Telethealth is the practice of counseling conducted over video conference technology where the therapist is in one location and the client is in another. It may also be referred to as “telemedicine” or “teletherapy.”
We are able to offer this option to anyone living in Oklahoma (state laws prohibit teletherapy across state lines). In many cases, we can provide iPads for you to use at home or at one of our locations.
Is it effective?
There is an emerging body of research on this topic, and the findings are consistently concluding that YES, teletherapy is as effective as in-person counseling.
What are the benefits?
- You can do therapy from the convenience of your home, office, or other environment that works for you. All you need is a computer with internet access or a smart phone.
- There is no travel time. You don’t have to commute to your therapist’s office and can save fuel costs.
- Your therapist might get a better sense of you as a person if you are in your home, office, or other secure space you value.
- You get to be comfortable. By staying at home, you get to settle into your favorite chair or couch.
- Telehealth enhances your sense of confidentiality and privacy.
How does it work?
There are a variety of video conferencing options therapists can utilize to conduct telehealth. Our practice uses a platform called Doxy.me for our sessions. Doxy.me is designed to be HIPAA secure and protects the privacy of clients. Here’s how it works:
- You will receive a link from your therapist that connects you to their specific site.
- Once you click the link to sign on, your therapist is notified that you are ready to start and will initiate the session.
- At that point, we can see and hear each other on our respective screens. The experience is similar to Zoom, Facetime, or Skype.
- We then proceed with the session exactly as if you were attending the appointment in-person.