Welcome to 2020. Everything has been online. There is Zoom, Facetime, MyChart, and others. We use a secure and HIPAA-compliant video platform that is accessible via computer, tablet and/or smartphone that has a camera and a microphone OR the ability to use headphones or earbuds with a microphone.

Before your session starts

After our first conversation, you will get an email from Simple Practice giving you access to the Client portal. This link will bring you into your site and allow you to fill in the forms that will start to give me some information about you. It includes Consents and Privacy practice. If your password expires there is a place to click on getting a new password.

Identify which device you will use.  If you are going to use your smartphone, download the Telehealth by Simple Practice app through either the Android Play Store or Apple Store.  Make sure you will be connected to high speed internet or wifi. Connection strength is important for your session to run smoothly.

Find a place to yourself where you can be alone.  This could be your bedroom, a home office or even your parked car. Use headphones or earbuds if you're able.  This will increase your privacy as well as improve audio.

Make sure you're comfortable.  There is no need to worry about the mess.  Grab yourself something to drink if you want and even feel free to wear your PJs!

Starting Your Session

You should get a reminder for the meeting about an hour before it starts.

·Please plan to log in 10 - 15 minutes prior to the start of each session.  This allows time to log in, remember passwords and troubleshoot any connection issues.  Your therapist will connect with you in your Client Portal to begin your session.  Each session works very similarly to a Skype or FaceTime video but is hippaa compliant and secure to protect your confidentiality.

Phone:  use the Telehealth by Simple Practice app that you have previously downloaded. Copy and paste your video URL to get started and click "Enter Video Call."  Simple!

Accessibility

One of the reasons we use Simple Practice is the reputation it has for seamless video sessions.  It offers secure messaging feature so that you can communicate easily with your therapist about your needs.  

Groups and Couples

There is also a screen sharing feature as well as the ability to join a group. Each group participant must be connected via their own computer.  Smartphones and tablets do not work with groups or couples.

Benefits

• Ease and convenience

• Similar and/or identical outcomes to in-person therapy

• Customized care

• Comfort of your home environment·

• Less need for transportation and/or childcare

• Covered by most insurance just like traditional therapy (may change once the pandemic starts to be in control).

Risks

• Telehealth is not designed for psychiatric crisis or managing suicide risk

• Research is still being gathered on overall benefits and risks

• Communication can be lost due to inability to assess body language and clarification may be required to prevent miscommunication

• Internet connection may be disrupted is some fashion which could cause a session to be delayed or re-scheduled

• We can not guarantee complete confidentiality on your end.  We can only guarantee confidentiality on their end​

Remember

• Once your appointment is scheduled, you will be sent some forms.  One is a TeleHealth Informed Consent. Another is an Emergency Contact form.  Both of these will need to be completed prior to your first session via our Secure Client Portal.  There is an electronic signature.  So, no need to print, scan or upload.  Just complete electronically and send, similar to sending an email.

• Your therapist will confirm your location with you at the start of each session.

• Your therapist may ask you to share whether others are or are not present during your session.

• You always have the right to ask questions and clarify any part of the telehealth process and whether your therapist is in a secure and confidential location.