[ 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) # TeleBehavioral Health Competencies for Couple and Family Therapy - [ ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.telementalhealthtraining.com%2Fcouple-and-family-therapy%2Ftelebehavioral-health-competencies-for-couple-and-family-therapy "Facebook") - [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.telementalhealthtraining.com%2Fcouple-and-family-therapy%2Ftelebehavioral-health-competencies-for-couple-and-family-therapy&title=TeleBehavioral+Health+Competencies+for+Couple+and+Family+Therapy "LinkedIn") - [ ](https://twitter.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.telementalhealthtraining.com%2Fcouple-and-family-therapy%2Ftelebehavioral-health-competencies-for-couple-and-family-therapy&text=TeleBehavioral+Health+Competencies+for+Couple+and+Family+Therapy "X (formerly Twitter)") In this video interview, Dr. Katherine M. Hertlein talks with Ray Barrett of TCI about integrating technology into couple and family therapy sessions. Dr. Hertlein uses her experience as a Professor in the Couple and Family Therapy Program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, to emphasize the importance of telebehavioral health competencies when **[training counseling graduate students](/how-to-train-students-in-telemental-health)** - and what skills practicing clinicians can learn to optimize client care. In general, the couple and family therapy fields were slow to embrace telehealth as a worthy format for clinical work. According to Dr. Hertlein, “there was a fear around \[using telehealth\]” because of the significance placed upon the therapist-client relationship. But when COVID-19 set in, there was a stronger wave of acceptance for online counseling. To help clinicians who are transitioning or new to working virtually with clients, she outlines suggestions that you can put into practice, including adapting online environments so that they match the physical office experience as closely as possible. You’ll hear recommendations that clinicians, clients, **[couples](/tips-for-online-couples-counseling-during-covid-19)**, and families can use to design a space that supports clinical work. But this is just one of the many steps for counselors wanting to master telepresence in the virtual environment, a core **[telebehavioral health competency](/telebehavioral-health-competencies),** according to Dr. Hertlein. When therapists finetune these skills, the benefits of telehealth can be hard to pass up. In addition to increasing clients’ access to services, the online format can be useful for handling marital conflicts or emerging anger, as well as the freedom and privacy that comes with home-based sessions. Overall, clients frequently report that they feel less vulnerable when meeting their therapist online. Lastly, Raymond and Dr. Hertlein exchange tips for modifying technology to fit the needs of both the client and therapist. Some of the examples presented in the video include optimizing camera positions, finding the most effective gaze angle, and ensuring that families have a comfortable space in their homes for productive therapeutic sessions. Dr. Katherine M. Hertlein is a Professor in the Couple and Family Therapy Program in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine. Across her academic career, she has published over 100 articles, book chapters, and 12 books. Dr. Hertlein has won numerous awards for research, teaching, mentorship, and supervision, including a Fulbright Core Scholar Award. Dr. Hertlein is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Couple and Relationship Therapy. She currently maintains a private practice in Las Vegas, Nevada. She is the lead author of a 2021 article titled “Toward Proficiency in Telebehavioral Health: Applying Interprofessional Competencies in Couple and Family Therapy,” which was published in the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy. By: **[Michael Tugendhat](https://michael-tugendhat-writer.webnode.com/)** - [ Interviews ](/component/tags/tag/interviews) - [ Couple and Family Therapy ](/component/tags/tag/couple-and-family-therapy) ## 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! 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