Online Teletherapy for Arizona

Getting Started with Telehealth

For practical information on how to prepare for your session, click here. If you are new to technology and a little intimidated, you are in the right place. Continue reading below for more information about the equipment, your privacy and setting up an appointment.

To prepare, please review the following information before your first video appointment:

How to Connect?

You can connect to your therapist using IOS or Android from a desktop, laptop, tablet or mobile device.

What equipment do I need?

To participate in Telehealth appointments from your home, you will need one of the following devices: The information specific to your device will usually be on your device under the SETTINGS tab.

Desktop computer with a webcam, speakers, a 2.5 GHz processor, and 4 GB of RAM
Laptop computer with built-in webcam and speakers, a 2.5 GHz processor, and 4 GB of RAM
Tablet device with built-in webcam and speakers
iPad with built-in webcam and speakers
Smartphone with at least iOS 13 or Android 10
(Note: To use a smartphone, you must first download Telehealth by SimplePractice, available for iOS or Android in the app store. There is usually an icon referencing the app sore on your phone.)

You will also need an internet connection that is at least 0.35 mbps. For optimal results, a reliable, high-speed internet connection with a bandwidth of at least 10-15 mbps will minimize connection issues and provide the best quality.

Using a desktop or laptop computer

You won’t have to download anything if you intend to use a desktop or laptop. You can join the session by following the steps below:

If you log into your client portal, (the same place where you submitted your intake and set up an account), you can adjust the settings to receive reminders by email, text or voicemail. There will be a link to your telehealth appointment in the text or email reminders. Simply click on the link to join your session. This link is active about 10 minutes before your appointment.

Note: If you have already consented to receiving text and/or email reminders, you’ll continue to receive them for Telehealth appointments as well. If you’re a new client, make sure that you’ve provided your email and or mobile phone number so that I can enable email or text appointment reminders for you.

Click the unique link embedded in the email reminder. You may have to copy and paste the link into your web browser if clicking the link doesn’t work. Your video call screen will now open in a new tab.
If I’ve already joined the call, you‘ll see my face on the screen. If I haven’t, you’ll see yourself.
You’ll also see the Welcome prompt.
When you’re ready, type your name where it says Enter your name to join, and click Join Video Call. This will take you straight into the video call.
Don’t share this link with anyone. It is unique to you.

Enabling your camera and microphone access for Telehealth

Your browser will need permission to use your camera and microphone before you start your session. If you are unable to see or hear your therapist, there’s a good chance that you have not granted the browser access to your camera or microphone. Here are some ways to grant access on some common browsers:

Chrome

1. - On a Mac
    - Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy.
    - Choose the Camera and Microphone from the available options on the left and make sure that there is a checkmark next to Google Chrome giving it access to your camera and microphone.
  - On a PC
    - Go to Start > Settings > Privacy.
    - Choose Camera and Microphone from the available options and select their permissions for Allow apps to access your (camera/microphone).
    - Under Choose which apps can access your (camera/microphone), turn on for Google Chrome.
  - Within Chrome
    - Open Chrome.
    - At the top right, click the three vertical dots > Settings.
    - Scroll to Privacy and Security and click Site settings.
    - Click Camera and Microphone.
    - Make sure https://video.simplepractice.com is listed under Allow. If it’s under Block, click the trashcan to the right.

Safari

1. - Open Safari.
  - Go to Safari > Preferences > Websites.
  - For both the Camera and the Microphone:
    - If video.simplepractice.com has Deny next to it, change it to Allow from the dropdown menu on the right.

Firefox

1. - On a Mac
    - Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy.
    - Choose the Camera and Microphone from the available options on the left and make sure that there is a checkmark next to Firefox giving it access to your camera and microphone.
  - On a PC
    - Go to Start > Settings > Privacy.
    - Choose Camera and Microphone from the available options and select their permissions for Allow apps to access your (camera/microphone).
    - Under Choose which apps can access your (camera/microphone), turn on for Firefox.
  - Within Firefox
    - Click on the padlock in the URL bar at the top of the browser and click Permissions.
    - Next to Use the Camera and Use the Microphone choose Allow.

Edge

1. - On a Mac
    - Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy.
    - Choose the Camera and Microphone from the available options on the left and make sure that there is a checkmark next to Microsoft Edge giving it access to your camera and microphone.
  - On a PC
    - Edge automatically has access to your camera and microphone because it’s the default browser for Windows devices.
  - Within Edge
    - Click on the padlock in the URL bar at the top of the browser and make sure Camera and Microphone are set to Allow.

Once you’ve enabled your browser to access your camera and microphone, please close your browser and then restart it.

Using a smartphone or tablet (e.g. IPad)

If you plan to use a mobile device, here are the steps to join:

Download Telehealth by SimplePractice (for iOS or Android) in the app store. About 15 minutes before your appointment, you’ll receive an email or text appointment reminder.
Open the reminder email on your device and click the unique link. This will open the Telehealth by SimplePractice app.
- If you don’t have the app downloaded, you’ll be prompted to download it on your tablet or mobile device.
If I ‘ve already joined the call, you’ll see my face on the screen. If I haven’t, you’ll see yourself.
When you are ready, click Join Video Call. This will take you straight into the video call.

Note: There may be a slight delay for me to join the appointment if I’m finishing with a previous appointment. Please be patient and I’ll join momentarily.

What if my microphone and webcam aren’t working?

When you click on your Telehealth appointment link, make sure to click Allow to enable your webcam and microphone to work with Telehealth. If you don’t see this option, click Reload the page.

Don't Delay Treatment

It’s been reported that millions of Americans are struggling with the sudden onset of this pandemic and the multitude of challenges it presents. For many who are adhering to the recommendations of the CDC and WHO regarding COVID-19, but wish to continue or intiate therapy, our telehealth sessions for individuals or couples who reside in Arizona is a convenient and comfortable option. We use a secure telehealth video platform that is HIPAA compliant (meaning it will keep your information confidential).

Telehealth is Here to Stay

Some of you may be new to therapy and find that this is the time you need help most, but have no idea where to start. Your best bet is to review the website, and particularly where I go into detail about the interventions I use such as EMDR, the process for starting and your investment. A virtual session might seem counterintuitive to building rapport and delving into emotional wounds, but there are many advantages over in person therapy beyond convenience. Learning skills in your regular setting can accelerate the transition from the proverbial therapist couch to your everyday life.

Benefits of Teletherapy

In person therapy is the ideal, but it has never been an option for some because of their remote location, hectic work schedules or disability. Telehealth, (also known as teletherapy, virtual therapy, mobile therapy, remote therapy) has some specific advantages. It can be more convenient and practical in terms of accessibility and more comfortable for some. Our First Responders who are on the front lines of the current pandemic are a great example of those who can benefit most from the availability of E-therapy. According to the American Telemedicine Association, telehealth decades of research suggest that teletherapy is safe, cost-effective and as effective as face-to-face. That said, it is not for everyone. Serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, major depressive disorder and severe and active addictions may require a higher level of care. Please watch our informative video on the right and contact us to ask any questions.

Telehealth -use of information technologies to access health services remotely Teletherapy -work between a health professional and client via HIPAA compliant technology.