What Is a Telehealth Therapist and How to Become One
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What Does a Telehealth Therapist Do?
As a telehealth therapist, you provide counseling services and mental health support to clients over the telephone or through chat or video conferencing software. Your duties vary depending on the type of therapy that you provide. You can work with individuals, couples, or families. You communicate with each new client to assess their needs and create a treatment plan based on your assessment. During each subsequent teletherapy session, you work on the treatment plan and make adjustments as necessary. Your responsibilities can include referring a client to other mental health or social work professionals as needed or coordinating an in-person therapy session.
How Can I Become a Telehealth Therapist?
The preferred qualifications to become a telehealth therapist include an advanced degree, a license, and the software and computer skills necessary to perform your duties from a remote location. Some employers expect you to be a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or have a Ph.D., while others accept applicants with a master’s degree in social work, therapy, or psychology and a license to offer mental health services in their state. Licensing requirements vary by state, but you usually need at least a master’s degree and clinical training to qualify for a telehealth counseling job.
