Virtual Counseling

Available Services:

Telemental Health Counseling and Therapy aka Virtual Counseling takes place between the practitioner who is in one location and a client who is in another. Your treatment will be provided through interactive audio, video, and/or telephone communication. At this time, your therapist offers telemental health via doxy.me platform. A HIPPA compliant platform.

Benefits & Risks: There are several benefits to using telemental health services. It increases accessibility to treatment, reduces travel time, and allows for participation in therapy from an environment of your choosing.

When using technology, however, there is the risk of technical difficulty (e.g., disconnection of internet, computer or software not working, computer or phone losing power, power outage, etc.). Please review the checklist below well in advance of your first session to prevent the majority of these mishaps.

Telemental health services may also introduce risks to your privacy in the event that malicious actors (“hackers”) access your private information that is transmitted or stored in the process of telemental health-based service delivery. I will do everything in my power to protect your privacy, please see below.

Privacy & Confidentiality: The laws that protect your privacy and the confidentiality of your health information also apply to telemental health services.

Your therapist will not record video or audio sessions. Please do not record video or audio sessions without therapist’s consent. Making recordings can quickly and easily compromise your privacy, and to preserve your privacy and confidentiality, it is advised that you do not record or store videoconference or phone sessions.

You will be responsible for creating a safe and confidential space during sessions. You should use the space it is free of other people. It should also be difficult or impossible for people outside the space to see or hear your interactions with your provider during the session.

For safety and in case of emergency: As a recipient to telemental health-based services, you will need to participate in ensuring your safety during mental health crises, medical emergencies, and sessions that you have with your provider. For safety reasons, you will be asked to disclose your physical address at the start of each session. You will also be asked to provide contact information to an emergency contact person (over the age of 18) of your choice who can be contacted only in cases of an emergency.

If you’re a current client interested in Virtual Counseling at this time, KateMcGibbonLCSWTelehealthConsent-compressed.

Considering telemental health-based counseling and therapy or virtual counseling services at this time? Please refer to this check list well in advance of your first virtual appointment so we can make the most of our time together. These instructions are intended to help you reduce technical issues, maximize security, and make the most out of your therapeutic experience.

Part of what makes counseling effective, is having a quiet, safe, comfortable, and distraction-free environment so that you can focus on your treatment goals.

  • Location is physically safe (e.g. not driving while having a session).
  • Location is emotionally safe (e.g. not having a session at work where you might be interrupted or criticized for showing emotion).
  • Chair or couch you are using is comfortable and suitable for sitting in for 45-50 minutes for your session.
  • Tissues are nearby, if needed.
  • Coffee/tea/water is prepared and nearby, if needed.
  • Space is free of clutter and other distractions (e.g. TV is off).
  • Other strategies to make your space more comfortable (e.g. lighting a candle, using essential oils, having a sweater/blanket nearby, etc.)

  • Location is in a private setting (e.g. home office vs. busy coffee shop).
  • Use a sound machine or fan if others are in the next room and you need to drown out sound.
  • Use headphones to prevent others from hearing my voice.
  • Always log out or hang up once the session is complete.
  • Whenever possible, avoid using a public wireless internet network.
  • If your location has a window, close the curtains if you can, do not sit in front of the as all I will see is a shadow.

    • If using Wi‐Fi, choose a location that is as close to the router as possible.
    • If possible, disable the Wi‐Fi connection from other devices during our session to strengthen signal (e.g., tablets, phones, other computers).
    • Close or disable any unnecessary programs running in the background of your computer or any apps or programs open on your phone, especially those that require Bluetooth or use GPS locators as this can slow our connection.
    • Unless you’re using your phone for our session, please keep your phone put away and on silent.

 Consider turning off or disabling email, calendar, or social media notifications on your phone and computer to reduce distractions

My assessment of your mental health status, well‐being, and progress is largely based on the information that you provide (both visually and verbally). Therefore, it is imperative that I see you and hear you as best as possible.

        • Make sure your location is well‐lit.
        • Avoid lighting that casts shadows (e.g., light right behind you or directly next to you).
        • If your location has a window, close the curtains if you can, do not sit in front of the as all I will see is a shadow.
        • Make sure that the microphone on your headphones or computer is not covered up by clothing, paper, etc.
        • Whenever possible, use a desk or table to prop up your computer/phone.
        • Position the camera so that it is straight‐on and centered.
        • Position the camera at an angle that will facilitate eye‐to‐eye contact.
        • Avoid walking, standing, and laying down, during our sessions.

 

Call the office today to set up an telehealth appointment or virtual counseling session.

Schedule a Telehealth or Virtual Counseling Session Today

Life Can Be Easier. Get Started Today.

Get Started