Telemedicine has been around for a while. Breaking barriers for those who did not have a facility close enough or could not physically go to the office. After Covid, the world opened the doors for providers to see clients from home using video and audio technology that is HIPPA compliant.
Based on last week’s census, our practice sees 75% of our clients via Telehealth. Why the change and is it something I should consider when looking for a mental health provider?
Telehealth exploded with the blessings of the government and insurance companies, who were expanding benefits to cover these services in an effort to decrease exposure to Covid 19. Clients who would have never considered counseling via video started using the services and had positive feedback, recommending telemedicine to friends and family.
Terry Hefter Associates has been in practice for 26 years. The majority of our experience was face-to-face client interaction. In 2020, our practice, as our country, pivoted and adapted to the circumstances of the pandemic. We started offering Telehealth sessions with great success. Now two years later, the majority of our sessions are via Telehealth, with the exception of children and adolescents’ visits which are mostly conducted in person. Our practice currently has 14 licensed providers who offer both in-person and telehealth visits when appropriate.
Not every client can be best served by Telemedicine. Younger clients, clients for EMDR modality, and individuals who do not want Telemedicine have their choice of providers from the therapist that come in seven days a week.
For clients with a long commute to the office, Telemedicine is the preferred choice. Telemedicine appointments are available after hours and on weekends, making it convenient and accessible to individuals who could not schedule appointments in person.
Our telehealth appointments are conducted via a secure portal through Google Meet. A link is sent to the client, and they simply click on the link to open a session at their scheduled time. Sessions can be conducted using your phone, tablet, or desktop computer.
We accept BCBS, Cigna, Aetna, Humana, UBH, PHCS/Multiplan, Magellan, Matrix, and Compsych.
Initial consultations have an intake questionnaire that gives your therapist an idea of the best approach for your treatment plan, but all treatments and modalities are discussed and agreed upon by the clients.
Our intake Department returns all emails within 24-48 hours.
Intake Department email: Hello@thatherapygroup.com