Shifting a training clinic to teletherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic: a trainee perspective
Adela Scharff, Courtney E. Breiner, Luna F. Ueno, Shannon B. Underwood, Edward C. Merritt, Laura Welch, Carrie Fonda, Jennifer Weil Malatras, Betty Lin, Julia M. Hormes, Alex L. Pieterse, Elana B. Gordis, Leslie F. Halpern, Rena Pazienza, George B. Litchford
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has led many counselors and therapists to transition from in-person therapy to teletherapy services. Doctoral trainees in their first year of training, faculty, and staff at the Psychological Services Center (PSC), a training clinic at a large public university, successfully completed a rapid transition to teletherapy in March 2020. This brief report will provide insight into steps taken by the PSC to shift to remote training and practice while maintaining its educational and community mandates, prioritizing continuity of care and training during the onset of a global pandemic. We provide the trainee perspective on technological needs, remote supervision, and changes to clinical practice during the transition. Special considerations around self-disclosure and child treatment will be discussed. This brief report serves as an example of the multitude of considerations faculty, staff, and trainees may be faced with as therapeutic services continue remotely throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.