Who may benefit from Teletherapy? Research has demonstrated teletherapy services to have similar rates of success to in-person sessions for those whom psychotherapy sessions are indicated. They are a great solution for days when traffic is crazy, business meetings are hectic, or other unforeseen issues arise that might prohibit you from making it to the office. It's also a wonderful way to access counseling services for those living in areas where service options are limited.
How long is a Teletherapy session and what's the cost? Teletherapy sessions are the same length as in-person sessions (50-55 minutes). My self-pay rates for teletherapy sessions remain the same. Some insurance companies are also beginning to cover teletherapy sessions, so if you're an insurance client, your copay remains the same! You'll want to check that your plan covers this type of service and that I am in network with your plan to provide psychotherapy sessions via telemedicine to you. If your insurance does not cover this service, you may still utilize teletherapy at my self-pay rate.
Do you see children via telemedicine? In most cases, no. As my primary treatment modality with children is play therapy, I do not find teletherapy sessions to be helpful in these cases. I will discuss utilizing this service with older tweens and teens on a case by case basis.
Do you use this as your primary form of treatment? Again, in general, no. There is a richness to personal interaction that happens during in-person sessions that is lost during teletherapy sessions, despite treatment results being the same. I prefer to use this as a solution to overcome barriers rather than the primary means of providing treatment. However, certain cases require flexibility and I am willing to discuss your individual needs to find a solution that works for you.
Can you see me via teletherapy if I am traveling or live outside of Texas? I am licensed in the state of Texas and in most cases I am not legally able to provide services across state lines.
Tips for a Successful Teletherapy Session:
Consider using an Ethernet cable rather than Wifi to connect for sessions. While Wifi will work, you may experience a better connection using a cable.
Ensure laptops and mobile devices you plan to use for your session are plugged in or well charged.
You will want to arrive at least 20 minutes early for your first video session to make sure you are comfortable with the log in process and trouble shoot any issues you may be having.
If we have connection issues, we may briefly attempt to trouble shoot these within our session. If the issues become extensive or we get disconnected, I WILL CALL YOU. We may continue our session via phone call if we are unable to resolve the video issues in a reasonable time period.
Choose an area in your home or office that is isolated and has a good sound barrier. You may consider purchasing an inexpensive sound machine to improve confidentiality. Ensure proper care for children and pets during your session and remind others in the home you should be undisturbed for your session time.