TeleTherapy is providing therapy through a live video connection, over the internet. You receive therapy as you would in person however it is done through a computer and can be done without even leaving your own home! If you’ve ever used Skype on your computer or FaceTime on your iPhone, you’ve used the same type of technology that TeleTherapy uses. Instead of Skype or FaceTime, New Beginnings Counseling Center uses uses a HIPAA compliant video conferencing system called “Secure Video”.
Is TeleTherapy right for me?
That’s a good question! While TeleTherapy appointments are very effective and can be more convenient, they are not the right choice for everyone. Making the decision to schedule an in-person or TeleTherapy appointment is very important. If you start out with a TeleTherapy appointment and later determine it’s not right for you, your counselor will schedule an in-person appointment for you or help you transfer to an in-person therapist if they do not provide in-person appointments. There are some questions we recommend that you ask yourself as you determine which type of appointment is best for you:
Do I have any safety issues that would make me high – risk for TeleTherapy?
If you know that you are dealing with thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else, then TeleTherapy is not recommended for you. Serious safety issues like suicidal and homicidal thoughts need to be addressed in person where your counselor can have every resource available to help keep you safe.
If you are a victim of abuse or domestic violence, you need to have a safe, secure location and computer in order to utilize virtual appointments and this isn’t always possible. Therefore, we do not recommend virtual appointments for those who are still living in an abusive situation. However, if you are trapped in an abusive situation and need resources to help you get to safety, we will gladly speak to you and help point you in the right direction.
Do I have the right technology?
For phone appointments, any telephone line is acceptable, however it is our duty to inform you that traditional, wired landlines are always more secure. We cannot ensure complete confidentiality when using a mobile or wireless phone. For video appointments, we recommend a computer, iPad, iTouch, or other device that was made within the last 5 years. Technology changes quickly and older devices sometimes can’t accommodate the technology for video appointments.
We also recommend an internet speed of 25mb/s or higher in order to ensure high quality streaming video, however we are willing to attempt video appointments as long as you have reliable internet access. Please click here to test your internet speed. Also, please understand that there are sometimes connection interruptions and video delays when using TeleTherapy.
Do I have a safe, confidential space?
Many of the things people need to talk about in counseling are very private. We recommend making sure you have a private location to hold a video appointment and scheduling your appointment when you will be undisturbed. If you are concerned someone will overhear or interrupt your appointment, then virtual appointments may not be right for you.
What type of counseling do I desire?
There are many different types of counseling techniques available. If you are looking for traditional “talk therapy”, then a virtual appointment will most likely be effective. Many different approaches to “talk therapy” can be provided virtually, including Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Psychoanalytic Therapy, and others. However, things like art and music therapy, play therapy, and eye-movement based therapies cannot be provided virtually.
If you are unsure what type of therapy you need, we are glad to speak with you regarding making the right decision. If at any point your counselor believes another method of counseling would benefit you, it is our ethical obligation to inform you, even if that method cannot be provided virtually.
What is Secure Video?
SecureVideo.com was founded by a team of behavioral health and technology experts. Secure Video allows your therapist to offer HIPAA compliant TeleTherapy services from the comfort of your own home or wherever else you may be such as on your lunch break, while on vacation, sitting in your vehicle, etc. You do not have to be technologically advanced to use TeleTherapy! Secure Video offers 24/7 Tech Support and will assist you in setting up your device to begin therapy. If you have any questions about the privacy of using Secure Video, please don’t hesitate to contact us, for further information.
