Telehealth Best Practices for Addiction Professionals and Free Consent Form

I didn’t mention this in my book Addiction Private Practice: The Definitive Guide for Counselors and Therapists because it would have taken up precious space, but I transitioned my entire practice to telehealth about a year before the COVID pandemic. I did this because I didn’t want to be tied down to an office location like I had been for most of my career. I wanted to be able to travel and still work while doing so. Telehealth offered that flexibility and freedom but wasn’t as accepted as it is now. I knew my client load would decrease because many people preferred to meet in person, but it was worth it to me. 

When COVID hit, it turned out to be a huge unforeseen blessing because I was already seeing clients via telehealth and it required no adjustments for me or my clients. I was accidentally prepared in advance for the influx of clients seeking help during the pandemic. 

I love to tell other counselors that for a month before COVID hit, I did my entire practice via telehealth from a remote island in Fiji. Yes, Fiji! I have the photos to prove it. It was an incredible experience for me and one I hope to duplicate in the future. 

In this article, I’ll outline why a telehealth consent form is necessary, what a proper consent form contains, important things to do when conducting telehealth sessions, and I’ll give you a free telehealth consent form which you can customize for your practice!

Why is a Telehealth Consent Form Required for Counseling or Therapy?

Telehealth comes with its own unique risk factors that may not normally apply to in-person services. For instance, issues such as technology failures, privacy concerns, and emergency situations need to be addressed. A telehealth consent form ensures that clients are fully informed about these potential risks and agree to participate in telehealth services with full knowledge of what it entails. This form serves as a legal document that protects both the counselor and the client by clearly outlining the terms and conditions of telehealth services.

What Do You Need to Do Differently in a Telehealth Session Versus an In-Person Session?

Since your client isn’t physically with you, you need to know their location in the event of an emergency. Always verbally confirm the client’s name and location at the beginning of each session, and document this information in your progress notes. This ensures that you can direct emergency services to the correct location if needed.

If you are counseling multiple people, such as a family, make sure to know where each person is physically located and get a signed telehealth consent form from each participating person. This ensures that everyone involved understands the terms and agrees to the telehealth format.

What is Required in a Telehealth Consent Form?

A proper telehealth consent form should include the following elements:

Explanation of Telehealth Services: Define what telehealth is and how it will be used in the client's treatment.

Confidentiality: Outline how client privacy will be maintained and any limitations to confidentiality due to the nature of telehealth.

Risks and Benefits: Explain the potential risks and benefits of telehealth services.

Technology Requirements: Specify the technical requirements for participating in telehealth sessions, such as a reliable internet connection and a private space.

Emergency Protocols: Detail what steps will be taken in case of an emergency during a telehealth session.

Consent: Include a section for clients to acknowledge that they understand and agree to the terms of telehealth services.

For a more detailed guide on informed consent, you can refer to this article: Everything You Need to Know About Informed Consent in Substance Abuse Treatment

Free Telehealth Consent Form

I offer a complete package of all forms, communications, checklists, and other documents you need for private practice here on my website: Addiction Private Practice Forms.

The Telehealth Consent Form is one of the forms I include in the New Client Forms package or the Complete Forms Package. For those of you who haven’t purchased these forms, I am making it available free of charge here:

Download the Free Telehealth Consent Form

Feel free to download the consent form and customize it as needed! Please note that I am not an attorney and cannot provide legal advice. It is always a good idea to have your forms reviewed by an attorney in your state.

By implementing a comprehensive telehealth consent form, you can ensure that your clients are well-informed and your practice remains compliant with legal and ethical standards. Enjoy the flexibility and freedom that telehealth offers, and provide your clients with the best possible care.

Michael O'Brien, CADC II, NCAC I, is a seasoned substance use disorder professional with eighteen years of experience who has helped thousands of clients and earned eight state and national substance abuse credentials. He is the author of "Addiction Private Practice: The Definitive Guide for Addiction Counselors and Therapists," a comprehensive resource offering valuable insights and practical advice for professionals seeking to serve substance use disorder clients in private practice. Michael also publishes AddictionPrivatePractice.com, the leading resource for supporting addiction counselors and therapists with tools, resources, and guidance to enhance their practice and better serve their clients.