CTiBS and Clinical Social Work: Telebehavioral Health Competencies for LCSWs in the Age of COVID-19

Abstract

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) have been integrating technology into psychotherapy practice for at least two decades, but the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically shifted the primary method of service delivery for diagnostic assessment and therapy to telebehavioral health. By developing telebehavioral health competencies, the 250,000 + LCSWs in the US can ensure and enhance the quality of care both during and after the COVID public health emergency (PHE). This article applies an evidence- and consensus-based, interprofessional telebehavioral health (TBH) competency framework to the field of social work. This framework was developed by the Coalition for Technology in Behavioral Science (CTiBS), initially published in 2017. It has seven competency domains: (1) clinical evaluation and care; (2) virtual environment and telepresence; (3) technology; (4) legal and regulatory issues; (5) evidence-based and ethical practice (comprised of Standards and Guidelines and Social Media); (6) mobile health and apps; and (7) telepractice development. The framework outlines three competency levels (novice, proficient, and authority) covering 49 specific objectives and 146 measurable competencies or practices. The TBH competencies support existing in-person clinical practices and are intended for trainees and practitioners who are implementing TBH in practice. This competency framework can also be used to integrate clinical social work professional development, research, and training. Additionally, considerations for other behavioral health professions regarding licensure, certification, and policy may apply to clinical social work. Future research is needed on implementation and evaluation of the competencies.

Competencies for video telemedicine with older adult patients

“…The competencies are intended to fill the gap left by discipline-specific competencies and competencies that do not address the unique needs of older adults. [7][8][9][10][11] This work is applicable to both trainees from various disciplines as well as practicing clinicians who may have never had formal telemedicine training.…”

“…These geriatrics‐specific telemedicine competencies are necessary and unique as they address the additional challenges that may be encountered by all health professionals when conducting telemedicine visits with older adults. The competencies are intended to fill the gap left by discipline‐specific competencies and competencies that do not address the unique needs of older adults 7–11 . This work is applicable to both trainees from various disciplines as well as practicing clinicians who may have never had formal telemedicine training.…”

“…It is therefore important that all interprofessional clinicians and trainees have telemedicine competence. While general [7][8][9] and specialty specific 10,11 telemedicine competencies have been developed, none have addressed the skills needed for successful telemedicine visits with older adults (Figure 1). Many educational programs were implemented [12][13][14] in response to the rapid shift to telemedicine early in the pandemic, but these programs focused largely on the "nuts and bolts" of telemedicine and not the nuances of team-based geriatrics care.…”

Best Practices for Technology in Clinical Social Work and Mental Health Professions to Promote Well-being and Prevent Fatigue

“…Most clinical social workers (CSWs) have learned how to use new technology and have used it to maintain continuity of care with clients (Berzin et al, 2015 ; Merrill et al, 2021 ; Ramsey & Montgomery, 2014 ). To ensure ongoing ethical and effective practice using telemental health (TMH), it is important for CSWs to assess and, as necessary, develop competencies in technology use for practice (Abramson et al, 1991 ; Merrill et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Most clinical social workers (CSWs) have learned how to use new technology and have used it to maintain continuity of care with clients (Berzin et al, 2015 ; Merrill et al, 2021 ; Ramsey & Montgomery, 2014 ). To ensure ongoing ethical and effective practice using telemental health (TMH), it is important for CSWs to assess and, as necessary, develop competencies in technology use for practice (Abramson et al, 1991 ; Merrill et al, 2021 ). The COVID-19 pandemic propelled telehealth and telemental health (TMH) into millions of workplaces and homes, sparking enduring consumer, client, and organizational interest (Alston et al, 2022 ; Hilty et al, 2020 ; McCoyd et al, 2023 ; Pew Research Center, 2021 ; Singh et al, 2021 ).…”