updated Tuesday, March 17
AAMFT works closely with the Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG), a coalition of 60 mental health associations, and other allies to advocate for policies that advance and support treatment and strengthen access to behavioral health care for clients, such as increased funding and recognition for behavioral health care and mental health parity. AAMFT and the mental health community support coverage and recognition for teletherapy services on par with therapy provided in a traditional office setting, and will continue advocating for such recognition. Since teletherapy laws are state specific, AAMFT will monitor and strategically advocate for teletherapy and reimbursement. Please consult your state licensing board and forward any information to the Family TEAM at [email protected].
Providing Services During the Coronavirus Pandemic
The global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has MFTs questioning whether they can provide their services through the use of telehealth technology, especially given the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization to practice social distancing. While telehealth seems like the easiest solution to best protect yourself as the mental health provider, as well as your clients, it’s important to understand the complexities of providing telehealth services before making the decision to offer teletherapy to your clients. Click this link for more information:
Top Items to Consider Before Offering Teletherapy During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Coronavirus and State/Provincial Guidelines for Telehealth This guideline contains information pertaining to teletherapy laws at the state and provincial level, including any waivers to certain teletherapy requirements and policies regarding insurance reimbursement for teletherapy. Not all states have regulations; updates will be made to this page as new information is received. This information can change rapidly. added March 23, 2020.
An Introduction to Setting up a Telebehavioral Heath Practice: Competencies and Considerations
updated Monday, March 16
Katherine Hertlein, PhD, LMFT
Best Practices in the Online Practice of Couple and Family Therapy
Download a free copy of the Best Practices in the Online Practice of Couple and Family Therapy.
AAMFT Affiliate Partner Resources
Motivo: offering all AAMFT members a free, HIPAA-compliant platform for virtual supervision during COVID-19.
Read their announcement, Supporting Our Supervisors During COVID-19, for more information.
SimplePractice: Telehealth Resources
As more communities practice social distancing, it may disrupt the ability to attend in-person services. Telehealth is an important alternative to have available at times like these, so SimplePractice has shared a list of resources:
CPH & Associates: Coverage for Telehealth
CPH's policy does cover telehealth, as long as services are being provided legally within the scope of their state license. Members should always confirm with their licensing board, and any licensing board/state they may be providing services into, to confirm it is allowed. See this blog post, Coronavirus and Telehealth: Am I Covered? for those insured for more information.
Additional Resources for Telehealth
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services General Provider Telehealth and Telemedicine Tool Kit