Although many studies have shown telemental health to be effective, it is somewhat different from traditional in-person counseling and requires new counselor competencies. Prior to adding telemental health services, we researched how to legally, ethically, and realistically convert to a remote therapy environment. We are excited about the expertise we've developed and are eager to use the innovative approaches that are now available to us! 

These are some of the steps we took to ensure that CAPS continues to provide high-quality remote services to students:

• Our team of state-licensed counselors and trainees have obtained the necessary training from accredited professional organizations in the ethical and competent provision of telemental health services.

• CAPS support staff and administrative team modified essential business operations such as telephones, voicemail, and email correspondence, created policies and procedures for all remote services, and converted paper documents into electronic data forms linked to a password-protected website.

• Computer and Information Technology recommended Microsoft Office 365 Teams, which operates on an encrypted network that protects the privacy and confidentiality of voice and video data.  CAPS will utilize Microsoft Teams to provide telemental health services, so all students should contact C&IT to download the Teams app to their computer and/or smartphone.

• Risk Management and Office of General Counsel reviewed and approved our procedures as compliant with current laws, rules, regulations, and liability insurance coverage related to providing telemental health services to Wayne State students.