Description

This two-hour continuing education workshop equips behavioral health professionals with a comprehensive understanding of telehealth practice as governed by KRS 335.158 and anchored in the NASW Code of Ethics. Participants will explore foundational definitions and terminology as established by Kentucky statute, examine common service delivery models and engage with real-world ethical scenarios involving informed consent, confidentiality, technology-related risk disclosures, and per-session compliance requirements.   

The session addresses the practical benefits and limitations of telehealth from both the clinician and client perspective, with emphasis on maintaining therapeutic rapport, clinical effectiveness, and standard of care equivalency in virtual settings. Participants will also examine HIPAA-compliant technology requirements, documentation protocols, multi-state licensure considerations, and cultural competence in virtual service delivery. Rooted in the instructor’s direct experience operating a multi-state virtual behavioral health practice, this workshop bridges the gap between telehealth policy, ethical standards, and day-to-day clinical application. 

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this training, you will be able to:

• Define telehealth as established by KRS 335.158(4)(c) and distinguish between key terminology including telemedicine, teletherapy, telebehavioral health, and telemental health 

• Compare at least three telehealth service delivery models (synchronous, asynchronous, and hybrid) and identify appropriate use cases, including assessment of client suitability for telehealth per KRS 335.158(1)(d) 

• Demonstrate compliance with informed consent, confidentiality, and risk disclosure requirements for telehealth as specified in KRS 335.158(1)(a)–(c), including all five mandated disclosures regarding technology disruption risks, electronic messaging use, emergency communication protocols, third-party access to communications, and clinician identity and credentials 

• Implement per-session compliance protocols including client identity verification, physical location documentation, emergency contact acquisition, clinician communication procedures, HIPAA-compliant technology use, and telehealth-specific session documentation per KRS 335.158(2)(a)–(f) 

• Assess the benefits and limitations of telehealth for diverse client populations, and accessibility considerations into clinical decision-making

Delivery Method
synchronous distance learning

Cost
$40

Credit Hours
2.0 ACE/KBSW 

Accreditation

University of Kentucky College of Social Work, Provider # 1377, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 9/29/25-9/29/28. Social workers completing this course receive 2.0 clinical continuing education credits.   

This course meets Kentucky requirements for the telehealth continuing education requirement and is approved by the Kentucky Board of Social Work for 2.0 credit hours. Approval No.: KBSWSP-202544 

Instructor

Dr. Tierra Hereford, LCSW ’s bio:

Dr. Tierra Hereford, DSW, LCSW, LICSW, CAIMHP, is the co-founder of T.H. & Associates LLC, a virtual behavioral health practice serving clients across Virginia, Washington D.C., and Tennessee. With over 14 years of experience in the field, her work focuses on trauma-informed care, addiction treatment, clinical supervision, and a holistic approach to providing mental health services for all. She has spent much of her career working with individuals and families navigating the justice system, substance use, and complex trauma including within court systems, child protective services, and military-connected communities. She began her career as a state social worker in Kentucky, which inspired her to move towards licensure to address the intergenerational issues she observed as a state social worker. Her doctoral research examined anti-racism in clinical supervision, reflecting a longstanding commitment to ensuring that the supervisory relationship is not only clinically rigorous but culturally responsive and grounded in equity. 

Dr. Hereford is deeply passionate about mentorship, clinical supervision, and the continued growth of the social work profession. She believes that professional development should extend beyond traditional roles; a conviction that led her to entrepreneurship and to providing direct client services through multi-dimensional treatment interventions and scopes. A University of Kentucky College of Social Work alumna, she remains connected to the College through opportunities to speak and encourage future social workers; she remains committed to supporting the next generation of social work professionals in developing not only as competent clinicians but as whole people prepared to lead, innovate, and shape the future of the field. 

As the co-founder of a multi-state virtual practice, Dr. Hereford brings direct, operational experience in telehealth compliance, HIPAA-compliant service delivery, multi-jurisdictional licensure, and the ethical challenges clinicians face in virtual settings every day. She is a dedicated speaker and educator at universities and professional organizations and is passionate about bridging the gap between telehealth policy and frontline clinical practice.

How to Claim Credit
You must attend the training in its entirety and complete an evaluation form.  Attendance will be verified using Zoom attendance reports. 

Cancellation/Refund Policy
If this course is canceled, you will be contacted and given the option of a full refund, or course credit to be used within 1 year.

Questions
Contact Christina.Krantz@uky.edu with any questions regarding this course, registration assistance or to request accommodations.