Coverage or on-call services in telemental health should include what?

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Having a solid backup plan for coverage and on-call support is essential in telemental health. Emergencies can happen at any time or in any location, and the clinician may not be available right away. A backup or additional service ensures there is a timely, appropriate response to urgent situations, such as an on-call clinician or supervisor, a clear crisis protocol, and ready access to local emergency resources for the client’s location. This setup supports safety, continuity of care, and smooth escalation to in-person care when needed, while also aligning with ethical expectations to protect clients. Relying on the client, limiting coverage to business hours, or having no backup plan fails to address potential crises and can leave the patient at real risk.