Do you offer in person or Telehealth visits, and what is telehealth?

I offer both in person and telehealth sessions. While my preference for session meetings is always in person, especially for our initial meeting, I do offer both options.

Telehealth is the use of digital information and communication technologies, such as computers and mobile devices, to access and deliver health care services remotely. In other words, providing health care, often videoconferencing, from a distance through your preferred mode of technology. The outcomes for telehealth are equivalent to in-person care in diagnostic accuracy, treatment effectiveness, quality of care and client satisfaction. Similarly, client privacy and confidentiality are equivalent, if not superior to in-person care. The goals of telehealth are individualized with the client, just as they are during an in person visit. The only difference is the appointment is done virtually. Telehealth has increased in popularity with the Covid pandemic, however, telehealth, particularly for mental health services has successfully been used for a number of years and has not only made health care more accessible, especially for those who live in rural or isolated communities, but also has allowed services to be more readily available for those with limited mobility, time, or transportation. Numerous studies have also demonstrated telehealth effectiveness, particularly for mental health needs, across a range of modalities (e.g., telephone, videoconferencing). Virtual services are not only safe, effective, and confidential, but in some cases superior (see below) to in person support. Below is a detailed list of other benefits that video based teletherapy has been shown to provide: 

  • Improve access to mental health specialty care that might not otherwise be available (e.g., in rural areas)

  • Bring care to the client’s location

  • Help integrate behavioral health care and primary care, leading to better outcomes

  • Reduce the need for trips to the emergency room

  • Reduce delays in care

  • Improve continuity of care and follow-up

  • Reduce the need for time off work, childcare services, etc. to access appointments far away

  • Reduce potential transportation barriers, such as lack of transportation or the need for long drives

  • Reduce the barrier of stigma

  • Enhanced feelings of safety, security and privacy for many clients

While some people may be reluctant or initially feel awkward with virtual visits, most people report relative ease of use and quickly grow accustomed, and prefer the modality of videoconferencing for their mental health needs. Some people may be more relaxed and willing to open up from the comfort of their home or a convenient local facility. There are even people for which telemedicine may be preferable to in-person care, for example people with autism, severe anxiety disorders, PTSD, clinical depression, and those clients with physical limitations.