Digital Competency of Psychologists

A Scoping Review

Bibliographic Data

ID17696272
AuthorsAmanda Ķule (0009-0003-9693-9994, Riga Stradiņš University, corresponding author), Kristīne Mārtinsone (0000-0003-4145-8440, Riga Stradiņš University), Elīna Akmane (0000-0003-0895-9251, Riga Stradiņš University), Aija Ozola (0000-0002-3751-0392, Riga Stradiņš University), Inga Znotiņa (0000-0003-4968-782X, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia), D Kamerade (0000-0003-2019-3391, Riga Stradiņš University)
Year2026
Publication date2026-01-06
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueEuropean Psychologist (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1016-9040 • E-ISSN: 1878-531X
PublisherHogrefe Verlag (PUBLISHER • DE)
DOI10.1027/1016-9040/a000575
OpenAlexW7118970518
LanguageEN
References cited61

Digital competency is becoming increasingly vital in psychological practice, yet consensus is lacking on the specific knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for effective technology integration in psychological care and therapeutic settings. Existing frameworks primarily focus on telepsychology and telehealth, neglecting broader psychological practice. This scoping review addresses this gap by synthesizing relevant literature, identifying key digital competencies, evaluating existing frameworks, and highlighting gaps to inform the development of an integrated competency framework for psychologists. A PRISMA-ScR guided research was conducted in August 2024 across seven major databases: Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest One Academic, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Taylor & Francis Online, and EBSCOhost. Two independent reviewers screened 577 articles, of which 19 met the inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis identified eleven digital competencies, hierarchically grouped into five key domains: technical, ethical and legal, digital practice, training and research, and infrastructure and equity. By mapping these competencies and highlighting gaps in existing frameworks, this study provides a structured basis for developing standardized competency models. This ensures that future frameworks incorporate the necessary skills and knowledge for psychologists to navigate evolving technologies, AI integration, and cross-cultural digital practice effectively

Best practice · Focus group · Thematic analysis · Digital Mental Health Interventions · Mobile Health and mHealth Applications · Telemedicine and Telehealth Implementation

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Open DOIOpen Access