Do you need counseling at a time or location that works better for you? Does driving to an office, having to park and sit in a waiting area for your appointment time sound exhausting to you? Do you want to have more flexibility and options for where you can be during therapy? Would it be helpful to have your dog or cat or your weighted blanket close to you as you enter into the therapeutic workspace? Then online or phone counseling may be a good option for you.

As of September 2022, our therapy appointments are all held via telehealth, provided virtually via either video and/or phone. Our therapists at Thriving Path use HIPPA-compliant platforms to ensure confidentiality. In contrast to in-person therapy, tele-therapy allows you to connect with a clinically licensed therapist or counselor using any device that has an internet connection, such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

There are many benefits to choosing online or phone counseling. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the need for tele-health therapy options to the forefront and it seems that it is here to stay. Having access to quality counseling and removing the risk of illness from the equation is of huge benefit to both client and therapist alike. Even aside from the pandemic health crisis, you may need to do things in your life remotely for a variety of reasons. Online and phone counseling makes mental health care more accessible and convenient for all. People with chronic pain/health issues, mobility limitations and/or those with disabilities find virtual appointments to often be more easily accessible. This model of counseling can also foster a sense privacy and security, allowing you to fully show up for yourself. Our clients are often busy working professionals, parents or students and are realizing that, if they have flexible and efficient options, it is a whole lot easier to place value on maintaining and/or improving their mental health.

What technology do I need?

In order to access teletherapy, you will need the following things:

• Internet-connected computer, tablet, or smartphone
• Webcam or built-in camera on the device
• A comfortable place where you can talk in private without interruptions
• Feel free to add a pet, candle, fidget toy, blanket, etc – the comfortable choices are endless!

How do I know if it is right for me?

For most people, it’s simply a preference of whether you want the ability to meet with your therapist in person, or whether you prefer the convenience of online therapy. There are some situations when we think our online therapy services are not the best, most effective option. We’ll talk through this with you and offer in-person referrals as needed.

The Logistics

Most insurance plans will cover these telehealth sessions. Legislation has been passed that requires insurers to cover telehealth appointments – at the same cost as an in office visit. We encourage you to call your insurance to determine your specific plan’s coverage. We are happy to help as well. The No Surprises Act has also now required providers to give clients and patients a Good Faith Estimate, which means beginning January 1, 2022, federal laws regulating client care have been updated to include the “No Surprises” Act. Under the law, healthcare providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services called a “Good Faith Estimate” (GFE) explaining how much your medical care will cost.

This new regulation is designed to provide transparency to patients regarding their expected medical expenses and to protect them from surprises when they receive their medical bills. It allows patients to understand how much their health care will cost before they receive services.