F A L L 2 0 21 – I S S U E 8
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Telehealth Policy
Prior to COVID-19, our MFT programs did not allow for teletherapy or telesupervision to count
toward graduation hour requirements, consistent with our accrediting body's standards. Teletherapy
was defined as the process of delivering synchronous therapeutic services using a secure video
platform according to relevant state, federal, and provincial regulatory requirements and guidelines.
Similarly, telesupervision was defined as the process of delivering synchronous supervision services
using a secure video platform. The NCU MFT programs recognize the growing need and use of
teletherapy and telesupervision by MFTs and have integrated basic information regarding the ethics
and use of teletherapy into the curriculum. We also recognize that licensure boards, legislative
bodies, and the field are making efforts to determine how and when this modality can be used in a
manner that protects the client and the therapist. The 2015 AAMFT Code of Ethics added language
addressing the ethics and expectation of using this modality (Standard VI).* In addition, state
regulatory boards require therapists to be licensed in the state that the therapist resides and the state
that the client resides when teletherapy crosses state lines.
Due to the impacts of COVID-19, our accrediting body issued an accommodation that allowed for
these modalities to be counted. This accommodation expires on December 31, 2021. As of January
1, 2022, the use of teletherapy and telesupervision will be allowed and made part of our policies.
SSBS PROGRAM INFORMATION AND UPDATES
Dr. Nosakhere T., 2019 Graduate
