Tips for Making the Most of your telehealth appointment
These instructions are intended to help you reduce technical issues, maximize security, and make the most out of your therapeutic experience. It is advised that you follow these instructions for all our sessions.
Your Environment
Part of what makes counseling effective is having a space to deeply work on the things that have been troubling you. To do this kind of work, the space needs to feel safe and peaceful. During in‐office visits, this type of environment is created by your therapist; however, for online counseling, you are responsible for creating that space. Fortunately, some people’s homes (the place many clients choose for online counseling) are already a place where they feel comfortable and at ease. Nevertheless, go through the following checklist to make sure your space is optimal for your therapeutic experience.
Location is physically safe (e.g., not driving while having a session).
Location is emotionally safe (e.g., not having a session at work where you might be reprimanded for displaying emotion).
Chair or couch you are using is comfortable and suitable for long‐term use
Tissues are nearby, if needed
Coffee/tea/water is prepared and nearby, if needed
Space is free of clutter and other distractions (e.g., TV is not on in the background).
Other strategies to make your space more comfortable (e.g., lighting a candle, using essential oils, having a sweater/blanket nearby)
Improving Privacy & Confidentiality
Location is in a private setting (e.g., home office vs. local coffee shop)
Use a white noise machine if others are in the next room and you need to drown out sound
Use headphones to prevent others from hearing my voice
Use your personal phone or computer (ideally, one that is not shared by others).
Password protect any technology you will be using to communicate with me.
Always log out or hang up once the session is complete.
Whenever possible, avoid using a public wireless internet network
If your location has a window, be sure to close the blinds or sit across/away from the window to keep our session more private.
Improving Connection on Your Computer/Laptop
Whenever possible, connect to the internet using an ethernet cable vs. Wi‐Fi.
If using Wi‐Fi, choose a location that is as close to the router as possible.
Disable the Wi‐Fi connection from other devices during our session (e.g., tablets, phones, other computers, etc.).
Close or disable any unnecessary programs running in the background of your computer.
Close or disable file synchronizing or sharing services (e.g., Dropbox, Google Drive).
Close any Cloud backup software (e.g., Mozy, iDrive, OneDrive).
Close any web browser tabs or windows open on your computer.
Plug your laptop computer into the wall charger or have the charger nearby.
Improving Connection on Your Phone/Tablet
Choose an area that gives you the fullest bars for connection.
If using Wi‐Fi, chose a location that is as close to the router as possible.
Disable the Wi‐Fi connection from other devices during our session (e.g., tablets, phones, other computers)
Choose a location that is away from other electronic devices that might interfere with reception (e.g., tablets, other phones, laptops, microwaves)
Close or disable any apps or programs open on your phone.
Close or disable any apps that require Bluetooth.
Close or disable any apps that are using GPS locators.
Make sure that your phone is sufficiently charged and/or have a charger nearby.
Decreasing Interruptions
Unless you’re using your phone for our session, please keep your phone put away and on silent.
Turn off or disable email, calendar, or social media notifications on your phone and computer.
If necessary, inform family/friends/colleagues that you will be unavailable during our session time.
Improving Visual and Auditory Cues
My assessment of your mental health status, well‐being, and progress is largely based on the information that you provide (both visually and verbally). Therefore, it is very important that I see you and hear you as best as possible.
Make sure your location is well‐lit.
Avoid lighting that casts shadows (e.g., light right behind you or directly next to you).
Have a light source that is diffused (e.g., sunlight through a window).
Make sure that the microphone on your headphones or computer is not covered up by clothing, paper, etc.
Whenever possible, use a desk or table to prop up your computer/phone—this will help position the camera in a way that will include both your face and upper body.
Position the camera so that it is facing forward and centered.
Position the camera at an angle that will facilitate eye‐to‐eye contact.
Avoid walking, standing, or laying down, if possible, during our sessions.
Changing Locations
One of the benefits of telemental health is that, depending on where you’re going, you can take treatment with you while traveling. If you are planning on traveling outside of Texas, please let me know ASAP so I can figure out whether or not we can meet while you’re away (I have to check the licensing rules for each state/country because they are all different). It is vital that we both reevaluate the comfort, safety, privacy, and suitableness of new locations each time there is a change. If it is determined that the conditions are not ideal for our session, we will consider alternatives (e.g., phone session vs. video), reschedule our session to another time when the location is optimal, or discuss referrals to other treatment options (e.g., face‐to‐face counseling with a local provider). Please inform me when you anticipate a change in location so that we can plan and brainstorm ways to optimize your space.