COVID-19 Update

Because of the public health crisis, all appointments will be held via HIPAA-compliant video chat (or phone) until we reach the other side of this COVID-19 crisis.

5/29/2020 Update:  The guidance I'm getting from my professional organizations is that in-person sessions should be only when absolutely necessary, not simply preferred, because lower risk remote contact is available.  This is because virus transmission remains a threat, particularly in close quarters, talking, over time.  For these reasons, sessions will continue to be offered only remotely (via video or phone).  Sessions will resume in-person when it is safer to do so.  

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What to Expect in Doing Telehealth Appointments.  

Once an appointment is made, You will be sent a link to my virtual waiting room.  There is no need to download software, you just click the link and type your name (first name and last initial is sufficient) and then wait for the appointment to begin.  There are unfortunately no out of date magazines to peruse as you wait ;)   When I am free to start the appointment, I'll click over to start the session.   It's really that simple.

Some issues to consider: 
--Ethernet connection (wired) is often better than wireless if your wireless connection isn't strong enough.  Many people have adequate wireless though.  
--Laptops or desktops seem to be a bit better than phones in regard to connection but this also is affected by whether you are using wifi or your cellular data.  Wifi is better for video sessions.
--Some people prefer phone sessions as they find the video part distracting, possibly because we are more accustomed to phone conversations.  
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Frequently Asked Questions about Telehealth Appointments

1. Are telehealth sessions productive?
   Yes.  I was uncertain at first how doing therapy remotely for a prolonged time would be.  After doing this for a while now, I find that the video or distance fades quickly and we are able to have a meaningful therapy session without the format being much of a distraction.
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2. Should I start therapy remotely or wait until I can meet in person?
   This is, of course, a personal decision.  With all that seems to be deferred until this social distancing is over, it is important to carefully consider whether you'd like to also wait to initiate therapy.  Since therapy involves an investment in the relationship with your therapist, I can understand the decision to wait to meet your therapist in person.  On the other hand, much ground can be covered remotely and you may begin to feel better even before an in-person meeting is possible.  And increasing your self-care by starting therapy--even during a pandemic--can lessen how limited you feel by the situation while also addressing concerns you are having right now.  There is also the impact of this pandemic on our mental well being.  Many people are experiencing increased stress and anxiety due to the uncertainties of the situation and therapy can help manage those issues as well (see #5 below).  
   
   
3. Is video therapy awkward?
   A little.  As a nation and a world, I think we have found that the more we do video calls or watch TV programs or newscasts that are broadcast at least partially from home,  they become less awkward.  The same applies to therapy done remotely.  We acclimate to the situation the more we engage in it.  
   
   
4. Do insurance companies cover telehealth sessions?  
   Increasingly, yes.  Many, if not most, insurers have made allowances to extend coverage to telehealth sessions at least during this time of social distancing (if they didn't also cover it before).  If you are concerned about insurance coverage, please call the number on your benefits card and ask about the coverage of your particular policy.  
   
   
5. I'm normally managing things okay, but I'm really struggling with this situation.  Is that a good enough reason to seek therapy?  
   The short answer is yes.  I think taking action to healthily address your stress has it's own positive impact on your well-being.  Knowing you are taking action to help yourself is a self-confidence booster.    Additionally, all people experience stress and when stress piles up is when it becomes evident that our usual ways of coping with stress aren't adequate for the situation.  Learning new ways to manage stress. anxiety, depression or mood in general better equips you to manage this extraordinary situation and future challenges as well.  
   
   
6. If you have additional concerns, please feel free to discuss them with me.  Contact information is here.