Telehealth is defined as the remote diagnosis and treatment of clients or patients using telecommunications technology. Telehealth has been around for many years as a way of providing healthcare services to clients who have trouble getting access to care, such as those who are housebound or live in remote or rural areas. During the COVID-19 pandemic, use of telehealth expanded, and its benefits for a wider range of patients are now recognized. Most insurance companies began to cover telehealth for all patients, making it more widely available.

I provide telehealth by video through a company called Simple Practice. When you schedule a visit, you’ll receive a link to the video visit. When it’s time for your visit, click on the link to be taken to the virtual waiting room, and I will let you into the visit when I arrive. 

I can also provide telehealth visits by phone to established patients when video visits are not possible or practical. 

Telehealth is particularly well suited to psychological assessment and treatment because these services are delivered via interview and conversation and don’t typically require a physical examination.

Telehealth also includes other electronic methods of obtaining information and providing care. Prior to your visits, I’ll send you forms and questionnaires to fill out electronically through the Simple Practice patient portal. By filling out and signing these forms electronically before the visit, you avoid having to arrive early or use your visit time for completing paperwork.   

To have an effective telehealth video visit, you should be in a private indoor location with good internet service. Results tend to be better when you use a computer (desktop or laptop), but if you don’t have a computer, a smart phone or tablet can be used provided you place it in a stable location where you have a good view of the screen, and I have a good view of you. 

Due to privacy concerns and to maintain HIPAA compliance, I ask that you do not attend video visits from a public location like a store, classroom, or coffee shop. For safety reasons, I do not provide telehealth services to clients who are driving or riding in a vehicle. Unless we have arranged ahead of time for them to participate, other people, including most children, should not be in the room with you during your session. Children who can speak and understand language should not be present to avoid exposing them to upsetting or age-inappropriate topics that often come up during therapy sessions. In most cases, you may have babies under 3 or pets with you.

If you have any questions or concerns about telehealth that aren’t addressed here, please feel free to contact me via phone, email, or the patient portal. 

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