Now more than ever, there is a need for ongoing support in our communities. With physical distancing in practice to help us all minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19, we still need to connect with each other. Our therapists are equipped to offer virtual counseling, or teletherapy, moving forward.

Teletherapy is a valuable solution, enabling us to continue serving clients both new and already established. Below are commonly asked questions clients might consider before starting or switching to teletherapy:

 

How is a teletherapy session different than an in-person session? 

Teletherapy sessions and in-person sessions have more similarities than differences. They are both private, secure, one-on-one conversations in the context of a therapy relationship. Most of the boundaries remain consistent between both: the scheduling of times, the length, and the content of the sessions. The major and obvious difference is that you and your therapist are using video technology to communicate instead of being in the same room. With that difference, it can for some seem very similar to in-person therapy; for others it can require more adjustment.

 

Will my insurance cover teletherapy?

In most cases, yes. Fortunately, Medicare covers teletherapy sessions and insurers (including employee health plans) must reimburse a provider for services delivered through telemedicine or store-and-forward when the service is “medically necessary” (a standard that also applies to in-person therapy services). Note that only video conferencing (and not phone calls) will be covered by insurance. To ensure coverage, please enquire directly with your insurance provider about your plan’s teletherapy (tele-mental health) benefits.

 

What will I need in order to get started with teletherapy?

You will need a computer or device with a camera and a microphone. In addition, internet access is required and we ask that, if you are using wifi, you use a secure signal. Once you have consulted with your therapist about the prospect of using teletherapy, you will be given forms to read, fill out, and sign. Then, you will meet with your therapist for an intake evaluation.

 

What measures are my therapist putting in place to protect my privacy? 

At Samaritan Center, we only use teletherapy that is secure and HIPAA compliant. All privacy laws are strictly enforced while using teletherapy, as they are when meeting face-to-face. No sessions are recorded, and we will verify with you at each session that no one else is in the room on either end. Your therapist will ensure that their workspace is free of intrusion, distraction, or interruption, and file charts will be maintained in a safe, secure manner.

 

How long are teletherapy sessions? 

Like in-person therapy, teletherapy sessions can vary in length, depending on your needs and your insurance coverage if applicable. Typically, sessions are either 45 minutes or an hour.

 

How much does teletherapy cost if I am paying out of pocket? 

When using private pay for teletherapy, the same standard fees as in-person therapy apply. Your therapist will discuss fees with you prior to starting.

 

Is a sliding scale fee available for teletherapy? 

Yes! When using private pay, you may talk with your therapist about our Adjusted Fee Schedule, which can be a useful tool in adjusting standard fees based on family income and other considerations. We want to work with you to arrive at a fee that works for you.

 

Can we do couples or family counseling over teletherapy? 

Yes. Our current setup requires all persons on your end of the video to be in the same space, using the same camera. Practical issues, such as how to capture all parties on screen, can arise when working remotely in this way, though we do not consider these to be limiting in themselves. Your therapist can help determine if your particular couple or family “setup” is right for teletherapy.

 

If I am new to therapy, can I begin with teletherapy? Or do I need to have met my therapist in person first? 

The best practice at Samaritan Center is that teletherapy relationships begin with an in-person assessment. We believe that this assessment, which can last 1-3 sessions as needed, is important for the establishment of rapport, trust, and safety. Your therapist can discuss this expectation with you prior to beginning treatment.

The initial phase of therapy is critical for you and your therapist to be evaluating your “fit” with each other, and to establish “medical necessity,” while also determining if teletherapy can be helpful in your specific situation. Additionally, it is our practice that therapists meet face-to-face with their clients periodically in order to maintain and attend to important aspects of the personal relationship.

 

How do I find a therapist? 

To find a Samaritan Center therapist who is currently offering services using teletherapy, please contact our front desk at (206) 527-2266 or visit our Find a Therapist search page. We look forward to meeting you!