What is the role of telepsychology in child and adolescent practice?

• A. Telepsychology should replace in-person services.
• B. Expands access; requires privacy, safety, technology literacy, and regulatory compliance.
• C. Privacy is not a concern in telepsychology.
• D. It has no training requirements.

Answer: (D)

Telepsychology in child and adolescent practice is about extending access to care while upholding privacy, safety, technology competence, and regulatory standards. It helps reach youths who might otherwise miss services due to distance, transportation, or scheduling, making care more available and continuous. But it isn’t meant to replace in-person services entirely; some assessments and relational moments are strongest face-to-face, and care often works best as a combination of both modalities. Key requirements include protecting privacy and data security, having clear emergency and safety plans, ensuring families and youths understand and can use the technology, and complying with licensing, ethics, and payer regulations. Clinicians also need specialized training and ongoing supervision to competently conduct remote assessments, engage youth effectively, and manage risk in a digital setting. The idea that privacy isn’t a concern or that there are no training requirements wouldn’t align with professional standards.