Introduction to Telehealth for Clinical Psychologists: a Novel Course Designed to Improve General Knowledge and Hands-on Expertise with Technology-Based Modalities

Abstract

Telehealth, or the integration of technology with healthcare services, has been identified as a rapidly developing field with implications for both clinical psychologists and patients. While some on-site trainings, as well as post-doctoral continuing education and professional certificate programs exist, research has identified the importance of formalized technology-focused training throughout one’s graduate school career. Unfortunately, minimal formalized coursework has been recognized for clinical psychology doctoral programs. To remedy this gap, the Introduction to Telehealth for Clinical Psychologists course was designed to enhance general evidence-informed knowledge and provide hands-on experiences with various applicable modalities. The development, instructional techniques, and pilot evaluation of a doctoral-level clinical psychology-focused course are detailed. Pre- to post-class evaluations suggested increases in student self-reported telehealth-related knowledge, as well as high satisfaction. The pilot course may serve as a template for future telehealth courses.