What is telemental health and is it right for me?

“Telemental health … refer[s] to the provision of mental health and substance abuse services from a distance”. The benefits include convenience, easy accessibility, and more options for treatment providers. We conduct sessions over a HIPAA secure video website (platform). The experience may be similar to video chatting with friends or family members; HOWEVER this is a much more secure means of communicating. 

It is important to note that telemental health is not right for everyone. First and foremost, it is important to have a reliable internet connection. If you struggle with technology, the added anxiety of operating the software may prevent you from getting the most benefit from therapy. If the technology barrier is addressed, telemental health therapy is just as effective as in person therapy. Your treatment is the priority, if telemental health doesn’t work or you don’t have a good fit with me, I can refer you to other sources. 

I offer a free consult and tech check so we can troubleshoot any glitches. 

The link for our session is the same every time and there is no password to remember. 

Legally, I can only practice in the state of Maryland. Both you and I must both be in Maryland during the session. 

Sources:

American Telemedicine Association (2013). American Telemedicine Association Practice Guidelines For Video-Based Online Mental Health Services 2013.

What should I expect in the first session?

At the beginning of the session, I will confirm your address. Once I learn your surroundings, I won't need verbal confirmation. 

The outline for ADHD assessments is here

Individual therapy sessions can start with a standard intake or with jumping right into the meat and potatoes of why we are here. There are benefits to both which we discuss in initial consult. 

This is your therapy it's up to you.

How long will I be in therapy?

This is perhaps the most common question and the most difficult to answer. Everyone comes to a session at a different stage of change.  I find the people that are most successful have been working with me for at least six months on a consistent (weekly) basis. Therapy can continue as long as it is helpful for you.

I encourage clients to have an open dialogue, if it's not working, tell me, and I will do the same. 

How does therapy work?

In therapy you work on your “process”, meaning that as you share about your life, you develop an awareness of the decisions you have made in your past and why, how your past has influenced your present and how to reduce the negative impact that your past has had on you. You become aware of patterns in your life and how to nourish the parts that make you strong. 

How do I know if I need therapy?

I think that everyone can benefit from therapy. You can always grow as a person and become even better than what you are right now. You don’t need to have a severe mental health diagnosis to participate in therapy. You could just have some behaviors that you want to try to change.