Teletherapy

Teletherapy may not be right for everyone.

Teletherapy is an excellent option for MANY individuals, families, couples, children, and teens. But there are some circumstances where it might not be the right fit for you.

If you’re experiencing recurrent, recent thoughts of suicide or have a suicide plan, I may not be able to provide the crisis-level support you need via teletherapy. If you are in immediate danger of causing harm to yourself, please stop reading right now and call 911, go to your local emergency department, or contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at (800) 273-8255.

Individuals struggling to stay sober or recovering from addiction or a substance use disorder may need more intensive services than can be offered via teletherapy. As a therapist, I do not specialize in substance use issues, but I work with individuals who have been safely in recovery and want to work on other mental health or relational concerns.

Teletherapy can be a great option for teens and children. However, I recommend parents take the time to speak with me about their child during a free consultation to see if teletherapy is a good fit. I have successfully worked with children as young as five for play therapy sessions. Success depends on the individual child, their ability to sit in front of the screen and take part, and parental support available in the home as needed.

Teletherapy Dos and Don’ts…

Here are some tips for getting ready for your first teletherapy appointment…

• Test your Internet connection before the session to ensure that everything works well. Using a device connected to Wi-Fi is usually better than using cell data alone.
• Use a device with a webcam and a strong Internet connection, like laptops, smartphones, or tablets. You’ll have the best experience if you use earbuds or headphones, when possible. This cuts back on echoes and improves your ability to hear me well. I will always use earbuds or a Bluetooth headset, so you don’t hear yourself echoing back through the speakers.
• Select a private space in your home that is free of distractions and noise. It’s helpful to turn off radios, music, televisions, video games, etc.
• Try to be in a room that is well lit. I won’t be able to see your face very well if there are windows or light sources behind you, so try to sit where they’re in front of you.
• Do NOT join the session outdoors. Wind, Wi-Fi drops, or the unreliability of cell data can all significantly disrupt a telehealth session.
• Do NOT join the session if you are driving a car. Distracted driving is not safe. If you drive your car during the session, I will ask that we reschedule and end the call. You will be charged as if this were a no-show.
• Do NOT have your child or teen take part in the session in a moving vehicle even if they are the passenger. This might lead to distracted and unsafe driving for the driver. Video calling does not run smoothly in moving vehicles, and the session will likely suffer multiple disruptions, call drops, glitches, etc. A child or teen in the car does not have the same privacy and safety as inside a home. The session will likely be very limited by a lack of privacy.
• Some clients have sat in parked cars in their garage or driveway as a way of getting some quiet space in a busy family home. This is fine, but please do not drive anywhere during sessions.
• Do NOT join the session while out in public places, such as restaurants, stores, parks, etc. Therapy works best when it is free of distractions and private. If you’re not able to meet from a private space on the day of your session, please call and reschedule for a time when you know you can be at home.
• For children and teens (or even adults!), stress balls, fidget toys, or paper/pencils/art supplies for doodling or coloring are all encouraged. Sometimes kids need to keep their hands busy during sessions. I have a background in art therapy, and art supplies can be powerful therapeutic tools.