[ Create an account](/create-an-account)[ Log In](/log-in) [ Cart](/cart) [ ![Telehealth Certification Institute LLC Logo]() ![Telehealth Certification Institute LLC Logo]()](/) ## **Telehealth Explorer Blog** Filter by Search or Category Selection Select Category - [All](/telehealth-explorer) - [Featured](/featured-articles) - --- - [Telehealth News](/telehealth-news) - [Legal Updates](/legal-updates) - [Business Aspects](/business-aspects) - [Technology](/technology) - --- - [Voices From Professions](/voices-from-professions) - [Counseling](/counseling) - [Social Work](/social-work) - [Psychology](/psychology) - [Substance Use Disorder Treatment](/substance-use-disorder-treatment) - [Couple and Family Therapy](/couple-and-family-therapy) - --- - [Clinical Insights](/clinical-insights) - [Supervision](/supervision) ![Female Practitioner Counseling via phone]() # Training for Telephone Counseling - [ ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.telementalhealthtraining.com%2Fclinical-insights%2Ftraining-for-telephone-counseling "Facebook") - [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.telementalhealthtraining.com%2Fclinical-insights%2Ftraining-for-telephone-counseling&title=Training+for+Telephone+Counseling "LinkedIn") - [ ](https://twitter.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.telementalhealthtraining.com%2Fclinical-insights%2Ftraining-for-telephone-counseling&text=Training+for+Telephone+Counseling "X (formerly Twitter)") Finding **[training for telephone counseling](/product/clinical-skills-of-phone-therapy-online-self-study)**[ ](/courses-and-products/product/clinical-skills-of-phone-therapy-online-self-study)can be an exhausting, time-intensive process for clinicians. Knowing what to look for and why training is essential are key pieces of information for over-the-phone counseling. First, let’s start with what topics are essential for phone counseling— - Legal considerations for telephonic counseling - Ethical implications when using a verbal-only clinical modality - How to keep your phone safe and HIPAA compliant? - What to know about crisis planning for phone counseling The popularity of telemental health services has habitually prioritized flashier counseling methods to the detriment of the accessible—but by now means simpler—phone counseling sessions. The truth is that many clients across the country do not have access to fast-speed internet or a personal computer, leaving them detached from the counseling services they might desperately seek. For these clients—especially those with debilitating anxiety, depressive, or PTSD symptoms—over-the-phone counseling can be a preferred and exclusive way to receive help. What the Research Says about Phone Counseling: - Many clients actually complete a higher number of phone counseling sessions compared to in-person meetings (Hernandez-Tejada et al., 2014). - Contrary to popular belief, suicidality can be effectively addressed when using phone counseling for depression (Rhee et al., 2005). - Phone sessions keep the care coming. There’s no need to slow down when environmental barriers take away an in-office option. The American Psychological Association offers phone counseling tips for therapists interested in practicing counseling by phone. The first step in any phone session is to ensure that the client on the other end of the phone is who they say they are. Asking for a name and a date of birth can offset doubts about identity. Once the client’s identity has been vetted, explaining confidentiality limitations can establish common ground between a client and clinician. When it comes to phone counseling, distractions are to be expected. Since therapists cannot see their clients, fewer agreements can be formally defined. Talking through these possible scenarios shows how committed you are to the therapeutic process. Beginning with a checklist of questions might sound contradictory in a client-centered approach, but showing compassion for a client’s wellbeing often has the opposite effect: you achieve a higher level of clinical fidelity while amplifying client engagement. Above all, undergoing comprehensive training in phone counseling techniques, or in any non-traditional clinical modality, preserves your credibility as a professional. The Telehealth Certification Institute has a curriculum designed for phone counseling professionals. Their **[TeleMental Health Training Certificate (THTC)](/the-thtc-certificate)** touches on ethical, legal, and technological topics to boost your confidence and reaffirm your passion for phone counseling. Additionally, we provide a short course that teaches the **[Clinical Skills of Phone Therapy](/product/clinical-skills-of-phone-therapy-online-self-study "Phone therapy course").** References: American Psychological Association Services, INC. (2020). Telephone psychotherapy: Ensuring patients have access to effective care. Retrieved from (Description: The American Psychological Association, known by most as the APA, is a trusted community that represents the interests of professional psychologists. This article outlines the advantages of phone counseling with the support of scientific research). Bufka, L. (2020). Tips for doing phone therapy: When videoconferencing isn't an option for your patient, consider audio-only treatment. Retrieved from (Description: An article from the APA that focuses on tips and considerations for phone counseling). - [ Technology ](/component/tags/tag/technology) - [ Clinical Insights ](/component/tags/tag/clinical-insights) - [ Counseling ](/component/tags/tag/counseling) - [ Psychology ](/component/tags/tag/psychology) ## Testimonials I completed the Telehealth Training. This training was very effective for me because it was self-paced. I was able to work at my own pace to fully grasp the information. In addition, the various graphics and explanations made retaining the information better for my learning style. I also enjoyed the small quizzes at the end that helped increase my understanding and application of the information. I will definitely recommend this course to other clinicians! Iveyana Kiara Smith This bundle of Clinical Supervision courses helped me to feel more confident as a clinical supervisor. It provided well rounded content and helped me feel more prepared for stepping into a supervisory role. I highly recommend these courses and appreciate that they are self-paced. Jessy Hainbach The Foundations for Working With Families Engaged in High Conflict Divorce, Training Video was very helpful in developing skills to navigate work with families experiencing this. Bryant Wilson The TeleMental Health Training Certificate Program was incredibly easy to navigate, with a smooth and intuitive layout that made learning stress-free. The content flowed logically, building on each section in a way that felt natural and engaging. I appreciated how clear the instructions were—everything I needed was right where I expected it to be. Ben Keyser Professional development available anytime without time restrictions! Mei Chan Enhancing Clinical Supervision: Supporting Autistic and other Neurodivergent Therapists in Clinical Settings training was absolutely wonderful! Thorough, detailed, and kept my attention. Meghan Co, LCSW-C, LICSW [View All 700+ Testimonials](/about-us/testimonials) ©2025 Telehealth Certification Institute LLC. All Rights Reserved. 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