Development of a Telepsychology Program for Parents of Pediatric Patients

Goertz, M. T.; Brosig, C.; Bice-Urbach, B.; Malkoff, A.; Kroll, K.

Objective: Telepsychology represents a promising approach to treatment for individuals and families encountering barriers to traditional face-to-face health care, especially in the challenging context of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Implementing the necessary infrastructure to sustain telepsychology programs within health care institutions requires detailed attention to a variety of domains. Despite the growing use of telepsychology, logistical considerations for the development of such programs are often unclear. Method: In order to clarify considerations regarding the use of telepsychology within partnering health care institutions, we describe the process of developing a telepsychology group intervention with parents of pediatric patients. Results: The development of a telepsychology program for parents at a large children's health care institution is discussed across four developmental phases: (a) curriculum development, (b) clinical framework, (c) program logistics, and (d) protocol and training infrastructure. Conclusion: Due to the growing need for telepsychological interventions for parents, both practitioners and health care institutions are tasked with collaborating to develop well-designed programs that are aligned with clinical best practices.