Recommend strategies  to overcome the challenges your  colleagues have identified. Support  your recommendation with  evidence-based literature and/or your own  experiences with clients. 

One of the challenges my colleagues identified is how to support clients who are dealing with mental health issues in a virtual setting, as many individuals may not be comfortable discussing sensitive topics over video. One strategy that can be used to help address this challenge is to use an empathy-based approach when interacting with clients. This involves actively listening to what the client has to say and validating their feelings without judgement or assumption. Additionally, practitioners should also strive to build a trusting relationship with their clients by being open and honest about the supports available, such as referral services for counseling if needed.

Another challenge my colleagues mentioned was difficulty in engaging clients during virtual sessions. A strategy that could be utilized here is to provide multiple options for clients to engage depending on their preferences and comfort levels. For example, practitioners could offer both written and verbal forms of communication such as text messages or online chat services in addition to traditional video conferencing. Practitioners should also ensure that they create an environment where clients feel respected and understood by taking frequent breaks throughout longer sessions, offering short check-ins between appointments, providing educational materials related to the topic at hand (e.g., therapy worksheets), etc.

Lastly, one last challenge identified was the lack of resources available for both clinicians and patients alike due to financial constraints caused by the pandemic. To address this issue, healthcare organizations may consider implementing telehealth reimbursement policies among private insurers so that clinicians can receive compensation for virtual visits with minimal out-of-pocket costs for patients. Organizations could also look into creating better access points for low income families seeking mental health services via sliding scale fees or creative payment plans based on individual circumstances.

Overall these strategies will help mitigate some of the unique challenges posed by providing care virtually while helping foster trust between providers and patients alike which is essential in any successful therapeutic relationship.