A NOTE FROM YOUR THERAPIST REGARDING TELEHEALTH
Getting started with Telehealth
This guide includes basic tips and instructions on how to join a video appointment, as well as some FAQs to make your first video call a success. To prepare, please review the following information before your first video appointment. You may still have questions, so please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
What is Telehealth (Telemedicine)?
Through audio and video over the internet, you can meet with your therapist from your desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device (iOS or Android) - it's your choice! Terms you will hear for this service are Telehealth and Telemedicine. These terms are interchangeable; we will use Telehealth for our online services. To use a smartphone, you must first download Telehealth by SimplePractice - available for iOS or Android in the app store.Telehealth allows us to connect anywhere with secure and convenient appointments.
The day of the call:
Using a desktop or laptop computer
If you plan to use a desktop or laptop, there is nothing to download prior to your appointment. Here are the steps to join: Approximately 10 minutes before your appointment, you'll receive an email appointment reminder.
Note: If you have already consented to receiving text and/or email reminders, you will continue to receive them for Telehealth appointments as well. For new clients, make sure you have provided your email and or mobile phone number so that I can enable email or text reminders. Click the unique link embedded in the reminder. You may have to copy and paste the link into your web browser if clicking the link does not work. Your video call screen will now open in a new tab.
If I have already joined the call, you will see my face on the screen. If I have not, you will see yourself, as shown below. You will also see the Welcome prompt. When you are ready, click Join Video Call. This will take you straight into the video call.
Using a smartphone or tablet
If you plan to use a mobile device, here are the steps to join: Download Telehealth by SimplePractice (for iOS or Android) in the app store. Approximately 10 minutes before your appointment, you should receive an email appointment reminder. Open the reminder email on your device and click the unique link. This will open the Telehealth by SimplePractice app. If I have already joined the call, you will see my face on the screen. If I have not, you will see yourself. When you are ready, click Join Video Call. This will take you straight into the video call.
Note: There may be a slight delay for me to join the appointment if I am finishing with a previous appointment. Please be patient and I will join momentarily.
FAQs
What should I do if I didn’t get the reminder with the link? Contact me if you did not get the link so I can send it to you via email or secure messaging.
What is SimplePractice? SimplePractice, LLC is my practice management software for scheduling, case management, and Telehealth, and therapy notes. SimplePractice, LLC, uses a HIPAA compliant software so your information will be securely kept.
What can I do to do improve the quality of the connection? If you live in an area with slow internet, this can really affect the speed of your connection. Here are some basic steps that can improve the overall quality:
· Use wired Ethernet instead of wifi whenever possible. Wifi will work, but you may experience a lag and interference, which can make your video and audio choppy. If you experience a lag or interference while using Wifi, we recommend moving closer to your router. However, wired internet will give you a much smoother, more consistent experience.
· Test your internet connection speed. Google provides an easy way to test your internet connection directly from the google homepage. If it is under 10mbps and you’re using wifi, try using a wired internet connection or restarting your router.
· Close other programs. If you have several programs running in the background, closing them will almost certainly improve the quality. Also, make sure you’re not downloading any large files.
If you are unable to connect, please contact me as soon as possible to see if I can help you troubleshoot.
How should I prepare my space for a Telehealth appointment?
Identify a suitable room that is quiet, private, and free of distractions. To keep background noise to a minimum, make sure to close any doors, shut windows, turn off the television, and keep loud pets in another room if possible. Consider hanging a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door to avoid interruptions.
Is Telehealth private? Just like a face-to-face appointment, your Telehealth visit will be private and confidential.
Will the appointments be recorded? None of our appointments will ever be recorded or stored.