Teletherapy is Convenient & Easy

Telemedicine, Teletherapy, and Telemental Health are on the cutting edge of health care service. If you have ever used FaceTime, Skype, Zoom, Go To, Webinar, or other video calling/conferencing applications, you will find Telehealth therapy sessions to be very similar.

I am Board Certified in Telemental Health (that’s the BC-TMH after my name) by the Center for Credentialing and Education. This credential identifies those professionals who have advanced training in best practices for delivering traditional behavioral healthcare through technological means. Being Board Certified means that I have met nationally established telemental health criteria and have completed a specialized course of study in Telemental Health practices. I also am certified in Telemental Health by the Telebehavioral Health Institute.

What are the benefits of having video or phone sessions?

• • Convenience. If you are unable to attend therapy in person on a regular basis, you are able to “meet” with me virtually and maintain continuity in your therapy.
  • Safety. During this time of social distancing and self isolation, you can see your therapist from the safety of your home environment. No going to another location or risking possible exposure to others. 

• • Bad weather will not be an impediment. No need to travel in snow or bad storms to make your appointment.

• • Time saving. Meeting with your therapist from a remote location means that you will not have to spend time traveling to and from the office.

• • More options for scheduling. Subject to my availability, sessions before or after regular office hours are possible.

• • Many insurance companies are reimbursing for teletherapy sessions. Check with yours to see what your policy allows for. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), most are reimbursing telehealth in the same way as in person sessions. Please double check with your insurance company. There is likely information on their website or call.

• • It’s effective and cost saving. Studies demonstrate the efficacy and positive benefits of teletherapy and that it is as effective as in person therapy.

Teletherapy sessions may be scheduled through my website in the same way that regular, in person sessions are scheduled. When making the appointment, for location, select “Teletherapy” and then the convenient day and time that works best for you.

Phone and Video sessions are offered before, during, and after my regular office hours, including during weekends and holidays. There is an additional fee for phone and video sessions that occur outside of normal office hours. Check my schedule via the Client Portal for my availability.

To ensure confidentiality and protect your privacy, video sessions are conducted through a HIPAA compliant and encrypted platform ( “Telehealth by Simple Practice” or “Doxy.me”) Sessions can be conducted via one of these free apps that can be downloaded to your phone or tablet. Facetime, Skype, Zoom, and other similar video platforms are permitted for use during the COVID-19 pandemic and I use them as backups.

If you are interested in having teletherapy sessions, please be sure to read, fill out, and sign the Teletherapy Consent to Treatment form in the Client Portal. If you have any questions about teletherapy sessions, please feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I will be happy to discuss them with you.