How Does Telehealth Work? What are the benefits?

Telehealth minimizes the inconvenience and costs associated with travel in general but allows for counseling in times like these where we are being encouraged to socially distance or self quarantine. Research has found that video therapy is as effective as in-person therapy. In fact, there are even video-based protocols using EMDR. If you were using your insurance prior to switching to Telehealth you will still be able to do so at least through the beginning of June, and perhaps beyond that. And thanks to a highly secure connection, through SimplePractice, our sessions will remain private. There are other options available such as phone and other platforms that have been temporarily allowed but may have a few risks in terms of your privacy. Telehealth requires no special software or technical skills. All you need is a computer (with an integrated camera) or a telephone. It’s as simple as that. We are happy to discuss the option that is best for you.
We recommend that video sessions be conducted through SimplePractice. Here are videos of how to access video sessions on a:
Smartphone note – to use a smartphone you must first download Telehealth by SimplePractice available for iOS or Android.
For general questions or practice runs email: [email protected]

What are the risks?

The biggest risks to Telehealth are 1) confidentiality/privacy; 2) insurance coverage limitations; 3) potential for technology failure. Confidentiality and privacy are risks we take often without realizing it as we enter the expanding world of social media. Your therapist will make every effort to provide Telehealth services to you in a private space where others are not able to see your face on the screen and will use headphones whenever possible to ensure others cannot hear your voice on the other end of the call. We ask that you take precautions on your end to protect your privacy as well.
During the COVID-19 pandemic insurance companies have extended insurance coverage so that anyone with mental health coverage in their insurance plan would be able to access counseling services and have them fully covered by the insurance plan. There will still be deductibles and co-payments for these services the same as they were previously. After the pandemic ends the coverage limitations that existed previously may return. We will need to have a timely reaction to returning to in office visits if that happens.We will work with you to the best of our ability to accommodate that transition. If you have questions about specific insurance coverage please let us know.
Technology fails often. Particularly now that so many people are using the internet during the day. If you are logged into a video session and the video drops please logout (leave the video) and then come back in. Your therapist will do the same on their end to ensure that the connection refreshes. If the video is poor but the sound is good we may agree to turn off the video and use only sound. If we just can't seem to keep a connection we may decide to switch to phone. Your therapist will text or call you at that time. 

If you have a mental health emergency, I encourage you not to wait for communication back from me, but do one or more of the following: - Call Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 (National Crisis Line) - Call 911 - Go to the emergency room of your choice

​To be prepared for Telehealth sessions...

  • Be on time. Get setup a few minutes before session
  • Have earbuds or headphones handy and ready to use (this helps avoid feedback and encourages privacy)
  • Only have one browser open if using a laptop or desktop
  • If the quality of the video becomes a challenge, you can stop video but continue with audio
  • Make sure you are in a private place (as much as this is possible)
  • Your session will be the same duration and fee as in office
  • A credit card is required to have on file for all online sessions.
  • The cancellation fee applies to all online sessions.
  • If you are having difficulty logging in, contact your therapist immediately.

Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners

http://www.azbbhe.us/

Vermont Office of Professional Regulation.

​https://sos.vermont.gov/opr/