barriers have been encountered. Therefore, it is crucial to determine the most efficient
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Proposition Paper
approaches that benefit both patients and healthcare providers and put in place the required
systems for its smooth integration into providing standard care.
Addressing My Position
In my opinion, distance counseling can be highly effective for specific individuals. Based
on my research and coursework assignments, telehealth has proven to be both effective and
fulfilling for a range of patients. In fact, Madigan et al. (2021) noted some patients have even
shared more information than they would in a face-to-face session.
Moreover, Goetter et al.
(2023) suggested patients and providers have shown high satisfaction with telemental health.
Many patients have expressed a preference for either exclusively using telehealth visits or a
combination of telehealth and in-person visits.
Some of the disadvantages of distance counseling include technology possessing
challenges in terms of confidentiality and communication as it lacks visual and auditory cues
(Anthony & Merz Nagel, 2009). Communication difficulties may arise. The cost of the required
technology may be expensive, and access to technology may be limited especially in low-income
communities. Though distance counseling has disadvantages, I believe it also has many benefits
and advantages. This service delivery model can provide benefits to people of all ages, races, and
genders who are seeking services. However, it is only accessible to those who have Internet
access and are capable of navigating online platforms. For individuals with severe mental illness,
like those experiencing active psychosis or suicidal thoughts, telemental health may not be the
best option. In-person services may be necessary to manage acute risk. Additionally, situations
that require a high level of confidentiality for accurate disclosure may not be suitable for
telemental health (Madigan et al., 2021).
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Proposition Paper
The biggest ethical dilemma is confidentiality and privacy. Telemental health may be an
innovative solution for broadly delivering services, but it can also pose threats to confidentiality.
Madigan et al. (2021) found that to resolve this dilemma many are using software platforms that
meet regional requirements for privacy and confidentiality.
In order to feel competent in using the distance counseling approach, I feel that attending
the in-person continuing education model is a necessary step for me. As a counselor, it will be
my ethical duty to stay up to date with the latest research, procedures, limitations, and dilemmas
that may arise when practicing and conducting research on any type of therapy, including
telemental health therapy (Colbow, 2013). To continue to improve my skills I will consistently
seek new knowledge by attending continuing education trainings and seminars.
In conclusion, the use of telemental health offers a modern approach to providing crucial
services to a vast population. However, mental health professionals need to bear in mind that
telehealth services may not be the sole solution to a mental health crisis. In addition, while media
usage continues to grow rapidly, not all individuals have access to telehealth services for their
healthcare needs. Certain vulnerable groups have long struggled to obtain appropriate healthcare
services, and this will persist unless alternate means of delivery for psychological services are
made available. To enhance improve the quality of telemental health services, it can be beneficial
to offer clinicians initial training, as well as continuous support and consultation.
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Proposition Paper
References
Anthony, Kate; Merz Nagel, DeeAnna. (2009).
Therapy Online
(pp. 69-70). SAGE Publications.
Kindle Edition.
Appleton, R., Barnett, P., Vera San Juan, N., Tuudah, E., Lyons, N., Parker, J., Roxburgh, E.,
Spyridonidis, S., Tamworth, M., Worden, M., Yilmaz, M., Sevdalis, N., Lloyd-Evans, B.,
Needle, J. J., & Johnson, S. (2023). Implementation strategies for telemental health: a
systematic review. BMC Health Services Research, 23(1). https://doi-
org.ezproxy.uwa.edu/10.1186/s12913-022-08993-1
Carper, T. L., Hunley, H. A., Myers, U. S., Chen, C. K., Birks, A. H., Williams, K. E., Lindsay, J.
A., & Weaver, K. (2022). The impact of operational partnership on telemental health
before, during, and after COVID-19. Psychological Services, 19(Suppl 2), 33–38.
https://doi-org.ezproxy.uwa.edu/10.1037/ser0000636
Colbow, A. J. (2013). Looking to the Future: Integrating Telemental Health Therapy into
Psychologist Training. Training and Education in Professional Psychology, 7(3), 155–
165. https://doi-org.ezproxy.uwa.edu/10.1037/a0033454
Goetter, E. M., Iaccarino, M. A., Tanev, K. S., Furbish, K. E., Xu, B., & Faust, K. A. (2022).
Telemental health uptake in an outpatient clinic for veterans during the COVID-19
pandemic and assessment of patient and provider attitudes. Professional Psychology:
Research and Practice, 53(2), 151–159. https://doi-
org.ezproxy.uwa.edu/10.1037/pro0000437
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Proposition Paper
Madigan, S., Racine, N., Cooke, J. E., & Korczak, D. J. (2021). COVID-19 and telemental
health: Benefits, challenges, and future directions. Canadian Psychology/Psychologie
Canadienne, 62(1), 5–11. https://doi-org.ezproxy.uwa.edu/10.1037/cap0000259
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.).
What is Telemental Health?
. National
Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/what-is-
telemental-health#:~:text=Telemental%20health%20is%20the%20use,to%20provide
%20mental%20health%20services.
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