I am a Board-Certified Telehealth Provider from the Center for Credentialing and Education and am eligible to practice under PSYPACT states. Telehealth Services make healthcare more accessible and convenient. The term Telehealth is used when a mental health provider offers psychological services remotely via telephone, E-mail, or teleconferencing. Surprisingly, Telemental Health has been around since the 1950s. Since the pandemic, video teleconferencing has become a primary source of communication to assist with many needs. Studies on Telehealth show positive outcomes and high patient satisfaction. Moreover, the data indicate that there are no statistically significant differences between Internet-based therapy and in-person services.
Benefits:
Ability to receive ongoing care
Minimization of travel time and flexibility scheduling
Increased access to specialists
Avoiding health risks
Access to therapy in your native Thai language
Considerations:
When using the Internet, the client’s confidentiality and privacy cannot be guaranteed.
Technology’s interruptions, unauthorized access, and technical difficulties can create frustrations that disrupt the flow of the session.
The clinician CANNOT be available for local, immediate crisis, or emergency support.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW…
Most states require healthcare providers to be licensed in the state in which the Telehealth patient is located. In order for me to work with you, you need to be based in Colorado. Although I can practice under the PSYPACT states, my primary goals continue to focus on your safety and treatment goals. Generally, I prefer doing intakes in-person in order to build a relationship, but the pandemic has changed how we all do things. For new clients, I will continue to assess individuals on the phone and offer the first meeting via Telehealth in order to keep everyone safe.
HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR TELEHEALTH SESSIONS
1. Find a space: Find a secure and comfortable space that would provide privacy. It is important to feel safe and alone in the room to be able to talk. A closed-door space, like a bedroom, a home office, a laundry room, a large closet, or even a bathroom, is recommended.
2. Check your connection: Before your session, make sure that a space you choose has a strong Internet connection (Wi-Fi or via Ethernet cord). If your home Internet connection isn’t strong, consider using your cell phone or tablet connected to a cell signal. Having a phone nearby is usually a good backup plan.
3. Make a plan: Before the session starts, make sure to know who should be present at that session. Adults should have reliable childcare during therapy time. For teens and children’s sessions, make sure parents are aware when they need to check in. Normally, at the end of each session is a good time to check in for important updates.
4. Have supplies, games, or toys ready: These tools are important to help you engage in conversations that involve thoughts, feelings, or difficult situations. Not everyone can sit and talk for 45 minutes, especially children and teens.
5. Ask questions: Make notes in between sessions. Bring questions to your session so we can address your concerns, new issues, or your feelings about the therapy process.