Teletherapy
Are you uncertain how you would find the time and energy to pursue psychotherapy? As much as you want to take care of your mental health, do you find yourself daunted by barriers? Teletherapy could very well be the answer you have been searching for. Some barriers you might be struggling with:
You also might simply prefer the comfort of your home or office to that of a therapist’s office. Or perhaps you like using your computer, tablet, or phone for communicating. Whatever the reason, as a teletherapy client, you would be joining a growing movement of clients and therapists who are using everyday technology to participate in psychotherapy. Teletherapy is not a passing trend but a large part of the future of mental health care.
FAQ about Teletherapy
How is teletherapy conducted? Is it private?
I use a HIPAA-secure video platform that you can access easily by clicking on an application. All you need is your computer, tablet, or mobile phone and an internet connection. (HIPAA stands for “Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996” and it requires all health care providers to protect your privacy.)
A teletherapy video call using this secure platform is just like a FaceTime or Skype video call except that it is encrypted and safe. I will give you some pointers to help you feel more comfortable, in terms of your video experience and your use of technology, and we will both be in quiet, private rooms during the session.
Is teletherapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Yes! A large body of research conducted over decades shows that teletherapy is just as effective as in-person therapy. Teletherapy is strongly supported by the US Federal Government and it is regulated by mental health boards. Thorough clinical guidelines and procedures are in place to ensure you receive the best care possible.
What does "BC-TMH" mean?
"BC-TMH" stands for "Board Certified-TeleMental Health" provider. My BC-TMH shows that I have met nationally established telemental health criteria and am uniquely trained in best practices for delivering traditional psychotherapy/counseling through technological means.
Where do I need to be located for our sessions?
As my client, you need to be a resident of Pennsylvania or physically residing in the state to receive my teletherapy services.
Will insurance cover teletherapy?
In Pennsylvania, UPMC and Highmark cover teletherapy, and there are no limits to self-pay for the service. I take UPMC insurance only. It is always best to contact your insurance provider and ask, “Am I covered for teletherapy?”
How do I know if teletherapy is right for me?
If you are extremely uncomfortable with technology, teletherapy might not be for you. Otherwise, there are very few mental health contraindications for the service.
Are you uncertain how you would find the time and energy to pursue psychotherapy? As much as you want to take care of your mental health, do you find yourself daunted by barriers? Teletherapy could very well be the answer you have been searching for. Some barriers you might be struggling with:
- Stay-at-home childcare
- Stay-at-home care of elderly parents
- Busy professional life
- Travel-to-therapy time and cost
- Travel through urban congestion
- Disabilities
- Multiple medical appointments
- Chronic illness
- Lack of mobility
- Lack of local therapists available in your area
You also might simply prefer the comfort of your home or office to that of a therapist’s office. Or perhaps you like using your computer, tablet, or phone for communicating. Whatever the reason, as a teletherapy client, you would be joining a growing movement of clients and therapists who are using everyday technology to participate in psychotherapy. Teletherapy is not a passing trend but a large part of the future of mental health care.
FAQ about Teletherapy
How is teletherapy conducted? Is it private?
I use a HIPAA-secure video platform that you can access easily by clicking on an application. All you need is your computer, tablet, or mobile phone and an internet connection. (HIPAA stands for “Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996” and it requires all health care providers to protect your privacy.)
A teletherapy video call using this secure platform is just like a FaceTime or Skype video call except that it is encrypted and safe. I will give you some pointers to help you feel more comfortable, in terms of your video experience and your use of technology, and we will both be in quiet, private rooms during the session.
Is teletherapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Yes! A large body of research conducted over decades shows that teletherapy is just as effective as in-person therapy. Teletherapy is strongly supported by the US Federal Government and it is regulated by mental health boards. Thorough clinical guidelines and procedures are in place to ensure you receive the best care possible.
What does "BC-TMH" mean?
"BC-TMH" stands for "Board Certified-TeleMental Health" provider. My BC-TMH shows that I have met nationally established telemental health criteria and am uniquely trained in best practices for delivering traditional psychotherapy/counseling through technological means.
Where do I need to be located for our sessions?
As my client, you need to be a resident of Pennsylvania or physically residing in the state to receive my teletherapy services.
Will insurance cover teletherapy?
In Pennsylvania, UPMC and Highmark cover teletherapy, and there are no limits to self-pay for the service. I take UPMC insurance only. It is always best to contact your insurance provider and ask, “Am I covered for teletherapy?”
How do I know if teletherapy is right for me?
If you are extremely uncomfortable with technology, teletherapy might not be for you. Otherwise, there are very few mental health contraindications for the service.
