Telehealth Issues in Consulting Psychology Practice

Consulting psychologists have recognized the importance of providing comprehensive consultation and clinical services for consumers with special needs. Often because of distance and access to consultation services, remote and underserved populations may not have the necessary access to consultant specialists in psychology and other disciplines. Such services are now available through an innovative model of telehealth. Telehealth technology and services have gained the attention of scientists, clinicians, consultants, and health educators in a variety of settings. Examined are consultation case scenarios using telehealth qualitative observations of consultants who have used telehealth and liability issues consultants may face using this technology. A model release of liability is provided for consulting psychologists who may consider its use in their consultation practice. Case examples using telehealth applications are discussed, as are special applications for health care delivery to undeserved rural populations using telehealth technology.