Telehealth
Are you a young working professional in need of support, but not interested in fighting through Austin traffic or driving across town for an in-person therapy appointment? Are you a busy working professional with some flexibility in your weekly schedule for an online therapy appointment?
Do you live in Austin or in any of the surrounding areas, or maybe you prefer to just do things Virtually?
If so, we can help you through virtual therapy, or telehealth.
Telehealth allows us to provide counseling and therapy to our clients via live video conferencing. This can be done anywhere you have a computer or smartphone.
Telehealth appointments can be very beneficial if getting to a traditional in-person appointment is not convenient, or you simply just don’t want to.
Our telehealth solution allows you to schedule an appointment directly online and have the entire therapy session take place digitally. All you need is a good wifi connection and a device with a good video camera, we also do recommend you do the sessions in a private space as well. To learn more and get started with virtual therapy, please contact us today.
FAQ
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth therapy refers to the delivery of mental health and medical services remotely, typically via video conferencing or phone call. This can include individual therapy, group therapy, psychiatric evaluations, and medication management. Telehealth therapy has become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to make healthcare more accessible and convenient for patients, particularly those living in remote or underserved areas.
How does Telehealth work?
Telehealth therapy typically involves the use of video conferencing software or a phone call to connect the patient with a therapist or other healthcare provider. The patient and therapist can then communicate and interact just as they would in an in-person session. The patient will typically need a device such as a computer or smartphone with a camera and microphone, and a secure internet connection.
Before the session, the patient will typically need to fill out any necessary paperwork and complete a consent form. During the session, the therapist will conduct the therapy session as usual, and may use tools such as video, audio, and screen sharing to facilitate the session.
After the session, the therapist will document the session and may provide follow-up materials, homework assignments, or other resources. Some telehealth therapy sessions are also done by phone calls.
It’s important to note that Telehealth therapy is regulated by states and other jurisdictions, and the laws and regulations regarding telehealth therapy can vary widely. Telehealth therapy may not be covered by insurance or may require special consent forms. And not all the types of therapy are suitable for telehealth.
When is Telehealth needed?
Telehealth therapy may be needed in a variety of situations, including but not limited to:
- Convenience: Telehealth therapy can be a convenient option for patients who have difficulty traveling to an in-person therapy session, such as those who live in remote or rural areas, have mobility issues, or have difficulty finding childcare.
- Accessibility: Telehealth therapy can increase access to mental health services for patients who may not have access to mental health providers in their area.
- Chronic condition management: Telehealth therapy can be used to manage chronic conditions such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD.
- Specialized treatment: Telehealth therapy can be used to connect patients with specialized treatment providers who may not be available in their area.
- Pandemics: Telehealth therapy can be used during pandemics or other situations where in-person therapy sessions may not be safe or feasible.
- Follow-up sessions: Patients who have completed in-person therapy sessions may continue therapy through telehealth for follow-up sessions to maintain their progress.
In general, telehealth therapy can be a good option for patients who have difficulty accessing in-person therapy, or for patients who prefer the convenience of remote therapy sessions. It’s important to note that not all types of therapy are suitable for telehealth, and that telehealth therapy should be used in conjunction with in-person therapy if possible.
How much does Telehealth cost?
The cost of telehealth therapy can vary widely depending on a number of factors, such as the type of therapy, the therapist’s qualifications, and the patient’s insurance coverage.
In general, telehealth therapy is often less expensive than in-person therapy, as it can save the therapist the overhead costs of maintaining an office, and can also save the patient the cost of travel to and from the therapy session.
Some telehealth therapy services may be covered by insurance, but it depends on the insurance company and the patient’s plan. Some insurance plans may require a higher co-pay or deductibles for telehealth therapy than for in-person therapy. It’s also important to check if the therapist is in-network with the insurance company.
If the therapy is not covered by insurance, the cost of the therapy can vary widely, with prices ranging from around $50 to $200 per session, with an average of around $75 to $125 per session. It’s worth noting that some telehealth therapy providers offer a sliding scale fee based on the patient’s income or ability to pay.
It is best to check with the therapist or the insurance company directly to find out what the cost of telehealth therapy will be for a specific patient.
How long does the Telehealth process take?
The length of telehealth therapy can vary depending on the specific needs of the patient and the type of therapy that is being provided. Some therapy sessions may last as little as 30 minutes, while others may last an hour or more.
The duration of therapy also depends on the type of therapy that is being provided. For example, some types of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), may have a set number of sessions that are typically completed within a certain time frame (e.g. 12-16 sessions over the course of 8-12 weeks). While others like psychoanalytic therapy may continue for a longer period of time.
It’s important to note that the length of therapy can also depend on the individual goals and progress of the patient. Some patients may see improvements and achieve their goals in a shorter amount of time, while others may need more sessions to see significant changes. The therapist will work with the patient to determine the appropriate length of therapy.
It’s also worth noting that telehealth therapy can be a great option for patients who have completed in-person therapy and want to continue therapy sessions remotely. These patients can continue therapy sessions for as long as they feel it’s beneficial for them, and can always schedule follow-up sessions as needed.
How do I know if Telehealth is right for me?
Telehealth therapy can be a great option for many people, but it’s important to consider whether it’s the right fit for you personally. Some things to consider when deciding if telehealth therapy is right for you include:
- Accessibility: If you live in a remote area or have difficulty traveling to in-person therapy sessions, telehealth therapy may be a good option for you.
- Convenience: If you have a busy schedule or difficulty finding childcare, telehealth therapy can be a more convenient option.
- Comfort with technology: If you are comfortable using video conferencing software or phone calls, telehealth therapy may be a good fit for you.
- Condition: If you have a chronic condition such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD, telehealth therapy can be a great way to manage your condition.
- Insurance coverage: If your insurance covers telehealth therapy or you’re willing to pay out-of-pocket, telehealth therapy may be a good option for you.
- Therapist preference: If you have a therapist that you are comfortable with and would like to continue seeing them, but they only offer telehealth sessions, it could be an option for you.
It’s important to keep in mind that telehealth therapy is not suitable for everyone, and in-person therapy is still the preferred option for some patients. If you’re unsure whether telehealth therapy is right for you, it’s best to discuss your options with a mental health professional. They can help you evaluate your needs and determine if telehealth therapy is the best option for you.