Telehealth

Transitioning to Online Therapy

Before 2020, I had little experience with telehealth. All my sessions were in the office.

Sometimes, in-person therapy was a challenge for clients stuck in traffic, at home with sick kids, or needing to stay late at the office.

But when the COVID crisis began, we all had to shelter at home. As a result, I started seeing clients only online, using video sessions.

Unexpected options

In learning to work online, getting the hang of it took me a couple of sessions, but I knew I did not want to stop seeing any of my clients, especially in a new stressful world.

Both my current clients and I have grown more comfortable with this method over the past months.

As this year has progressed, new clients have come for therapy using online sessions. Some of these new clients would not have been able to see me without it – not only because of the pandemic. Now, I see clients who live too far from my office – they can live anywhere in California.

Here’s How It Works

We set up a free 20-minute phone call where we talk about what you want to get out of therapy, and we decide if we’re going to continue.

Then, I send you a few forms to fill out – you can read, fill out, and sign all online.

After that, we start our face-to-face sessions.

You will need either a computer, a tablet, or a smartphone with good online access.

You will need to find a comfortable and private spot for your session.

At our agreed-upon appointment time, I will send you a link. You click on the link (depending on the link, you may need to download the app), and voila – we are face-to-face.

Sometimes, we have technical delays, but I have lots of backup plans. I can connect to you on ZOOM, Skype, Simple Practice online, Facebook, and Facetime. If one is glitchy, we can switch.

As this year has progressed and the number of online sessions increased, I’ve had a few times where the connection is not perfect, so we need to be flexible. Technology is not always cooperative, but I’ve seen a significant improvement.

Flexible and Convenient

Online sessions give us more flexibility. Some clients choose to see me during their lunch hour (while they are working from home). I’ve had clients see me from their car, so they have some privacy. Anywhere you have a good WiFi connection will work.

The format is the same as if you were in my office, but we talk over video on your computer or smartphone. It’s a great way to keep moving forward with therapy during this unprecedented time.

Once the pandemic is under control, I will be back in a new office. I will again see clients in person. But I will continue to offer telehealth sessions to anyone who prefers that format.

It’s opened up a whole new level of convenience for the way that I offer therapy.

If you would be interested, let’s chat!