Telehealth Video Sessions
Sometimes, finding just one hour to get away for a therapy session is harder than you think. Between work, kids, errands, and the gym, life these days just doesn’t allow for more commitments. Scheduling can feel like fitting pieces of a puzzle together that just don’t want to fit.
Nowadays, you don’t have to meet in person for therapy; our clinicians are also available by Telehealth, also known as telemedicine or distant counseling. Telehealth is the use of technology similar to Skype, FaceTime, or phone to provide clinical health care. This allows for continued care from a distance. Keep in mind, this method of therapy isn’t for everyone. It takes a level of willingness on the client and a certain type of therapist to do this well. Our clinicians have the knowledge, technological ability, and experience to do this successfully.
We have been using Skype since its release in August 2003. While first using Skype to stay in touch with family globally, Lapde has now seen its capacity to offer therapy to her clients no matter what obstacle may arise. After you’ve built a rapport with your clinician, you do not have to start over and tell your story to someone new just because you’ve moved or are traveling out of the area. Therapy can continue seamlessly.
Currently, we use a platform called Telehealth by Simple Practice. It is HIPAA compliant and a secure network that provides a unique web link for every session held. The client will receive a link to the private video chat prior to the scheduled appointment. If you use a computer, just click on the link and it will bring you right to the private session. If you use a mobile device, you will need to download the app Telehealth by Simple Practice first. Keep in mind, you’ll be sent a new link for each session.
Advantages
You can continue with regular therapy sessions even when one person is out of the country on vacation, away visiting family, sick and contagious, weather is dangerous, or even if the car breaks down. With telehealth, you can save on time, gas, and the headache of scheduling. Everything can be done electronically from scheduling appointments to signing forms to receiving payment.
Disadvantages
With convenience, comes sacrifice. As one would assume, telehealth does lose some essential elements used in face to face therapy. It is much harder to pick up on nonverbal cues such as body language, sarcasm, or uncomfortableness. It can feel less personal because the therapist can’t offer you a tissue when you’re in tears, and she may not seem to be making eye contact with you on video but in reality she is looking at the image of you on her computer screen and not the camera. Also, some insurance providers will not pay or reimburse for therapy done over the phone or through video conferencing.
Currently, Skype and FaceTime is not considered HIPAA compliant. Westport Counseling & Therapy uses Telehealth by Simple Practice for their video sessions.
Recommendation
We recommend that the first meeting be in person if possible so that you can get to know each other without the distraction of technology. Building a relationship with your therapist is crucial for effective therapy so starting off the traditional way with an in-person session can help build a strong foundation that can later lead to telecommunication opportunities.
Cost
Telehealth by Simple Practice is free. Video sessions are the same price as a face-to-face, in-person session. See Rates for additional information on session prices. Payment for telehealth sessions can be done through credit card on our online Portal. A receipt will be provided for your records.
To learn more about Telehealth, watch this video: https://youtu.be/3rgHRqrzuEg
Westport Counseling & Therapy 
