Total Credits: 1.5 including 1.5 American Psychological Association, 1.5 Association of Social Worker Boards
Join us for an engaging and informative presentation with Dr. Lauren Bruaski, Executive Clinical Director of the USD Tele-Mental Health Training Clinic, as she explores the evolving landscape of telehealth counseling. A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and AAMFT/BBS-approved clinical supervisor, Dr. Bruaski will share practical guidance on delivering effective, ethical, and client-centered care in a virtual setting. This session will cover key topics including legal and ethical considerations, technology and platform selection, creating a comfortable virtual environment, adapting clinical interventions for telehealth, and addressing the needs of diverse and underserved populations. Special attention will be given to trauma-informed care, boundary setting, and self-care for providers. Whether you're new to telehealth or looking to enhance your existing practice, this presentation offers essential insights to help you navigate and thrive in the digital counseling space.
Dr. Lauren V. Bruaski, LMFT (LMFT #115030) is a female-identified Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, educator, and clinical supervisor based in San Diego, California. She is deeply committed to empowering individuals and communities through holistic, trauma-informed, and socially conscious care. Drawing from feminist therapy as a cornerstone of her work, Dr. Bruaski encourages clients to explore the impact of systemic and societal influences on their mental health and relationships. Her practice fosters self-discovery, resilience, and personal growth by helping individuals challenge oppressive norms and embrace their authentic selves. Dr. Bruaski serves as the Executive Clinical Director of the University of San Diego’s Tele-Mental Health Training Clinic, a community clinic housed within the School of Leadership and Education Sciences. The clinic provides high-quality, affordable teletherapy services to school-age children, adolescents, parents, and college-age adults in the San Diego area. In her role, Dr. Bruaski oversees all aspects of clinical operations, including staff management, program development, and supervision, ensuring the delivery of ethical, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed care. The clinic was recently awarded a $2.5 million grant from the California Veterans Health Initiative (CVHI), which supports scholarships for veterans and their families—an initiative Dr. Bruaski helps oversee and integrate into clinical services and training. Dr. Bruaski brings a strong foundation in culturally responsive and evidence-based practices, integrating approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Narrative Therapy. She works with clients from diverse backgrounds, honoring the intersectionality of their lived experiences and tailoring her work to meet their unique needs. Committed to community care, Dr. Bruaski volunteers with A Home Within, offering pro bono therapy to individuals with foster care experience. Across all roles, she strives to create inclusive, affirming spaces where clients and clinicians alike feel seen, supported, and empowered.