What must be ensured before the first video session begins?

Before the first video session begins, it's essential to ensure that the client and clinician can see and hear each other. This is paramount in telemental health as effective communication relies heavily on audiovisual connectivity. If there are technical difficulties that prevent either party from seeing or hearing the other, it could hinder the therapy process and render the session ineffective. Establishing this connection is a crucial step in fostering a therapeutic relationship and ensuring that the session can proceed smoothly.

While ensuring payment, having a signed agreement, and considering backup plans are all important aspects of the administrative and logistical side of telemental health, the primary focus at the outset of a session should be on the ability to engage in dialogue and interaction. Without this basic functionality in place, the therapeutic goals for the session cannot be met.