Video Visits
Video Visits
Video visits (also known as telehealth or teletherapy) are a safe way to engage in therapy while maintaining social distancing. I’ve been providing teletherapy for the past 10 years on a regular basis and it is a great alternative to in-person visits. Check out this video on how they work, or read more below:
Video visits are actually a lot easier than you think. You only need 3 things:
A device with video/audio capabilities (this can be a computer, tablet, or smart phone)
This device must be able to connect to the internet
Privacy
How do video visits work?
The video platform I use is called SimplePractice and it’s about the easiest software I’ve ever used.
On the day of your therapy appointment you will receive an email with a link to your video visit.
Just click the link and a video screen appears. This screen is simply a preview screen that allows you to test your audio (by simply clicking a button) and preview how you look on the video.
When you’re ready, click “Join Video Call.” Once you join the video call, you’ll wait in a virtual waiting room until I login.
Unsure about video visits? Here are the most common worries clients have about video visits:
How secure are video visits? The SimplePractice video software I use is integrated with my electronic medical record, so it follows the highest security standards. Video visits are live (never recorded) and HIPAA compliant, meaning they are private, secure and confidential.
Where should I be during the video visit? Anywhere you will have privacy for the duration of the visit. Typically, the clients I see are in their home offices or bedrooms.
Where is my therapist during the video visit? I conduct video visits from my private home office and my in-person office.
Will video visits feel as personal and connected as in-person visits? When I do a video visit, I sometimes feel the disconnect of the video screen for the first minute, but then quickly the screen seems to disappear and the connection between my client and I returns.
Are video visits as effective as in-person visits? I have had many clients tell me they don’t want to do video visits because they don’t think video visits will be as effective as in-person visits. Research shows that telehealth is effective and can be as effective as in-person therapy. Personally, I know I can provide the same high quality treatment via video that I can provide in-person.
Does insurance reimburse for video visits? Since COVID-19, most insurance companies are covering video visits.
