In the past number of years, an interest has developed in providing psychotherapy in an electronic fashion. In most instances, it is anticipated that there will be no personal contact during the course of treatment. The interest in providing such virtual psychotherapy, often referred to as teletherapy, is based upon a combination of providing needed services; increasing practice; and financial considerations. The regulation of licensed mental health professionals is conducted on a state by state basis. Although there are some differences that exist in federal agencies, on the state level, each licensee is controlled by their respective licensing board in their respective state. In this regard, differences in licensing board regulations exists between states, and, at times, among licensing boards located within the same state.
This three hour Continuing Education Seminar shall explore the current state of the practice of teletherapy in Pennsylvania. At the close of the meeting, the attendees shall be able to discern if teletherapy is allowed in Pennsylvania; what are the rules and regulations associated with conducting teletherapy in Pennsylvania; and what are the considerations of conducting teletherapy with individuals located outside of Pennsylvania. The discussion shall be Pennsylvania state specific. The handout utilized during the course of the meeting will include relevant Pennsylvania teletherapy materials.
CE Learning Objectives
Following this presentation, participants will be able to:
- Describe the ethical, legal, and clinical underpinnings associated with teletherapy.
- Describe the differences that exist between and among states regarding the provision of clinical services via telethearpy.
- Describe the Pennsylvania rules related to the provision of teletherapy by licensed Pennsylvania mental health professionals.
- Describe the ethical and legal ramifications of conducting teletherapy with out of state patients or clients.
About Dr. Tepper
Allan M. Tepper, J.D., Psy.D. is an attorney-at-law and a licensed psychologist in private practice in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Tepper received an A.B. from Brandeis University in anthropology and pre-medicine; a J.D. from Albany Law School; and an M.S. and Psy.D. in clinical psychology from Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital. Dr. Tepper is unique in that he maintains an active law practice and an active psychology practice.
As an attorney, Dr. Tepper represents individuals in licensing board and disciplinary proceedings. He provides legal consultation to mental health professionals experiencing ethical concerns. He consults with attorneys in legal cases involving mental health ethics. As a psychologist. Dr. Tepper specializes in forensic psychology. He conducts psychological assessments in criminal, civil, and malpractice cases. As an expert witness, Dr. Tepper renders incourt testimony in State and Federal matters.
Dr. Tepper is an expert in the area of mental health ethics. He publishes frequently in the overlap area of law and psychology, including co-authorship of Pennsylvania Law, Ethics, and Psychology-Sixth Edition. He conducts Continuing Education Training in ethics and law for mental health professionals throughout the United States.
Target Audience
This presentation is intended for mental health professionals, researchers, and graduate students. The instructional level of this presentation is intermediate.
Continuing Education
Philadelphia Behavior Therapy Association is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Philadelphia Behavior Therapy Association maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
This program provides three (3) hours of CE credits. This program qualifies for three (3) contact hours for the ethics requirement as mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology. PBTA is also an authorized provider for CE credits for Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Clinical Social Workers licensed in the state of Pennsylvania.
Full attendance is required to obtain CE credits for this program. APA guidelines do not permit PBTA to issue partial CE credits. No refunds are provided for CE programs. No exceptions allowed.
Directions/Parking Information
From the north use the inner drive on Roosevelt Blvd, and take the first left after Summerdale Ave. From the south use the outer drive, and take the first right after Adams Ave. The Scattergood Building is the large administration building at the front of the hospital campus. There is ample free parking in front of the building.
