Teletherapy
If you live in the state of Missouri, California or Nevada, I offer HIPAA compliant distance therapy (i.e. teletherapy, online therapy, video therapy, phone therapy) in an effort to reach a wider range of people in various locations and across distances.
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My secured online platform is easy to use and completely confidential. The best part is that you can do this from the comfort and privacy of your own home or office. No need to spend extra time driving to and from an office, securing a babysitter, take a longer lunch to make a therapy session.
​Teletherapy, also known as telehealth, distance counseling, e-counseling, or online therapy, has evolved over the years as the therapeutic world has embraced the digital age. Through audio and video over the internet, you can meet with me on-the-go from your desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device (iOS or Android) - it’s your choice!
Therapy sessions are held on a secured web-based platform that is HIPPA compliant to ensure your confidentiality while you are in the comfort of your own surroundings. Teletherapy is a wonderful option for those that have limited “spare time” to travel to appointments, have children at home, or who are home-bound due to weather, illness, or mobility challenges. You can connect from anywhere to save you time and hassle.
*While teletherapy can be a great option for many clients, it may not be appropriate for everyone or for all issues. For this reason, all clients are scheduled for an initial consultation session so we can work together to determine the best modality for your therapeutic needs.
TeleTherapy Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I’ve compiled a list of the most frequent questions that I have received in regards to teletherapy. COVID-19 has normalized communicating via video with many health providers. Here are some answers to the questions I receive the most. If you can’t find the answers that you are looking for, please reach out here.
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What is TeleTherapy?Through audio and video over the internet, you can meet with your therapist on-the-go from your desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device (iOS or Android)—it’s your choice! TeleTherapy (Telehealth) allows us to connect anywhere with secure and convenient appointments that save you time and hassle. There’s no need to deal with traffic when you can schedule and attend your appointments directly from a laptop or mobile device.
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Is the counseling session secure?Therapy sessions are held on a secured web-based platform that is HIPPA compliant to ensure your confidentiality while you are in the comfort of your own surroundings. Just like a face-to-face appointment, your Teletherapy visit will be private and confidential. I use a stress free program called SimplePractice. What is SimplePractice? SimplePractice, LLC is my practice management software for scheduling, case management, telehealth, and therapy notes. SimplePractice, LLC, uses a HIPAA compliant software so your information will be securely kept.
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What equiptment do I need?To participate in Teletherapy appointments from your home, you need one of the following devices: Desktop computer with a webcam and speakers Laptop computer with built-in webcam and speakers Tablet device with built-in webcam and speakers Smartphone (Note: To use a smartphone, you must first download Telehealth by SimplePractice - available for iOS or Android in the app store) You will also need an internet connection that is at least 10mbps. For optimal results, a reliable, highspeed internet connection with a bandwidth of at least 10 mbps will minimize connection issues and provide the best quality.
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Where's the best place to do a video call?When deciding the best place in your home, you will want to choose a space that is private and away from household members, coworkers, pets or any other potential distractions. Here are some additional recommendations: • Adjust your light. Some small lighting tweaks that can have a huge impact including placing a lamp or other light source behind your monitor, pointed toward you. Also, make sure you don’t have too much light behind you. If you’re on a laptop, make sure the camera is at eye level and not pointing up at the ceiling lights, or down at the floor. • Choose a quiet, private location. Identify a suitable room that is quiet, private, and free of distractions. To keep background noise to a minimum, close any doors and shut any windows.
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Will the appointments be recorded?​None of our appointments will ever be recorded or stored. I respect your privacy and confidentiality is critical in therapy.
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How is online therapy different from face-to-face?There are many benefits of choosing online counseling including flexibility, scheduling, and reduced travel costs. However, it is different than sitting face-to-face with your counselor. I have found that it takes one or two extra sessions to really feel comfortable and for clients to begin opening up. I don't have the ability to control the setting so it is the client’s responsibility to try to recreate a quiet, private setting where they will feel comfortable talking about their concerns. Online counseling also allows clients to process what happen during session immediately following in their own space and not get distracted by going back to work, driving to the store, etc.
Life is a big collaboration - and when you're tackling something that is painful and troubling and is causing you such desperate grief that you think life's not worth living - you need to reach out. To people who will reach back.
- Tim Gunn