TeleTherapy

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, or when time or logistical constraints make in-person sessions difficult to attend. We find that Teletherapy sessions can be just as effective as in-person sessions for many clients, and good progress can be made through teletherapy sessions. We are currently offering  teletherapy sessions to clients for whom this type of therapy is likely to be as effective as in-person. 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). 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). Do not record sessions. 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 will be provided a "teletherapy consent form" to complete prior to your first teletherapy appointment. 

How to do a video session: 
  • Read and sign the  "Telepsychology Informed Consent" and return to your therapist through the portal or by email.
  • 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 and adolescents
In general, we recommend in-person therapy for children under the age of 10. This is because children are often better able to stay engaged, to develop relationships, and to participate actively in therapy when in-person. There are some situations in which we will provide virtual therapy for children, but this will be determined on a case-by-case basis depending on your child's unique needs. Virtual therapy can be appropriate, for example, to use periodically when the therapist or child are unable to attend in-person session (e.g., when sick or quarantined) in order to minimize disruptions to treatment. It can also be ideal when environmental factors make in-person sessions difficult (like during pandemics, or when children cannot come into the office).

For children ages 10-17, virtual sessions may be appropriate. Our priority is to provide the best care possible for your child/adolescent. We will recommend virtual therapy only if we feel that this will be as effective or more effective (usually due to increasing access to care) than in-person sessions. 

​Tips for Making teletherapy productive for children and adolescents: 
  • Create a comfortable, safe space (e.g., use pillows and blankets, their favorite stuffed toys, pets, or other objects that help to create a great therapy space).
  • Eliminate distractions (e.g., no electronics other than the device used for therapy, avoid rooms with TV or video games, turn off phones, avoid spaces with other children, etc.)
  • Pack a "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.
  • 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? 
Overall, the evidence suggests that teletherapy is an effective mode of therapy (click here for additional info). We have been very pleasantly surprised to find that many people 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 much work being done in-person can be effectively continued through teletherapy. In-person therapy will be the best fit for some individuals, and this should be determined on a case-by-case basis with your therapist. 

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, or when in-person sessions will be more effective. For example, children with attention problems, children who are initially shy/reserved or have difficulty connecting to their therapist, or children who require play or other more interactive techniques may experience the most benefit from in-person sessions. With certain anxiety disorders, attending in-person sessions may be part of the treatment, and telehealth may unintentionally reinforce avoidance behavior (which makes anxiety worse). You should talk with your provider to determine whether virtual or in-person services are a better fit for you or your child.