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What is Telehealth? How do I use it?
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth offers online, or remote, treatment provided by a licensed and certified therapist through a secure audio or video connection. Patients can interact with their therapists the same way they do during in-person sessions, just from the comfort of their home or anywhere with cell reception.
All telephone and online teletherapy sessions must comply with state and local laws to follow a specific set of HIPAA-compliant standards. To participate in this innovative type of therapy, users must have a secure internet connection, a private place to talk, and access to a phone, computer, or tablet.
Telehealth is any remote healthcare service that uses technology to help the treatment provider and client communicate. Some examples of telehealth communication avenues:
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Medication provider or therapy sessions over the phone
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using videoconferencing for individual, couples, or group therapy
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using apps which connect clients to therapists or providers and offer appointments within the app
Benefits of Telehealth
Research suggests that telehealth can be just as effective as in-person therapy. The benefits of seeking research-supported telehealth with a licensed provider include:
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Greater access to care: Individuals may be unable to use traditional in-person therapy due to physical disabilities, geographic location, or scheduling issues.
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Lower costs: Telehealth may help clients save money on treatment. Clients are also likely to incur fewer therapy-associated expenses when they do not have to travel to receive treatment or pay for child care.
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High satisfaction: Users of telehealth report a higher satisfaction with treatment.
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More privacy: People who choose telehealth do not have to sit in waiting rooms, but can seek treatment in the privacy of their own homes. For some, this alleviates privacy concerns.
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Better public health: The COVID-19 health crisis demonstrates that the ability to seek medical care at home can slow the spread of illness and protect vulnerable populations. Telehealth allows people to get mental health treatment at home without risking the spread of infection during epidemics and pandemics.
How Do I Start Telehealth?
Your treatment begins with an assessment with one of our licensed behavioral health professionals designed to connect you to the appropriate care plan. That assessment can be scheduled by either calling one of our office locations, completing our patient registration forms - here, or visiting one of our locations in person.
How Does Teletherapy Work?
Online therapy is conducted very similarly to in-person therapy, except you will be connected with your provider via video chat. Your therapist will use evidence-based treatment to provide a secure and safe environment to work through your behavioral health concerns.
Participation in teletherapy is simple: a computer, laptop, or smartphone and a valid email address is all that is needed.
Group Telehealth Guidelines (Intensive Outpatient Program)
It is important to be in a private space during the session, away from distractions and other people, to ensure the privacy of the group. You may be asked to use headphones during your sessions if you are unable to find a private space for the duration of the group session.
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Refrain from taking calls, texting, using social media, emailing, direct messaging, and any other interactions while in session.
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Attend all scheduled sessions on time for the full duration. Regular breaks are scheduled by your therapist.
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Communicate all scheduling issues in advance with your therapist. Late arrivals, early departures and absences that have not been shared with your therapist may be counted as an unscheduled absence, which may result in the facility contacting your emergency contact or requesting a wellness check from local authorities. Your safety is our number one priority.
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Make the most of your online therapy by engaging with the therapist, sharing your thoughts and feelings.