telehealth services

Online Therapy is often known as “Telehealth.” Depending on circumstances, this can be conducted with video or by telephone. Telehealth has become more and more common for mental health counseling, offering flexibility not found in a traditional office setting. In some circumstances it may be the best option. Examples would be snow days in which you or your therapist cannot get to the office, or when you or your child is not feeling well and you would still like to have a session. We are currently offering this as a preferred method of therapy to comply with social distancing recommendations in our state.

Please note that we are only able to offer these services to clients living in states where the therapist is licensed. All of our therapists are licensed in Oregon, and some have additional licensing in Washington.

If mutually agreed upon between you and your therapist, your treatment may include diagnosis, consultation, transfer of medical data, and education using teletherapy. For these services we use a secure (HIPAA compliant) way to communicate with you.

How do I prepare for a Telehealth Session?

To book a telehealth session:

Email us at hello@healthalliescounseling.com to
request your session be conducted via telehealth
Complete a new informed consent. We will email you the link.
Download the software for your appointment if needed.
We will email you a link for your appointment.
**Please test your link at least one hour before your session
to make sure your link works well
For phone appointments, your therapist will call you at the
appointed time.

Please read the following telehealth information.
If you have any questions, let your provider know.

There are potential benefits and risks of video-conferencing (e.g. limits to patient confidentiality) that differ
from in-person sessions.
Confidentiality still applies for telehealth services, and nobody will record the session without the permission from
the others person(s).
We agree to use the video-conferencing platform selected for our virtual sessions, and the therapist will explain
how to use it.
You need to use a webcam or smartphone during the session.
It is important to be in a quiet, private space that is free of distractions (including cell phone or other devices)
during the session.
It is important to use a secure internet connection rather than public/free Wi-Fi.
It is important to be on time. If you need to cancel or change your tele-appointment, you must notify the therapist in advance by phone or email.
We need a back-up plan (e.g., phone number where you can be reached) to restart the session or to reschedule it,
in the event of technical problems.
We need a safety plan that includes at least one emergency contact and the closest ER to your location,
in the event of a crisis situation.
If you are not an adult, we need the permission of your parent or legal guardian (and their contact information)
for you to participate in teletherapy sessions.
You should confirm with your insurance company that the video sessions will be reimbursed; if they are not reimbursed, you are responsible for full payment. (Note: insurance companies are overwhelmingly supportive of telehealth during this time of the COVID outbreak)
As your therapist, I may determine that due to certain circumstances, telehealth is no longer appropriate and that we should resume our sessions in-person.