Telehealth Therapy

What is Telehealth?

 

Telehealth is a way of receiving psychotherapy services via live video conferencing. You may have also heard it referred to as “online counseling,” “online therapy,” or “teletherapy.” Such a service has been around for years, but the Covid-19 pandemic has certainly necessitated its rise in popularity. 

 

Telehealth is an effective solution for folks who don’t have access to many therapists in their immediate area, need a specialist, or are unable to travel to see an in-person therapist. Even for others, telehealth services can provide a convenient and flexible option to receive the services you need! All you need is an electronic device and an internet connection.

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How Does Telehealth Work?

 

I utilize a HIPAA-compliant version of Google Meet to conduct telehealth services. Google Meet is a video conferencing platform that can be used on any PC or mobile device. When we agree on the logistics of your therapy sessions, I will send you a standing calendar invite that has a unique link to our Google Meet lobby – no one else will have your code or be able to access your link.

 

Each week we meet for our session, simply click on your standing link and you’ll be brought right to my virtual office!

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What Happens if There Are Technical Problems?

 

As with any technology there is always room for error. Should you or I run into any challenges with connectivity that would cause our session to be ineffective, I will plan to call you at the phone number you provide me. The rest of our session would take place over the phone so as to give you the time you deserve.

 

Although many errors are outside of our control, there are steps that can be taken to increase the effectiveness of telehealth services:

 

• Make sure you’re in a safe, quiet, and distraction-free environment for your session.
   

• Hardwire your laptop or PC into an internet jack or position yourself near your modem/router to ensure a solid internet connection.
   

• Verify the software on your device is up-to-date prior to your session.

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Is Telehealth Therapy as Effective as In-Person Therapy?

 

Studies suggest that telehealth is just as effective as in-person therapy for many psychological problems. In fact, some researchers suggest that telehealth may be even more effective for problems related to social anxiety, at least in the early phases of treatment.

 

In my experience, I value the freedom, flexibility, and decreased commuting time that telehealth has afforded me. Similarly, many of my clients have reported that they, too, enjoy the flexibility, convenience, and comfortability that comes from receiving therapy in the safety of their own home.

 

Having said that, I do believe there is something missing from telehealth services. The healing energy that’s felt when two human beings physically share a space is something that will never be replicated on a screen. Because of that, telehealth isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. Although my practice may transition to meeting in-person, for now I offer therapy services exclusively through telehealth.

 

If you’ve gotten this far and feel bummed that I don’t offer in-person therapy, please reach out anyway! I’ll be more than happy to provide you with referrals for folks who may better suit your needs.

 

To learn about how I can help you via telehealth, take a peek at my therapeutic approach or my therapy for adult children of narcissists page for more information.