What to Expect in a Telehealth Therapy Appointment
If it becomes clear to the mental health clinician during a telehealth session that your child is having a mental health emergency, they will advise you to contact crisis lines or go to your nearest emergency department.
Arrive early and test your device, platform, and links before the session begins. Make sure your camera is working, and you can hear clearly.
1. The First Session
Depending on how your clients access their telehealth appointments, there are some things you’ll need to prepare for before the first session. First, make sure your client’s device is charged and that it can support a video call. Also, double-check that the audio device is working and that their internet connection is stable.
It can be difficult to get comfortable with a new format of therapy, especially when it involves staring into a screen for an hour. If they feel nervous, let them know that it’s completely normal and to just take their time getting to know the therapist.
Encourage them to use headphones and turn off text or email notifications so they can give their full attention to the session. And like in-person sessions, they should try to avoid distractions and arrive on time. If they are running late, their therapist may not be able to join the call at all. This can cause frustration for both parties.
2. The Second Session
Telehealth therapy can be helpful for those who have trouble getting to an office for an in-person appointment due to distance, transportation issues or other factors. It also provides consistency for clients who need to meet with a therapist or counselor on a regular basis, even when life events cause them to miss an in-person session.
It’s important for clients to be prepared for a telehealth appointment and find a comfortable space where they can talk openly with their therapist or counselor. This means removing distractions and avoiding using a phone that has a camera, as the small screen can be hard to see. If possible, a computer is better because it can be propped up for eye level and is easy to use.
It’s also good for clients to practice signing into the telehealth session before their appointment and to test their connection. They may need to allow access to their microphone and camera through their browser’s settings if they haven’t done so already, and it can be helpful for them to review this information ahead of time.
3. The Third Session
A telehealth appointment allows a client to consult with their provider remotely through a video call or other digital means. It is used for a wide range of healthcare services, including therapy sessions, medical consultations, and health education.
To prepare for a telehealth session, a client will need a secure internet connection, a device with a camera and microphone (e.g. a computer, tablet or smartphone), video conferencing software and a quiet space. They will also need to be prepared to answer any questions that their provider might have.
Another advantage of telehealth is that it can be scheduled at non-traditional hours, such as during lunch break or first thing in the morning, which can help with consistency. It can also help clients overcome barriers that would prevent them from attending a regular in-person appointment, such as not having transportation or being sick.
4. The Fourth Session
As you begin to meet with your therapist via telehealth regularly, you may find that you look forward to the sessions. You might even start to feel more comfortable speaking openly with your therapist over the video chat than you would in an in-person appointment.
It’s important to keep in mind that telehealth appointments are just as private and secure as in-person sessions. Many telehealth providers use secure patient portals to message, call and video chat with clients, which is more secure than standard internet connections.
In addition, if you’re using a platform like SimplePractice, your sessions are automatically recorded and saved to your client file. Only therapists and supervisors that have access to your client files can view those recordings or transcripts.
During your first session, you will likely be asked to provide verbal consent to participate in the telehealth appointment. This ensures that you’re aware of the risks and benefits associated with this type of consultation.
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If it becomes clear to the mental health clinician during a telehealth session that your child is having a mental health emergency, they will advise you to contact crisis lines or go to your nearest emergency department. Arrive early and test your device, platform, and links before the session begins. Make sure your camera is…