Authentic Living Therapy

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What is telehealth?

Telehealth refers to any form of therapy conducted by a licensed mental health professional utilizing a variety of telecommunication tools, most commonly online with the use of a webcam or on the phone. Online therapy sessions are conducted on a secure and encrypted HIPAA-compliant videoconferencing format to ensure your privacy and confidentiality. You can use this online format on either a personal computer or a smart mobile device, allowing you to choose where you feel most comfortable when attending your sessions, or where is most convenient for you. All you need to do is find a private space without distractions so you can speak freely and openly about whatever you would like to discuss.

Is telehealth effective?

Many recent studies have found online therapy sessions to be as effective as traditional face-to-face treatment for a variety of mental health issues, some of which include:

• A 2018 study published in the Journal of Psychological Disorders found that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as equally effective as traditional face-to-face therapy for major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.
• A 2014 study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found online treatment equally as effective as face-to-face treatment for depression.
• A 2012 study published in the Journal of Family Psychology found that couples reported fewer arguments and increased marital satisfaction after completing online couples therapy.

What are some of the benefits of telehealth sessions?

While in most cases in-person sessions remain the preferred mode of therapy, there are benefits to online therapy, such as:

• You can attend therapy in the comfort of your own home, potentially enhancing increased vulnerability and ease in discussing private or difficulty-to-discuss topics.
• Increased convenience, with no travel time or need to worry about traffic. It can also allow you to attend sessions with the therapist you prefer, even if their office is not physically close to where you live.
• Flexibility in scheduling.
• Increased accessibility for those with physical limitations.

What can I expect?

After you schedule your first session, you will receive an email with the informed consent packet. This is for you to review, sign, and send back prior to your first session.

You will also receive a link to the secure and encrypted HIPAA-compliant site in your initial email. You will be asked to click on the link to create your account for the site and to complete basic information for your account at the time you register. This is the site where you will sign on for your sessions, as well as where you can access your private health information, such as billing information, as needed. It’s easy and fast. If you have any questions, I’m just a short phone call or email away.

On the day of your session, simply go to this site, sign in, and click on the “Launch Room” link. Your session will then begin!

If you’re interested, let’s get started.

The very first step is to call for a free 20-minute consultation to determine if online therapy is a good fit for you. There are clinicial limitations to online therapy for some presenting difficulties, and we can talk about those if they come up during your consultation or during further assessment. If you are wanting your health insurance to reimburse you for your sessions, you will want to contact your insurance company to verify you are covered for telehealth options. Many insurance companies are currently waiving their usual restrictions on telehealth due to the COVID-19 shelter-in-place guidelines.

Contact me today if you are interested in scheduling a telehealth session or if you have any further questions.

Let’s get started now on creating the life you want to live.