What is TeleMentalHealth or Online Counseling?

One thing I have done to reduce the barriers to counseling is to become trained in providing TeleMentalhealth services to my clients. What TeleMentalHealth provides is a way to connect with your counselor from the safety and privacy of your home, office or even your car using your computer, laptop or even your phone.

When is TeleMentalHealth Appropriate?

Right now, when panic over illness is running high -Telehealth or online counseling can provide another option for maintaining uninterrupted care, during times when you are under the weather and anxiety might be running higher. While I love seeing you in person, if you are sick I am even happier if you keep it to yourself. Parents with sick kids no longer have to cancel appointments because they want to stay home with their child.

Some seasons are worse than others for traveling to the office for sessions - hello winter in NE Ohio! Eliminate your commute time on especially hairy weather days.

Additionally, people who reside in the state in which I practice (Ohio) can continue to see me electronically, even if they move away from my office or go out of town for an in-state trip.

This is how it works:

• First of all there will be some extra paperwork, emergency contact planning and consents to sign and introductory information- to engage in this type of therapy.

• You will also need to have Wi-Fi and be close to your router.

• Finding a quiet, private space within your home so you can talk without interruption is key. You are trying to replicate your in office experience.

• Turn off all your tabs and close all extra browsers.

• I will send you a link that you can click through to the meeting platform I am using. The platform is encrypted for healthcare to assure your electronic privacy as well.

• We need to schedule just as any other appointment, and show up as if you are coming to see me in person.

• Upon completion of our session, I will send you an electronic invoice to pay for your session.

• Person Centered Tech has a great information page that I highly suggest you visit prior to our appointment time. It will help walk you through all the necessary steps to set up for our session.

Exceptions to TeleMentalHealth are clients who are in crisis, who have feelings of harming themselves or others, clients who wish to utilize Sandtray therapy or EMDR therapy. At this time these would not be suitable for this platform.

Please reach out and tell me if this is something that can serve you.