About Online Therapy, Coaching or Telemedicine
I offer online therapy (also called telemedicine), consulting and coaching sessions via Breakthrough SKYPE, FaceTime or Phone.
Breakthrough is a HIPAA compliant video-conferencing therapy site. This innovative telemedecine site will also work with your insurance company. I prefer this site, as it operates within the same parameters as a typical private practice. Many insurance companies will reimburse your sessions. This is perhaps a bit better than Skype in that it’s HIPAA complaint and made specifically for tele health. Great for couples counseling also.
Skype also works, and is a videoconferencing program that is free to download and works well on most computers and operating systems. Installing and using Skype is very easy. To enhance the efficiency of Skype, a high-speed Internet connection is recommended. Most computers have a built-in web camera and microphone. If your computer doesn’t have them, no problem. Cameras, mics and speakers are affordable and easily ordered through online stores like AMAZON.COM
Advantages
- Distance is a non-issue
- Sessions fit easily into a busy schedule
- Sessions are possible while traveling
- Sessions accessible if you are homebound
*Please note: I am licensed in the state of California. Therefore, I may conduct online therapy with clients who reside in California. For out of state clients, I offer coaching, and consulting in the same formats.
I am available for mental health consulting via Ingenio.com or Liveperson.com M-F during business hours, no appointment required, fees do apply.
Disadvantages
While online sessions offers many advantages, there are also some drawbacks to online therapy. These may include, but are not limited to; the possible disruption of therapy due to technical difficulties, as well as, the transmission of medical information could be interrupted by and/or accessed by unauthorized persons.
Getting Started
Please express your interest for online therapy via email or phone. An initial free 15 minute phone consultation will be scheduled. Before online therapy can begin, it is necessary to complete and email the Informed Consent to Treatment Form, Telemedicine Consent Form, HIPAA and the Registration Form. These will be emailed to you after the 1st session has been scheduled. Please sign and email back.
Telemedicine Isn't Right for Everyone
Clients who are experiencing suicidal ideation, have attempted suicide in the past, or have more serious mental conditions are not ideal candidates for online therapy.