What To Expect From Your Telehealth Session
What is telehealth?
Telehealth is a method of delivering clinical health services to our clients from a distance using video and/or phone communication. Telehealth supports social distancing so our clients can receive the care they need without coming into our building. Telehealth also allows broader access to mental health services for persons in rural areas of Wisconsin or where there is a shortage of mental health providers.
We use secure, HIPAA-compliant services through Therapy Notes to provide online therapy to our clients.
Telehealth may not be a suitable method of therapy for all clients. The decision to use telehealth will be based on a mutual conversation between the client and therapist about the appropriateness of telehealth given the client’s goals, the treatment approach, access needs, and overall fit. (For example, Telehealth may not be suitable for therapy with younger children).
How does it work?
Before your session you will receive an email invite into our client portal. This is where you will fill out all of your intake paperwork. Clients will find their link to telehealth service on the Therapy Notes portal after signing in. During your first visit, our clinicians will ask you questions about your background, medical, and family history. The clinician will go over all necessary intake paperwork needed before starting treatment.
Further Instructions on how to access your Client Portal can be found here.
Telehealth technology requirements:
A reliable device such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop that enables audio/video
A good wired internet connection or strong wifi
Headphones (not essential, but can be helpful with privacy and to block out noise)
If you have any technical issues, we will do our best to assist you to receive services.
Preparation for telehealth session:
Treat your teletherapy sessions as you would a regular appointment at one of our locations.
Test the link provided for the first session ahead of time to ensure you have the necessary software and updates.
Be on time. Anesis Therapy’s cancellation and no-show policy applies.
Be in a private location. If possible, it helps if the space is well-lit, with minimal backlighting.
Put your device on a solid surface at eye level vs. holding it during the session to reduce distractions. Your entire face, and ideally your body from the chest up, should be visible on camera.
Wear proper attire.
Conduct the session sitting upright, in an alert position.
Refrain from eating or smoking.
Do not attend sessions while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
Do not drive during your sessions. If you are in your car, park in a safe location.
If you are driving during your session and are not willing or able to pull over, the session will end and will need to be rescheduled.
Do not engage in other activities during sessions (e.g., driving, cooking, cleaning, caring for children or pets, etc.).
Remove all distractions. Turn off/mute notifications on your phone and computer; turn off televisions, radios, and other electronics.
If a child is participating in treatment, help them to prepare for the session by reviewing expectations with them.
Make sure that your computer, tablet or phone has a camera and reliable internet connection
Test your camera and audio before your session begins; ensure that both your camera and microphone are “on”.
Be “present” for your session as if you were in your therapist’s office; turn off device notifications and minimize distractions.
Will my insurance cover telehealth?
Many insurance providers do offer telehealth coverage, as long as both video and audio are used. Call your insurer to ask about your telehealth coverages. Also, call our office to ask about the insurances we currently take.