Teletherapy FAQs
1. What is teletherapy?
Teletherapy is the term for conducting virtual therapy sessions via video-conferencing, phone calls, and/or instant messaging, as opposed to meeting in a physical office. Real Therapy currently offers teletherapy through video and phone.
2. How does it work?
If we’re meeting by video, I’ll send you a link to a secure video-conferencing website called doxy.me. The website works just like other video platforms such as Skype, Zoom, or FaceTime, however, you don’t need to download an app or create an account. The link will automatically take you to my “virtual waiting room” where you’ll be able to see your video and test your audio if needed. I’ll connect our call at our scheduled start time, at which point you’ll see my video on your screen as well. If we’re meeting by phone, I’ll call you at your preferred number at our start time.
3. Is it confidential?
Yes. Overall, teletherapy provides about the same level of confidentiality as meeting in person. The video-conferencing service we use is HIPAA compliant, which means it meets the privacy standards for health care outlined by US federal law. There are always confidentiality risks to conducting therapy. For example, you may run into someone you know walking into your therapy office just as you may encounter a roommate or family member overhearing your conversation. On that note, it’s important for you to find a private physical location to conduct your sessions where you can speak freely. I’m happy to help you get creative about this if you’re having trouble finding a good location.
4. What are the benefits to conducting therapy virtually?
There are many benefits to conducting therapy virtually.
Ease of scheduling: It’s much easier to fit therapy into your busy schedule when you don’t have to factor in commute time. This means you’ll be more consistent with attending sessions and therefore more likely to meet your therapy goals.
Comfort: You can conduct sessions from the comfort of your own home (or other personal space), which allows you to be more open and vulnerable.
Access to remote communities and disabled individuals: Teletherapy can reach individuals who either don’t have access to quality mental health care where they live or who are physically disabled due to injury or illness.
5. What are the limitations to conducting therapy virtually?
There are a few risks to conducting therapy virtually.
Inability to notice nuanced communication: A bulk of interpersonal communication consists of non-verbal behavior such as body language and facial expressions. Most of this can be seen through video calls, however, it’s possible to miss more nuanced movements that give insight to what’s being communicated. Phone sessions obviously present more limitations in this sense.
Others overhearing nearby: See #3. Again, it’s crucial to find a private and confidential space for you to conduct sessions in your home or other location.
Lack of a neutral, physical safe space: Some people find it comforting to physically walk into a neutral safe space such as a therapy office that is solely dedicated to conducting therapy. It helps create boundaries between therapy and home, work, and other spaces they frequent - all of which can carry their own meaning and baggage.
6. Aren’t there certain things we simply can’t do over video or phone?
The vast majority of our work can be done virtually, even body-focused interventions such as deep breathing/meditation and OCD exposures. Certain social exposures (such as going into a crowded public space) might be tricky to do depending on the environment where you’re conducting your therapy, but that just means you’ll have to work on those exercises as homework between sessions. If there are specific interventions you’re worried about being able to do, reach out and we can discuss further.
7. What if our connection drops out?
Connectivity issues can certainly happen. We’ll make every effort to reconnect immediately. Usually all it takes is a simple restart of our video or phone call. We can also text or call each other to walk through troubleshooting steps together. I have yet to experience a connectivity issue that prevented a therapy session from continuing through the scheduled time, but if that were to occur, we will certainly reschedule ASAP at no cost to you.
8. How do I know if teletherapy is right for me?
Take a look at the benefits and limitations listed above and start by making your own judgment call. If you have some reservations, I encourage you to reach out for a free 15-minute phone consultation so we can discuss your needs a bit further and I can offer my opinion. Most people enjoy teletherapy with the same level of success as in-person therapy. However, if you’re someone with severe mental health issues such as active suicidal ideations and plans, you’re better off meeting with someone in person locally.
9. How do I get started?
Reach out through the Contact page to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. We can chat more about your specific needs and determine if working together via teletherapy would be a good fit.