Please Note: I am currently providing ONLY telehealth video therapy sessions via a HIPAA-compliant videoconferencing service to California clients. If interested, please let me know, and I pray you and your family stay safe during these challenging times.
To Attend, or Not to Attend, Teletherapy Sessions
Don’t let the name fool you…
Online counseling and psychotherapy – often referred to as “teletherapy” – is almost identical to the more traditional, in-office counseling and psychotherapy services most of us are used to, with one major exception… our online counseling sessions are conducted via TheraPlatform – a live, high-resolution, HIPAA-compliant video-conferencing platform similar to Skype – or via Zoom or FaceTime, instead of you and I sitting together in the same room.
So, if you’ve ever used Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom… teletherapy is really no different.
I know a lot of us have preconceived ideas about what counseling and psychotherapy should “look like” – whether or not you’ve been in therapy before, we’ve all seen countless images of clients and therapists sitting together in a comfortable, private office – but the setting is far from the most important element of the work we do together.
The relationship we create and build is what allows change and growth to occur… not how comfortable my office chairs are, or how well lit my waiting room is. ?
In fact, the vast majority of my clients have been surprised by how well teletherapy works… and how easy it is!
And, lest you think online counseling and therapy are something new or untested, teletherapy has actually been used successfully since the late 1990s for hundreds of thousands of therapy sessions across the United States, and over 20 years of research and over 40 academic studies have shown teletherapy’s effectiveness time and time again.
All of which begs the next question…
Is Teletherapy Right for You?
While teletherapy may not be right for everyone, teletherapy is an effective, convenient, flexible, and cost-effective alternative to in-person counseling and psychotherapy that overcomes the obstacles of both time and distance. Teletherapy is particularly ideal if you:
- Travel frequently;
- Work or live abroad;
- Need to reduce commute and travel time;
- Need more flexibility in your schedule;
- Have ongoing obligations that make leaving your home or office difficult;
- Struggle with physical disabilities;
- Suffer from agoraphobia; or
- Live in a rural setting or a community where in-person counseling services are unavailable.
As you can see, teletherapy can be incredibly helpful for a wide variety of clients, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some things to consider before getting started…
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Teletherapy Technically Challenging or Difficult to Set Up?
Fortunately, while the technology underpinning teletherapy is incredibly powerful, getting it up and running is actually extremely simple and straightforward!
As discussed above, if you've ever used Skype or FaceTime, teletherapy works pretty much the exact same way... and TheraPlatform (the platform I use) is incredibly easy to get up and running and is available on your smartphone, tablet, laptop and desktop computer.
And, just to be sure you don't have any issues, if you'd like some help I'll be more than happy to walk you through the process of getting everything set up!
Are Teletherapy Sessions Private and Secure?
When it comes to privacy, the vast majority of my clients attend teletherapy sessions from a quiet room in their homes or offices... a room in which they know they won't be disturbed.
Of course, there's a greater chance your sessions may be interrupted by other family members now that we're all at home together "sheltering in place" ... but there are ways around that (I even have clients who do teletherapy from their backyards or their cars)!
And as far as security is concerned, TheraPlatform (the platform I use) is a confidential, encrypted, HIPAA-compliant platform that conforms to the privacy, security, and integrity of protected health information standards contained in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Is Teletherapy Effective for Couples?
Most teletherapy platforms offer both 2-way and 3-way teletherapy sessions, meaning teletherapy can be just as effective for couples work as it is for individuals... especially if partners are in different locations!
That being said, I've found that most couples work needs to start with each individual.
All too often, people want to attend couples and marriage counseling sessions in order to "fix" their partners. Yet the only person we have any control over, let alone can change, is ourselves.
For this reason, if you're interested in couples or marriage counseling, I encourage you to attend individual counseling or psychotherapy first (either in-person or via teletherapy sessions).
If you decide teletherapy is an effective solution for your individual needs, you can then consider online couples work with a therapist who provides teletherapy sessions for couples.
Will Insurance Cover Teletherapy Sessions?
Prior to COVID-19, many insurance companies did not cover teletherapy sessions, or covered them only on a limited basis. However, all of that has changed since the coronavirus pandemic, and the vast majority of insurance providers are now, at least for the time being, providing coverage for teletherapy sessions.
While there's no guarantee any specific insurance company will continue to provide coverage for teletherapy sessions, they may find it difficult to roll back this coverage now that it's been granted.
Also please note that, while I am on a few insurance panels, if I am out-of-network for your plan it will be your responsibility to determine whether or not your insurance covers teletherapy.
While teletherapy can be just as effective as more traditional in-person counseling or psychotherapy, it’s obviously not right for everyone. In some cases, a “hybrid” option (combining on-site with online therapy) may make more sense. And teletherapy isn’t the recommended solution for higher-risk populations, such as those with eating disorders or who may be suicidal.
Yet, when all is said and done, teletherapy offers you an effective, convenient, cost-effective, consistent, and secure means of getting the help and support you need and deserve!
Are you ready to get started?
If you think you’re ready to give teletherapy a try, please feel free to contact me at therapywithtricia@gmail.com or call me anytime at (714) 974-1621 with any questions you have or to schedule an initial consultation. I look forward to hearing from you.
Office (714) 974-1621 / FAX (714) 485-2316 / E-mail
Tricia Buttkus, LCSW – Licensed Psychotherapist
20409 Yorba Linda Blvd, Suite 108, Yorba Linda, CA 92886
Proudly serving Orange County and parts of Riverside County, including Anaheim, Corona, Riverside, Anaheim Hills, Fullerton, Tustin, Brea, Orange, Villa Park, Placentia, and Yorba Linda.