The Practice of Tele-Mental Health and Use of Social Media: Ethical, Legal, and Clinical Issues for Practitioners

A wide range of technologies to include the Internet, e-mail, text messaging, social media, and Apps have altered mental health practice for so many clinicians and their clients. This workshop will provide information about the ethical, legal, and clinical issues relevant to integrating various technologies into our practices, the practice of tele-mental health, and the use of social media in our professional and personal lives. Common pitfalls, challenges, and dilemmas in each of these areas will be discussed, information on decision-making and best practices will be provided, and specific guidance will be provided on decision-making relevant to the use of various technologies in clinical practice. Clinical examples are provided to illustrate some of the benefits and challenges of utilizing these technological innovations in clinical practice. Particular attention will be paid to the provision of tele-mental health services to minors and their families.