The TeleMental Health Institute Welcomes Smart House Calls as an Affiliate

CHEYENNE, WY, October 17, 2012 (Press-News.org) Dr. Marlene Maheu, Executive Director of the TeleMental Health Institute, Inc., is excited to announce affiliation with Smart House Calls. The fields of telemental health and Smart House Calls represent two professions that are likely to see the significant growth in response to health care reform, and the combination of these specialties will assist consumers in under-served areas with access to much needed, comprehensive mental health care. A focus on these two specialty areas will undoubtedly prepare psychologists to benefit maximally in 21st Century practice.

Dr. Maheu has pioneered telehealth research and development since 1994. She has dedicated much of her career developing educational and training materials to assist health professionals gain the competency to treat clients through various forms of technology. Dr. Maheu has worked diligently with numerous professional organizations, such as the American Psychological Association (APA), the American Counseling Association (ACA), and the American Telemedicine Association. TMH Institutes affiliation with the American Board of Medical Psychology will help ensure that medical psychologists, whose services are in high demand, will have access to much needed telemental health training.

Maheu added, It is required that professionals use health grade (HIPAA-compliant) equipment and technology. Our ethical mandates also clearly stipulate that professionals using technology must be able to document their competence for each technology used, including email, video-teleconferencing, chat rooms and social media. It simply isn't acceptable to guess or experiment with consumers.

The TeleMental Health Institute, Inc. is the leading online telemental health training institute, devoted exclusively to addressing the emerging opportunities and challenges of telepsychiatry, telepsychology, online counseling, online therapy and coaching. Contact: Marlene M. Maheu, Ph.D., Executive Director, TeleMental Health Institute, Inc., info@telehealth.org