NASW Telemental Health Informed Consent

Things to Consider When Providing Mental Health Supports On-line (copied from NYSSSWA): 

Webinar Summary Notes from SSWAA & SSWN Webinars and elsewhere:

    • Informed Consent
      • ALWAYS get written permission to provide Telemental health services.  Note:  Any contact could quickly turn into a “counseling session”.
      • Prior permissions for services at school DO NOT apply.
      • Parents who can’t sign, scan and return should date it and send it back to you by email.  Keep documentation/email.
      • Students who are 18:  Get Parent and student permission to be in compliance with HIPPA and FERPA
      • Form asks for emergency address which may be different than the address of record with the district but can be used in case if an emergency.
    • General Guidelines
      • Set and work during normal work hours unless absolutely necessary.
        • Let your students and parents know your work hours.
        • Be sure to care for yourself.
      • DO NOT use your personal email or  cell phone number.
      • DO NOT use social media to contact students/parents. i.e. Facebook, Snap chat, Instagram, etc.
      • Use district communication system:  Google Voice,  Google phone, Google Hangout.  (Check YouTube for videos on how to use.)
      • Using ZOOM:  Be aware of Zoombombing.
      • If you have to use your phone, hit *67 before dialing to hide your number.
      • Use your district email address.
      • Use district’s student information to contact students or parents.
      • Assess what you can ask your district to do in order to do your job.
    • Assess Media Options for Students & Parents
      • Do you have high-speed internet access at home?
      • What devices do you have at home?
      • Does your child spend significant time in another home or away from home?  
      • Is someone available to help your child online?
    • Presenting  Sessions 
      • Practice using your virtual systems with colleagues before using with students/parents to work out any kinks.
      • Always dress professionally when doing session.s
      • Empower students to help determine time and means of communication.
      • Use Google Calendar to set times with older students.
      • Set boundaries with students, groups and parents just as you would if in person.
      • DO NOT RECORD ANY OF YOUR CONTACTS or SESSIONS   (Any recordings would create an educational record subject to FERPA.)
        • Turn off recording option for students on your platform.
        • Set this boundary and expectation with your students and parents just as we try to maintain in our in-person groups or sessions.
        • Build norms with youth that they can’t/shouldn’t do other kinds of phone recordings/screen shots that is a virtual violation of confidentiality and privacy.
        •  “I would like you to make me a promise that you will not record this or take pictures of this session”.  Dr. Jim Raines.
        • Note:  Ultimately, “You cannot be responsible for what your students do.  You can only control what you can control.”  Dr. Jim Raines.
      • Always use an agenda when talking to someone.  (Provides structure for you and your students/parents as well as documentation of services.)
        • Always use an agenda for Tier 2/3 Groups.   See Example.
        • Email agenda ahead of time for groups.
        • Keep agendas and notes as documentation.
      • Always first assess how students and their families are doing before moving into any agenda.
      • Encourage students to have a routine/schedule/place to do school work.
    • Crisis Planning 
      • Reach out to local hospitals  to find out which hospitals are doing suicidal assessments remotely.
      • Determine your network of school and community police contacts for possible wellness checks.
      • Determine a network of mental health providers offering remote therapy/assessment.