PRESENTER: SHERRY SHOCKEY POPE, LFMT

Course meets the qualifications for 3 hours of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.  Registrants must attend the full 3 hours to receive CEs..

In California, therapists are at the forefront of embracing the evolving world of “telehealth”. With the state's diverse population and vast geographical spread, telehealth has become a vital tool for therapists to provide accessible and effective mental health services. This three (3) hour presentation explores the dynamic landscape of telehealth in California, shedding light on the unique opportunities and considerations that therapists need to navigate and thrive in this digital era.

The Rise of Teletherapy in the Golden State:

Discover how teletherapy has gained traction in California, transforming the way therapists connect with clients. Explore the factors contributing to its popularity, including increased accessibility, convenience, and the ability to reach underserved populations.

California's Telehealth Laws: A Comprehensive Overview:

This training will focus on specific telehealth laws and regulations that therapists in California must know and follow; and comply with the Board of Behavioral Sciences implementation of AB 1759.   The myriad of the licensure requirements, scope of practice guidelines, and legal considerations that govern the provision of teletherapy services in the state will be explained as each applies to ethics and law. Gain insights into recent updates and developments in telehealth legislation and how they impact therapists' practice.

Ethical Considerations and Best Practices in Teletherapy:

Participants will examine the ethical dilemmas and considerations unique to providing teletherapy in California. These include maintaining confidentiality in a virtual environment to establishing appropriate boundaries, ensuring informed consent; therapists must navigate these challenges while upholding ethical 

standards. All will gain practical insights and best practices for delivering ethical and effective teletherapy services.

Culturally Responsive Teletherapy in California:

California is known for its rich diversity, and therapists must adapt their teletherapy practices to meet the unique needs of a multicultural population. Explore strategies for delivering culturally responsive care via telehealth, including understanding cultural nuances, language accessibility, and utilizing technology to bridge cultural gaps.

Telehealth Resources and Support for California Therapists:

Discover a wealth of resources, professional organizations, and support networks available to therapists’ practicing telehealth in California.  These include training programs, continuing education opportunities,  telehealth-specific tools and technology, and symptoms and diagnoses that are pro-or-con indicators for using these service delivery methods.  These resources can help therapists stay informed, connected, and up-to-date with the latest developments.

As telehealth continues to shape the landscape of mental health services in California, therapists have the opportunity to embrace this innovative approach and provide effective care to a diverse population. By navigating the intricacies of telehealth laws, insurance reimbursement, ethical considerations, and cultural responsiveness, therapists can unlock the full potential of telehealth therapy in California and make a lasting impact on the well-being of their clients.

Objectives 

1. Participants will learn how teletherapy gained traction in California; and be able to cite five (5) beneficial factors in the way therapists connect with clients.

2.  This training will provide comprehensive information on specific telehealth laws and regulations that therapists in California must know and follow; and comply with the Board of Behavioral Sciences implementation of AB 1759.

3.   Participants will learn the three main ethical dilemmas and considerations unique to providing teletherapy in California. 

4.   Therapists will learn steps to adapt their teletherapy practices to meet the unique needs of a multicultural population. 

5.      Participants will identify at least five resources that may be needed to help therapists stay informed, connected, and up to date with the latest developments in teletherapy.

Sherry Shockey-Pope, LMFT, is an author and speaker with twenty years of experience as a therapist. She is Co-owner and Chief of Operations of Central Counseling services, a vibrant group practice. Sherry oversees the day-to-day operations, sees clients, and provides supervision for associates. 

She is also a CEPA approved trainer and has made presentations in the following areas:

·       Suicide Risk Assessment and Intervention 2020-present; various groups CAMFT Chapters, LPCC Chapter, Kaiser Northern California, and Health Plans Southern States.
·       “You too Can be a Successful Businessperson”, August 2019, November 2020 East Bay 3000 Club CAMFT.
·       Ethnographic Interviewing, July, August, September, and October 2019, San Diego State University, County of Orange, County of Riverside, and County of San Bernardino 
·       Pitfalls, Failures, and Money, Oh My, Not Your Typical Psychotherapist Summit, May 2019
·       Trainer for Public Child Welfare Academy; San Diego State University San Diego,  Social Work Dept. 2014-present

Inland Empire Chapter of CAMFT is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCS, AND/or LEPs. IE-CAMFT maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content. CE Provider # 62278