What steps are essential when approaching telehealth in mental health practice?

• A. Skip consent if the patient requests convenience.
• B. Obtain informed consent, ensure a secure and compliant platform, verify patient identity, address emergency protocols, and document visits and risk assessments.
• C. Use any free app regardless of security.
• D. Only document the initial visit.

Answer: (B)

In telehealth for mental health care, the key idea is to establish and protect patient safety, privacy, and continuity of care from the start. The best practice is to obtain informed consent specific to telehealth, using a platform that is secure and compliant with privacy regulations, verify the patient’s identity, have clear emergency protocols in place in case the patient is in crisis, and document every visit along with ongoing risk assessments. These elements ensure the patient understands the telehealth process and its limits, protect confidentiality, allow for appropriate crisis response, and create a reliable, legal record of care.

Skipping consent ignores patient autonomy and privacy. Using a free app regardless of security risks confidentiality and regulatory compliance. Documenting only the initial visit misses ongoing supervision, risk monitoring, and treatment decisions essential to safe telehealth care.