What is Telemental Health?

Telemental health counseling is another means to providing therapy and it just like an in-person session with a therapist, only it is conducted over the phone or  via a video conferencing platform. I offer telemental health services, allowing me to improve accessibility to affordable mental health care, regardless of your ability to come to my physical office location.  I am dedicated to ensuring you receive the best possible care with minimal interruptions. Many clients moved to telemental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure health, safety and continuity of care, as well as enjoy the portability and convenience it offers.

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All clients must reside within Texas to receive telemental health therapy services. During the first session,  I will ask for a driver's license or other form of identification to confirm your identity and proof of Texas residency.

Please Note:  By law, I cannot practice in a state that I am not licensed in. 

 

What if I'm an in-person client who wants to switch to telemental health?

You absolutely can. Whether it is temporary or permanent, there are a few waivers that need to be completed first; just let me know and we can discuss the transition to telemental health services.

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Benefits of Telemental Health Therapy:

There are many benefits to having sessions using telemental health services:

• It can be easier and more efficient for you to access mental health care avoiding barriers such as weather, accessibility, childcare, pet care, work schedule and transportation.

• You can have more flexibility in scheduling, having the added benefit of comfort of your home, privacy in terms of being able to control your environment and if public safety concerns are an issue, you will have added security.  

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Privacy

Just like in-person sessions, we want to make sure that your privacy is our priority. To ensure confidentiality is maintained, I will meet with you from a space where there will be minimal interruptions. Telemental health sessions are conducted via a secure, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing platform or software component.. 

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Appropriateness

If I determine that there is a situation where telemental health may not be appropriate, such as those with poor internet connection, a lack of privacy or potential intimate partner violence, a recommendation for in-person services may be considered or required.

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Crisis Planning

It is important that all telemental health clients complete a crisis safety plan to ensure that I can help you if an emergency situation arises. It is also important that, at the beginning of the session, you reveal your current location to me in case we get disconnected. I will make sure you have my direct line in case of disconnection and so that you may call me in case of extenuating circumstances leading to internet interruptions or excessive technological difficulties as per scenarios such as rolling black-outs, power outages or other situations that are out of our immediate control.  If our telemental health session is unable to be sustained, we may need to reschedule.

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Insurance

It is the responsibility of the client to confirm coverage of telemental health services before you begin therapy to ensure that telemental health sessions are covered by your insurance plan.  Your coverage may have specific requirements that must be met in order to allow telemental sessions.  If I am unable to meet these requirements, in-person services will be recommended or required.

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