Telehealth

Online Counseling Sessions Via
Secure Video Conferencing
​

 I am currently providing services via Telehealth only. Face to face services will resume when the office re-opens.

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