What is a recommended method to verify client identity in phone-based sessions?

• A. A quick video session to establish identity or provide ID through another means.
• B. Rely on the client's name and date of birth.
• C. Require a social security number.
• D. Ignore identity verification.

Answer: (A)

Verifying who you’re speaking with in teletherapy is essential to protect confidentiality and safety. In phone-based sessions, a quick video check to establish identity or to present ID through a secure method provides real-time visual confirmation that the person on the line is the patient who authorized the care. Relying only on a name and date of birth can be insufficient since these details can be misrepresented or obtained by others. Requiring a Social Security number introduces unnecessary privacy risks and is not a typical, required verification step for standard telehealth practice. Ignoring identity verification would undermine ethical and legal standards for safeguarding client information.