We have entered a new era and are living in an unprecedented time. Technology is more important and prevalent than ever. With the guidelines of social distancing in full swing, the question becomes, “how do I physically distance, without social disconnection?” One of the answers is connecting through video platforms to communicate with friends, family, and now your doctor or therapist.
It may seem unusual at first, but telehealth, the use of phone or video to participate in therapy, is an effective and meaningful way to connect with your provider during this difficult time.
What is telehealth?
What equipment do I need?
To participate in Telehealth appointments from your home, you will need one of the following devices:
- Desktop computer with a webcam, speakers, a 2.5 GHz processor, and 4 GB of RAM
- Laptop computer with built-in webcam and speakers, a 2.5 GHz processor, and 4 GB of RAM
- Tablet device with built-in webcam and speakers,
- Smartphone with at least iOS 10 or Android 6.0 (Note: To use a smartphone, you must first download Telehealth by SimplePractice available for iOS or Android in the app store.)
You will also need an internet connection that is at least 10mbps.
For optimal results, a reliable, high-speed internet connection with a bandwidth of at least 10 mbps will minimize connection issues and provide the best quality.
How should I prepare my space for a Telehealth appointment?
Identify a suitable room that is quiet, private, and free of distractions. To keep background noise to a minimum, make sure to close any doors, shut windows, turn off the
Is my telehealth session private?
Just like a face-to-face appointment, your Telehealth visit will be private and confidential. I use HIPPA compliant software that can be accessed through the client portal to provide the most secure and accessible experience.
If you are interested in setting up a Telehealth session or have any questions about the process, please feel free to reach out and schedule your first session or a free consultation today!