Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, our therapists were already providing Teletherapy services. When the stay-at-home orders began in March 2020, our clients and therapists smoothly transitioned to 100% online psychotherapy modality. We envision continue working online until we feel safe to return to our in-person psychological services in our brand new suite!
Currently, we are using two platforms for online pscyhotherapy, HIPPA-compliant Google Meet and Therapy Notes teletherapy platform. You will need a computer, tablet, or smartphone and access to internet through WIFI or your phone carrier data plan. At the time of your appointment, you will sign-in using a link (Google Meet), or by logging into the Patient Portal. You and your therapist will make sure that you can see and hear each other clearly. Occasional “glitches” will be inevitable, usually, they can be resolved by logging off and back on.
Online therapy can be as effective as in-person psychotherapy when both the therapist and client work intentionally. It does require some adjustments, for instance, client and therapists may have to be more explicit about reporting or inquiring about internal reactions (emotions, sensations, movement, etc) to each other as the visual input is more limited.
Remote therapy gives us the opportunity to meet regularly during these unprecedented times, but also, once life goes back to normal, it allows for flexibility and convenience by eliminating the need to commute to the office when work gets busy or for those who travel frequently.