Telehealth

Online Counseling Sessions Via
Secure Video Conferencing
​

In accordance with ​Public Health guidelines for COVID-19 and to protect everyone, I am providing services via Telehealth  (secure video or phone) only

​Coronavirus Update: due to the increased need for services during the COVID-19 pandemic, I am now able to provide Telehealth services in some states outside California. This is a rapidly evolving situation - please contact me to determine if your state is included.   

Why Telehealth?
Access, flexibility, consistent support
Telehealth brings the session to you. Your therapy can be entirely online, or you can opt for a remote session on those occasions when life gets in the way of coming to my office.  

My in-office clients have been pleasantly surprised at how normal an online session feels. 

How to Have a Great Video Session
Before the call, make sure you have:
  • a device with a webcam - computer, tablet or smartphone
  • internet access with adequate speed - at least 750 kbps download and upload (check speed here), Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Safari 11+
  • "confidential space" - a quiet, private location where you won't be overheard or interrupted
  • good lighting - the light source needs to come from behind your screen to illuminate your face
  • your webcam set at the correct angle/height - tips:
    • put your laptop or monitor on a stack of books, with the upper edge of the screen at eye level
    • if you're using a smartphone or tablet, try to prop it about eye level
  • sound on and microphone off mute  
  • your phone handy as backup, just in case
  • something to verify your identity and location - at the start of our first call, you can show me an ID and verify your current location using your phone (necessary only if we haven't already met in person) ​

​During the call:
  • ​close other tabs and programs, silence notifications and decline any updates
  • silence your phone
  • ​use a headset or earbuds with a mic for better audio​
  • relax and speak at a normal volume
  • let me know of any problems on my end

Do a Trial Run
Get Set Up​​​

Demos of how to check in are available on YouTube for Chrome and Firefox; written instructions below: 
  • using Chrome, Firefox or Safari, do a trial run before (suggestion: the day before) your first session with the same computer or device in the same location as you'll be during your appointment
  • click on 'Enter waiting room' below to access my virtual waiting room
  • when prompted, enter your first name
  • allow Doxy.me to use your camera and mic (might need to allow a pop-up to get the permission request)​
  • once you land in my virtual waiting room and can see yourself in the preview, you're done!
    • ​tip: use the preview to make any adjustments to lighting or angles so I'll be able to see you clearly

Use this same link at the time of your appointment - once you enter the waiting room, I'll be notified and will start the call.

Just In Case
Troubleshooting
If you're having trouble connecting, try:
  • closing other browser tabs
  • closing other apps or programs
  • quitting or pausing those unnecessary programs that run automatically at startup, example:
    • ​​​Skype - log out first then mouse over the Skype icon in the system tray at the bottom of your screen to get the menu and select 'quit'  
    • pause Dropbox or other automatic cloud backups apps
  • restarting your computer
  • rebooting your router by unplugging it, waiting a minute, then plugging it back in and turning it back on
  • connecting directly to your router or wifi extender with an ethernet cable (this can make a big difference)
​If your microphone isn't working:

Interested in working with me? Located in California?  Book a free 15 minute consultation