Teletherapy- What is it and How does it work?
Teletherapy services include therapy provided through an electronic method such as video conferencing, chat, or telephone. We offer teletherapy services through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform or a secure, HIPAA-compliant chat platform.
Therapy services provided via teletherapy have been researched and shown to be just as effective as therapy services provided in the traditional office setting. In addition, there are many additional benefits to receiving services through teletherapy!
Accessibility- Through teletherapy, people who might otherwise be unable to obtain therapy services due to disability, distance, transportation, etc have instant access to needed services.
Convenience- Since teletherapy can be accessed from home or any other private location without the need to drive to an office, services can be provided right where you’re comfortable. Curl up on the couch with your favorite blanket and a cup of coffee and log on!
Time- With teletherapy, you can be in and out of your session with the click of a button- no need to drive to the office, find a parking spot, or hang out in the waiting room.
Privacy- Accessing your therapist from the privacy of your own home allows you to bypass the traditional parking lot and waiting room experience that occasionally leads to awkward moments, especially in small towns.
Affordability- In addition to saving the expense of gas and transportation time, teletherapy appointments are often offered at a less expensive rate. Send me a message and ask for current rates!
How does it work?
It’s simple! You will receive an email with a link that will take you straight to the secure, HIPAA-compliant client portal. Once there, you will sign in and have the option to either send secure messages to your therapist or enter the secure video therapy room. Messages sent and received stay within the secure site and are not tracked or saved on your device. If you choose to connect to the secure video therapy room, the site will use the camera built into your phone, tablet, or laptop to connect you to your therapist. No special equipment or software is needed for either service as both are done directly through the client portal.
Is teletherapy appropriate for everyone?
No, there are some people for whom teletherapy is not appropriate or is not appropriate at the current time. We believe that everyone should have access to high quality mental health care in the setting where they are most comfortable. If you prefer to see a therapist in person in an office setting, then of course teletherapy is not the right choice for you. In addition, there are some issues for which teletherapy would not be an appropriate method. Some examples of these include if you are actively feeling suicidal or experiencing other acute, high risk symptoms.
