Telehealth Frequently Asked Questions.

With the marvels of technology, I can offer support through a secure platform (video, or audio), which offers comfort and convenience.

Please take a look at the questions and answers below, and the tips on how to have a great appointment underneath the Q&A. I am happy to provide further information about what to expect, to help put your mind at ease.

(Please note: This section is for Telehealth Q+A. If you’re seeking general information about services with me, please click here.)

How does Telehealth work?

You can use a computer, tablet, or phone to participate.

Once we set up an appointment day and time, I use a secure online platform (called Jane) to send you an email with your appointment date, and a link to fill out some basic information that helps us set up your profile in Jane’s secure video & audio platform.

You will also be asked to fill out and submit a brief, online intake form to provide a bit of background on your concerns, and to read and complete a form that gives information about counselling/therapy, privacy and confidentiality, and Telehealth so that you can provide informed consent to receive services. On the day of your appointment, at least 30 minutes before our meeting, you will receive a link to click to start your appointment through Jane.

Is it secure?

Every effort has been made to make sure that your security is protected. Telehealth services are covered by the same confidentiality practice standards as in-person sessions.

In terms of the platform that I use to provide services, I use Jane for healthcare, which features a very high standard of security. Jane is compliant with Canadian privacy law, called The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), and the Province of Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA).

It is important to be transparent that it is not possible to guarantee that technology cannot be breached. However, Jane uses the same level of security and encryption that banks do to handle their transactions. So, Jane takes their system’s security, and yours, seriously!

Will Telehealth, or phone-based services be covered by my insurance?

Most extended healthcare plans provide coverage for Telehealth, just like for in-office appointments. Especially after the pandemic, companies realized it is important to be flexible in helping people access the support they need.

Is Telehealth effective?

Yes. Even before the COVID pandemic, many studies have shown that Telehealth can be just as effective as in-person appointments. And, it’s been around for quite awhile. One article I read said Telehealth really got going in the 1990’s, and another said it actually started as far back as the early 1950’s when doctors began using closed-circuit television links between hospitals to have consultations with patients!

So, by the mere fact that it’s continued to be available, the consensus among many clients, health providers, counsellors, and therapists is that Telehealth can be quite helpful.

Research focused on people with specific groups has also shown positive results. For example, in a 2013 study looking at Internet treatment interventions for people with depression, researchers found measurable improvement in people’s depressive experiences of their thoughts and feelings after receiving Internet-based services.

In a 2017 review of research papers about Telehealth, entitled, “Telemental Health Care: An Effective Alternative to Conventional Mental Care,” the authors noted of their review of these many studies that it appears such services can be a beneficial option for people who would otherwise find it hard to attend an appointment in person. The authors noted, “Telemental health care can provide effective and adaptable solutions.”

Are there any added benefits to Telehealth?

Some people appreciate not having to commute, especially if they have a busy schedule, or live a bit further from their provider. Telehealth sessions eliminate the need to deal with travel time, traffic, and parking. If you are at home, you can meet with me in the comfort of your own room, or chosen space. The secure platform I use, Jane, sends a link that you click to join the session, and so it’s not complicated.

In addition, Telehealth can mean you don’t miss an appointment in the event of bad weather. Or, if you are feeling a bit under the weather yourself and are too unwell to travel, but still feel you need the support, you can rest at home and still have your appointment.

If we are talking on the phone, and you are comfortable with this option, you can even go for a walk during our session. Just note that the video can be a bit jumpy in such a case, and so this usually works best for a phone/audio only session.

I’m not sure if I have a private space to talk. Any advice?

Some clients connect for virtual sessions on a walk, sitting in a car, or in a backyard (weather permitting). I can talk with you to try and figure out less busy times in your household or living situation, such as providing appointments on different days, or earlier or later than usual.

It can also help to use headphones, which means that no one can hear what I am saying to you, and you don’t often need to speak as loudly when you use a set with a built-in microphone.

I’m still not sure Telehealth is right for me. What should I do?

It’s important to note that not everyone finds every type of service helpful. And, that’s the case for Telehealth, also. But, for some people Telehealth is just new, and maybe feels a bit intimidating because it is unfamiliar. Connecting virtually or by phone is a relatively easy way to receive consistent support that can help move you towards your goals.

If you are unsure whether such services could be a good fit, feel free to set up a free consultation with me to discuss your situation and needs, and we can figure out together whether this might be a helpful option for you to try. Remember, you have the right to discontinue services at any time, and if we decide another option could be better for you, we can discuss that together to help you along your way to what might be more appropriate.

This is just like a regular appointment in many ways. So, that means it helps a lot to remove distractions from the equation. If you are on a phone or other device, it helps to disable notifications to not get not interrupted by messages, emails, or updates. At home, try to find a private space where you can close a door, and have your privacy respected.

Meeting on your computer, it can be a good practice to close other pages on your web browser, and any extra programs you may be running. Also, the platform I use, Jane, works best on Google Chrome. So, it’s the one I recommend to use for our sessions. Video quality tends to be better the closer you are to your Internet router, unless you have a hard line (like an ethernet cable). And, it can help a lot to use headphones. Not only does this support your privacy, but can also improve call audio quality.

If you have any questions along the way, I am here to help. Feel free to send me a message, or give me a call.