Stay Connected With Online Therapy in North Carolina and Georgia
I wanted to share some exciting news with you! We are now offering clients the option to schedule onilne therapy appointments in place of face-to-face appointments. This means we can now meet from your couch, your office, your hotel room, or wherever you have access to the Internet.
Why are we offering this new service?
Online Therapy minimizes the inconvenience of travel time and associated costs. I wanted to ease the stress that traveling to an office for treatment brings. Things like snow, rain, traffic, and getting childcare might stop you from going to therapy. Even trying to find parking can make traveling even short distances annoying. Online therapy can cut the inconvenience of travel time and associated costs.
The benefits of online therapy are supported by research. Research has found that video therapy is as effective as in-person therapy. And thanks to a highly secure connection, our sessions will remain private. Most major insurance companies cover online therapy appointments.
Online therapy requires no special software or technical skills. All you need is a computer (with an integrated camera). It’s as simple as that.
At our next appointment, we can provide more information and answer any questions you may have. Or you can book an appointment for online therapy now.
GETTING STARTED WITH TELEHEALTH BY SIMPLEPRACTICE
This guide includes basic tips and instructions on how to join an online therapy session. 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.
What is Telehealth?
Through audio and video over the internet, you can meet with your clinician on-the-go from your desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device (iOS or Android). It’s your choice!
Telehealth in North Carolina allows us to connect anywhere with secure and convenient appointments. Thereby saving you the time and hassle. There’s no need to deal with traffic when you can schedule and attend your appointments from a laptop or mobile device.
What equipment do I need?
To take part in online therapy appointments from your home, you need one of the following devices:
Desktop computer with a webcam and speakers
Laptop computer with built-in webcam and speakers
Tablet device with built-in webcam and speakers
Smartphone (Note: To use a smartphone, you must first download Telehealth by SimplePractice - available for iOS or Android in the app store). You will also need an internet connection that is at least 10mbps. For optimal results, we recommend a reliable, high-speed internet connection with a bandwidth of at least 10 Mbps. This will minimize connection issues and provide the best quality.
Note: We recommend using the Pre-call Tool to check your internet connection.
THE DAY OF THE TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENT
How to join your online therapy session on a desktop or laptop computer
If you plan to use a desktop or laptop, there is nothing to download before your online therapy appointment. Here are the steps to join:
Approximately 10 minutes before your appointment, you should receive either an email or SMS text appointment reminder.
Note: If you have already consented to receive a 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. Your video call screen will now open in a new tab.
Note: You may have to copy and paste the link into your web browser.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. Click Play test sound to test your camera and microphone settings.
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 session if I am finishing with a previous session. Please be patient and I will join momentarily.
How to join on a smartphone
If you plan to use a mobile device, here are the steps to join:
Choose a well-lit, quiet room in your house to have your appointment. Do not sit directly in front of windows due to backlighting.
Download Telehealth by SimplePractice (for iOS or Android) in the app store. Approximately 10 minutes before your appointment, you should receive an email or SMS text reminder.
Note: If you have already consented to receive 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.Open the reminder on your mobile 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 online therapy session.
Note: There may be a slight delay for me to join the session if I am finishing with a previous session. Please be patient and I will join momentarily.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
I recommend joining the online therapy session a few minutes early to test your settings.
If you can connect to the Internet, but are having trouble joining the video, you can use our recommended Pre-call Tool
To use a smartphone to join a video chat,
you must first download the Telehealth by SimplePractice app available in the app store for iOS or Android.If you need to cancel or have questions about the appointment, please contact us.
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, telehealth, and therapy notes. SimplePractice, LLC, uses HIPAA compliant software so your information will be securely kept.
What can I do to improve the quality of the connection?
Living in an area with slow internet can 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. 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. Simply search: internet speed test. Click the blue-button that says Run Speed Test. 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 running in the background, closing them will likely 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.
Where’s the best place to do a video call?
When deciding the best place in your home to meet with your therapist, you will want to choose a space that is private. Consider setting up away from household members, coworkers, pets, or any other potential distractions. Here are some additional recommendations:
- Adjust your light. Some small lighting tweaks that can have a huge impact. Place a lamp or other light source behind your monitor, pointed toward you. Also, make sure you don’t have too much light behind you. If you’re on a laptop, make sure the camera is at eye level and not pointing up at the ceiling lights, or down at the floor.
- Choose a quiet, private location. Identify a suitable room that is quiet, private, and free of distractions. To keep background noise to a minimum, close any doors and shut any windows.
Is Telehealth private?
Just like a face-to-face therapy appointment, your Telehealth visit will be private and confidential.
What is the difference between telehealth, online counseling or online therapy?
Telehealth is a broader term that refers to any health services offered online. Mental health services such as those provided by our therapists fall into this category. Therefore, we are using the term telehealth. However, because the services we are providing are therapy services you could also use the term "online therapy" or even "online counseling."
Congratulations! You’re now ready to start using Telehealth by SimplePractice.
Begin Online therapy in North Carolina and Georgia with My Therapist
A busy schedule or lack of access shouldn’t come between you and your mental health. Telehealth can help you heal from the comfort of your own home. Our Wake Forest, NC-based therapy practice has caring therapists that can help you work through what is affecting you. If you’re ready to start, follow these simple steps:
Book your initial individual therapy session.
Meet with one of our caring therapists.
Start your Telehealth therapy journey!
Other Services Offered With My-Therapist
We are happy to offer a variety of mental health services. Other services include online therapy, family therapy, individual therapy for relationship issues, couples workshops, couples therapy, prenatal therapy, child loss therapy, teen therapy, and couples intensive therapy. We also offer support through premarital counseling, divorce counseling, foundations of lasting love, co-parenting counseling, and AAMFT supervision. Read our blog to learn more about us and our services!