WellSpring Child and Family Psychology, PC
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TeleTherapy (video Therapy)

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Video Therapy

Teletherapy, also referred to as Video Therapy, Telehealth or Telepsychology, is a psychotherapy service conducted through a secure, HIPAA compliant platform. Teletherapy is a great alternative when in-person sessions are not feasible. We find that Teletherapy sessions are most often just as effective as in-person sessions, and good progress can be made through teletherapy sessions. We are currently offering teletherapy to all clients (as appropriate) to help meet the evolving needs of the community. So... grab your coffee and cuddle up in your favorite blanket for your next therapy session! 

Does Insurance cover teletherapy? 

In Virginia it is required that private insurances allow for telehealth services (although certain restrictions may apply depending on the plan). In addition, due to recent events, Medicare has temporally lifted restrictions on how teletherapy is conducted, in order to allow access to care for more individuals while social distancing efforts are in effect.  As always, we recommend confirming this directly with your insurance company. Please ask if they cover CPT codes 90791 (Intake Session), 90834 and 90837 (Therapy Sessions) with the modifier GT or 95, and Location Code "02." 

​​What should I do to make the most of my session?

When you prepare to do teletherapy, please make sure that you have a quiet, confidential place to join the session. It is preferred to use a computer or laptop, although a phone or tablet will work, too. Many people prefer headphones for improved sound and privacy. Just as in your in-person sessions, you and your therapist should be the only people in the room (unless you have decided to include others in your therapy session, with your therapists consent). Please make sure that you use a secure, password protected network. Although you can be anywhere in the state of Virginia for your teletherapy session(s), our therapists generally can NOT provide therapy to anyone outside the state of Virginia due to licensing restrictions. Prior to your first teletherapy session, you must thoroughly read the below "Teletherapy Consent." Your therapist will also go over this in the first teletherapy session.

How to do a video session: 

  • Read and sign the below "Telepsychology Informed Consent". This form may be emailed to your therapist.
  • For a phone or tablet: Download the "Google Meet" APP and sign in with your gmail account (note: we also offer an alternative platform if you do not have a gmail account)
  • For computer: you will get an email with a link to the meeting. Just click "join now" and it should take you directly to the website. You may need to download a compatible browser (such as Google Chrome) so we suggest you try the link prior to the session to make sure it works.
  • Go to a private, quiet area, with your electronic device (phone, tablet, computer) at the time of the scheduled session (if the client is a child under the age of 14, a caregiver should help to set up the meeting and wait with the child until the meeting is in progress. The caregiver should remain accessible to the child throughout the session, and should check-in with the provider at the end of the session) 
  • Your provider will send you an email invitation to join the meeting.
  • Click on "Join Meeting"
  • You may need to turn on the speaker or camera by clicking the buttons around the video. 
  • Call your therapist at 540-693-0096 (and their extension) for help.
  • If there are technological problems, your therapist will call you. 

Teletherapy with Children

There are a number of ways to make teletherapy fun and engaging for children. Children can create a comfortable, safe, private place in their house. Sometimes children enjoy making a space with pillows and blankets, their favorite stuffed toys, pets, or other objects that help to create a great therapy space. Children can also pack a special "therapy bag" that includes craft items, drawing materials, fidget toys or balls, games, or other activities. Talk with your therapist prior to the session, or in the first session, to discuss materials you can have available to facilitate a great therapy session for your child. You will also want to make sure the session takes place in a location where your child can have privacy, away from siblings or other family members. The child should have the same level of privacy they would have in a face-to-face session, depending on age. If you child is old enough to be alone during the session, make sure you are nearby and the child knows how to access you if needed. Also, make sure your child knows how to use the technology appropriately so that the session is not disrupted. Your therapist will work with you individually to tailor sessions to your family's needs. If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask! 

Is Teletherapy Effective? 

We were apprehensive about this transition, too! We have been very pleasantly surprised to find that people tend to adapt quickly to teletherapy, and often enjoy being able to do therapy from the comfort of their own home. We find teletherapy to be highly effective, and that most work being done in-person can be effectively continued through teletherapy (including EMDR and child/family therapy). 

When is Teletherapy not Appropriate?

Teletherapy can be used to address a wide range of concerns. However, there are certain times when it may not be feasible. When an individual is likely to need outside services (e.g., cases involving suicidal ideation, risk of violence toward others, substance abuse, or psychosis), teletherapy may not be an appropriate mode of service.  
Telepsychology Informed Consent - Fillable Form
File Size: 149 kb
File Type: pdf
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WellSpring Child and Family Psychology, PC
615 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 101
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Phone: (540) 693-0096     

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Photo used under Creative Commons from Breville USA