Q: What is a telehealth session?

A: “Telehealth” or “telemedicine” means the use of live, 2-way electronic audio-visual communications to deliver clinical health care services. Teletherapy, also known as online therapy, e-therapy, or video therapy, is therapy delivered through a virtual platform via a computer, smartphone or tablet.

Q: What are different types of remote telehealth sessions?

A: Current guidelines include both audiovisual or telephone [audio-only] sessions. You can choose to have sessions via video, cell phone or landline. You can also change from session to session, depending on your preference and access to a private setting for your appointment.

Q: Is a telehealth session as useful as an in-office therapy appointment?

A: Research findings validate that teletherapy is just as effective as traditional face-to-face therapy for a range of circumstances. There may even be some advantages, including increased accessibility, greater flexibility, reduced wait times, and a more comfortable environment in your own home. For more evidence-based information on teletherapy and its benefits, click here. Telehealth is also ideal to comply with social distancing guidelines related to the COVID-19 health crisis.

Q: Is telehealth covered by my insurance?

A: Yes, most insurance carriers treat either in-person or telehealth sessions the same.

Q: Is it hard to get the technology side of things set up?

A: It’s pretty easy to get going, using a variety of platforms. My preference is to use a HIPAA-compliant platform called SimplePractice, but there have been recent changes to the telemental health landscape due to the COVID-19 emergency. HIPAA is temporarily allowing videoconferencing options such as Zoom or FaceTime, as well as audio only phone calls. We’ll use whatever works best for you.

We’ll also set up a list of options as back-up, so that no matter what the connection, we’ll be able to communicate satisfactorily during a session.

Q: I’m still not sure this will work for me. Can we talk by phone to discuss in more detail?

A: Yes, of course! Click here to contact me and set up a free 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your particular concerns and circumstances.

For more information on using SimplePractice for telehealth, click here.