Telehealth/Teletherapy

What is telehealth/teletherapy?

Psychotherapy delivered via videoconferencing using your computer, smartphone or tablet

What’s the purpose of teletherapy?

To provide easy access to therapy through the use of technology

What are the diferent names used for teletherapy?

* Behavioral telehealth

* Connected health

* Digital health

* ehealth

* e-therapy

* Online therapy

* Telecounseling

* Telehealth

* Telemedicine

* Telemental health

* Telepsychology

* Teletherapy

* Videoconferencing

My teletherapy experience

I received training through the Department of Veteran’s Affairs and the American Psychological Association’s partnership with Telebehavioral Health Institute. I have provided teletherapy to a variety of clients (and their family members) over the past several years with various presenting issues and needs. I follow state board and practice guidelines to ensure your privacy and confidentiality while maintaining the integrity of psychotherapy. I love being able to provide this service for those who are wanting to utilize it.

Benefits of teletherapy

• A desirable option for those with medical concerns (immunocompromised/virus)
• Therapy where you want it in the comfort of your own environment and surroundings
• Therapy when you want it. You can schedule a session during a break (lunch, study hall, in between activities, etc.)
• Access specialized treatment in many U.S. states
• Reduce inconveniences. No need to use time off (work, school). No need to identify, plan, and pay for caretaking responsibilities. Participate in therapy while your child is at school or napping or your parents are resting. No sitting in traffic
• Save money by not paying for gas or needing to take time off work
• Save the environment by reducing gas use
• Use as a back-up option when unable to have an in-person session
• Receive care regardless of your health status. You can participate in sessions without concerns about physical limitations, chronic pain and/or short-term health issues
• Receive care regardless of weather conditions without having to leave the comfort of your home
• Receive care even when you travel as long as you are located in these states
• No worries about reliable transportation
• Include a family member, loved one or support person using teletherapy
• No risk of encountering someone you know while sitting in a waiting area

Essentials for teletherapy

• Offered to residents of OH and most other states
• A smart device (computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone) that includes audio and microphone
• Safe, private, and secure location with reliable internet connection
• In-person first session ideal though not required
• Identify safety resources (e.g., local hospital, emergency contact) and a back-up plan if/when internet connection is lost

What research says about teletherapy

• Similar outcomes to face-to-face therapy
• For eating disorder treatment, telehealth is as effective as in-person therapy along with strong therapeutic relationships, satisfaction and safety (Psychiatric Clinics, Vol. 42, No. 2, 2019)
• Increased client satisfaction
• Decreased travel time
• Decreased costs associated with travel, child and elder care
• Increased access to specialists
• Appropriate for many diagnoses
• Appropriate for many individuals of diverse populations
• Reduced emergency care costs
• Increased productivity related to mental health services
• Decreased lost wages
• Decreased need for hospitalization

Appropriate for individuals who

• Reside in these states
• Are psychologically stable
• Are willing to try this form of treatment
• Have access to appropriate technology
• Are willing to flex between teletherapy and in-person sessions as needed

Not intended for individuals who

• Have significant chronic and/or acute safety issues (e.g., self-directed violence, suicidal and/or homicidal thoughts)
• Experience significant discomfort using technology
• Live in an unsafe and/or uncertain environment (e.g., domestic violence, lack of privacy)
• Have a history of inappropriate sexual boundaries or issues with health providers
• Are unwilling to identify safety resources (e.g., local hospital, emergency contact) and a back-up plan if/when disconnected

What can I expect from teletherapy?

• We will discuss whether teletherapy is right for you including the risks and benefits of this form of treatment.
• You can check out this client guide on how teletherapy works using the client portal.
• We will identify an emergency plan in advance of the first teletherapy session.
• You will receive an email with a unique link to connect you to a private virtual room for your appointment. Only you and I can access this secure room.
• Each teletherapy session, we will confirm where you are located and your emergency contacts.
• We will try a few sessions and make a determination whether this mode of treatment is beneficial to you.

A few words about safety….

• Your well being is priority. Here’s how we will ensure your safety:
• Know that teletherapy is NOT an emergency service. If a crisis emerges, our focus will be on keeping you and others safe by following a safety plan.
• No other individuals are to be present during the session without a discussion in advance of the pros/cons of having them participate.
• For minors, an identified responsible and capable adult (full name and phone number) must be onsite and able to assist in emergencies if/when necessary.
• We can identify and use a “code word” for you to communicate discreetly any concerns related to privacy, security and/or safety.
• No recording of the sessions by either of us unless agreed upon in advance after considering the pros/cons.
• No driving during the session.
• I have chosen technology and a telehealth platform that is compliant with appropriate security and privacy laws/regulations. It’s important that you commit to safety by following our agreed upon expectations.