Online Therapy

*Clients must be located in either Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, or New York at the time of service because of state laws and licensing board regulations.

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Teletherapy (a.k.a., online therapy, telehealth, telemental health, telepsychology, etc.) has been on the rise for many years.​ Research showed that internet-based interventions were equally effective when compared to more traditional face to face interventions even before the COVID-19 pandemic.​​

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TIPS FOR ONLINE THERAPY

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1) Be Sober. You may no be under the influence of alcohol or any other substance use during online therapy sessions even if those sessions occur online / at home.

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2) Park the Car. You may not be driving a car during online therapy sessions even if you believe you'll be alright.

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3) Have good lighting. Consider using a ring lamp, a regular lamp, or some kind of lighting source that may be positioned in front of you and your screen so that the light is facing you and it brightens your face. Whenever the light source is behind you, then it brightens the back of your head. You don't have to set things up like the photo below, and we still recommend you consider how lighting may impact your session. This is also important if you may sit for your session near a window. Sunlight, present or not, may make it more difficult to see you.

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4) Ensure Privacy. Find a private space for each and every one of your online therapy sessions. Use headphones or earbuds. Schedule your appointments during times when you can be alone in your space if you live with your spouse, family, or have room mates. Do not record your sessions for audio or video. There are federal and state laws which mandate that therapists maintain and protect your privacy, confidentiality, and protected health information. We expect your cooperation to discuss any privacy concerns you may have with us.

 

5) Optimize your time. Use the bathroom before the session begins. Clear your screen of dormant browsers and windows that you're not using during the session to increase your bandwidth and minimize potential audio, video, or Wifi & internet connection difficulties. Schedule your therapy sessions mindfully so that you do not have to rush the start or rush to get off from teletherapy to rush into a work meeting. 

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6) Be comfortable. Dress up in full (no Zoom suits!). Stretch before session. Go ahead and fidget (stress ball, chakra stone, silly putty, etc.). Adjust your room temperature so that you're not too hot or too cold. Keep a beverage nearby like tea, coffee, water, seltzer, etc. so that you can clear your throat if you become parched.