Online THERAPY FAQs

I use several different online therapy platforms that are extremely easy to use.

You don’t have to download any software, and you don’t have to sign up or create a user account. All you need is a computer or mobile device, a reasonably good Internet connection, and a browser. Chrome, Firefox and Safari are all supported.

Yes. Federal law (specifically HIPAA, or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) requires telemental health therapists to utilize computer platforms that are private and secure.

Moreover, the companies that provide telemental health platforms sign Business Associate Agreements that require them to protect your private health information. All information is encrypted, and no private identifying information is ever recorded.

Especially in the age of coronavirus, online therapy helps protect your physical as well as mental health. Both you and I conduct the sessions from our individual homes, so we don’t risk either infecting others or becoming infected by others.

Even in the absence of a health crisis, however, online therapy expands how people access health care services. It also offers convenience and saves time.

As my client, you’ll never have to worry about paying a late-cancel fee because you were ill, had to work late, couldn’t find a babysitter or lacked transportation. To save money, you can now attend a session from your home or office via online therapy.

Online therapy health also saves you time. Even though a therapy session lasts less than an hour, you might spend two hours, or more, getting ready for the appointment and driving to and from my office.

With online therapy, you can stay where you are and get back to doing what you need to do immediately after the session.

Another benefit is remaining in therapy (when you need to) rather than dropping out prematurely based on difficulties or time constraints getting to my office.

For some clients, online therapy sessions are more comfortable, more private and less stigmatizing than in-person visits.

Yes. research shows that online therapy clients are highly satisfied with their sessions. In addition, online therapy has similar clinical outcomes as traditional face-to-face psychotherapy.

I’ve personally found that my clients who participate in online EMDR therapy achieve results at least as good — if not better — than my clients who participated in EMDR therapy in my office.

For online therapy to be effective, you need to have computer equipment (or a tablet) with a web cam, Internet access and a reasonable amount of comfort with technology. However, as mentioned above, all of my online platform options are extremely easy to use.

Another potential issue with online therapy is establishing privacy in your home or work space so that other people can’t hear us – or walk in on you – when we’re in session. Using headphones ensures greater privacy and clearer connections.

Online therapy may not be the best choice for individuals with severe mental health issues or couples in emotionally volatile relationships.

Computers and tablets are preferred. Smart phone screens are not large enough for effective online therapy sessions.

Moreover, some insurance companies (including Tricare) won’t pay for online therapy sessions conducted on a phone.

I am more than happy to help you in any way I can. Often, technical problems are resolved simply by closing and then restarting the application. The next step is restarting your computer. If those actions fail, switching to a different online platform usually works.

Rarely, due to an Internet outage or extremely poor connection, it becomes impossible to maintain an acceptable connection. In those events, we can reschedule our session without charge. 

For a free 20-minute phone consultation, call me at 720.837.3466, fill out the contact form below or e-mail me.

Don’t wait another day. It’s your turn now. It’s time to heal.