A Tide of Technical Trends: Technology Competence Among Licensed Counselors

Abstract

The inclusion of technology in mental health care can revolutionize the accessibility, affordability, and effectiveness of counseling services, while furnishing practical solutions to reduce mental health disparities and meet widening care demands. Steered by the Coalition for Technology in Behavioral Science (CTiBS) telebehavioral health (TBH) competencies, this study employed a descriptive survey design to investigate licensed counselors’ (LCs’) perceived technology competence in mental health care. The following research question steered the study’s exploration: What is the nature of perceived technology competence among LCs? The overarching hypothesis speculated that LCs’ exposure, familiarity, and current utilization of various mental health technologies would impact their perceived competence to integrate technology into their clinical work with clients. A total of 153 respondents completed all survey items. Through descriptive and chi-square analyses, the results illuminated LCs’ perceived technological proficiency. Implications and future study recommendations are detailed.