What ethical considerations arise when social workers provide services via telehealth?

When providing services via telehealth, ensuring client confidentiality and informed consent is a paramount ethical consideration for social workers. Telehealth involves the use of technology to conduct sessions with clients, which brings unique challenges and risks related to privacy and confidentiality. Social workers must take proactive steps to safeguard sensitive information, including using secure, encrypted communication platforms and clearly informing clients about how their data will be stored, shared, and protected.

Informed consent is also crucial in this context, as clients need to be fully aware of how telehealth services will be provided, including any limitations compared to in-person interactions and the specific technology being used. This ensures that clients can make educated decisions about their participation and understand the process thoroughly.

This attention to confidentiality and informed consent demonstrates respect for the client's autonomy and rights, fundamental principles in social work ethics, and is particularly important as technology continues to evolve and shape therapeutic practices.