Telemental health services have broadened during the last decade (Choi et al. 2019; Pierce et al. 2020). More recently, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) restrictions have led to an escalation in clinical services through telemental health settings. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to consider perspectives of Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT)s who are working in telemental health settings prior to and/or as a result of COVID-19 restrictions and consider the role that telemental health has in building therapeutic connections with clients. Researchers presented an online survey that explored participants’ perceptions of providing telemental health. Participants included 23 MFTs who were currently licensed or working under an MFT supervisor. Data analysis uncovered the following thematic responses: (a) doing telemental health is similar, but different, than in-person therapy, (b) adapting to telemental health is worthwhile, and (c) validating clients’ voices and experiences is fundamental to building an alliance in telemental health therapy. Findings supported the importance of further training in telemental health, specifically related to cultural humility and alliance building within telemental health settings.

在过去十年中，远程心理健康服务已经扩大（Choi et al. 2019; Pierce et al. 2020）。最近，2019 年严重急性呼吸系统综合症冠状病毒 (COVID-19) 限制导致通过远程心理健康环境的临床服务升级。这项现象学研究的目的是考虑在 COVID-19 限制之前和/或由于 COVID-19 限制而在远程心理健康环境中工作的婚姻和家庭治疗师 (MFT) 的观点，并考虑远程心理健康在建立治疗方面的作用与客户的联系。研究人员提出了一项在线调查，该调查探讨了参与者对提供远程心理健康的看法。参与者包括 23 名目前获得许可或在 MFT 主管下工作的 MFT。数据分析揭示了以下主题反应：(a) 进行远程心理健康与面对面治疗相似但不同，(b) 适应远程心理健康是值得的，(c) 验证客户的声音和经验是建立远程心理健康治疗联盟的基础。调查结果支持进一步培训远程心理健康的重要性，特别是与文化谦逊和在远程心理健康环境中建立联盟有关。