
Online
Therapy

Online therapy is confidential and a HIPPA approved behavioral health therapy service conducted through live video conferencing.
Online therapy is done in the same way a therapist would provide face-to-face counseling, except teletherapy is done with a computer or tablet or phone.
Telehealth - CA Board of Behavioral Sciences - BBS
About:
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Under law, “telehealth” is the mode of delivering health care via information and communication technologies, including, but not limited to, telephone and/or internet
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Licensees may deliver health care, under their scope of practice, via telehealth, under certain conditions
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Licensees are responsible for understanding all applicable laws, to deliver health care via telehealth
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Failure to comply with any provisions regarding telehealth may be subject to disciplinary action by the Board
Comprehensive Requirements and Applicable Laws
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Detailed explanations regarding telehealth requirements, for licensees and registrants, are contained in the following statutes and regulations:
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California Code of Regulation Title 16 §1815.5: Standards of Practice for Telehealth
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Business and Professions Code §2290.5
Clients in California
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This section applies to clients who are physically located in California.
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Individuals providing psychotherapy or counseling, either in person, via telephone, or via internet, must be licensed in California.
Clients Outside of California
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This section applies to clients who are physically located out-of-state.
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California licensees or registrants who wish to engage in telehealth with a client located in another jurisdiction need to check with that jurisdiction to determine its laws related to telehealth, and if licensure in that jurisdiction is required. Several states currently consider a client located in their state to be under their jurisdiction. Therefore, a practitioner needs to comply with that jurisdiction’s laws in order to avoid any potential violations of those laws.
Informed Consent
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Prior to the delivery of health care via telehealth, the provider initiating the use of telehealth shall:
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Inform the patient about the use of telehealth; AND
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Obtain, and document, verbal or written consent from the patient for this use
Confidentiality
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All laws regarding the confidentiality of health care information and a patient's right to their medical information shall apply to telehealth interactions.
Additional Information
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Additional information regarding telehealth is contained in the following statutes and regulations:
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California Code of Regulation Title 16 §1815.5: Standards of Practice for Telehealth
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Business and Professions Code §2290.5

