Telepsychology as the Primary Mental Health Care Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Philippines

Abstract

This chapter discusses the role of telepsychology in the response to the pandemic in the Philippines. In response to this crisis, professionals and organizations offered online services instead of the usual face-to-face interactions in observance of the implemented quarantine and social distancing. Consequently, telepsychology became a viable tool for addressing mental health issues. This chapter discusses the author’s experience in doing telepsychology and the actions taken by other service providers; ethical and legal issues in the practice of telepsychology; and challenges in light of sociocultural and economic milieus. As an emerging economy, many Filipinos live below the poverty line and have little or no internet access. The Filipino family system, beliefs about mental health and illness, and the physical arrangement of a typical Filipino household also pose challenges. This chapter also examines amendments of existing protocols and policies to include telehealth platforms.