Teletherapy

Teletherapy is the use of technology-assisted media to deliver counseling services and treatment when in-person sessions may not be possible. Various devices may be used to connect including but not limited to laptops, smartphones, tablets, ipads, and desktops.  

Yes! Laura uses a HIPAA compliant video platform through SimplePractice. All video communication is encrypted and never recorded or saved. Additionally, Laura's device uses encryption technology to offer an added layer of protection. 

Yes. Laura's licenses only permit treatment for clients located within the state of Texas at the time of service. This means that should a client travel outside the state while in treatment, they will not be able to receive teletherapy services from Laura during that time. 

Teletherapy offers convenience and flexibility because sessions can take place in the comfort of the home without planning for drive times and traffic. For some it also reduces the burden of having to ask for time off from work as sessions could be conducted during lunch hours in the car. When weather conditions are less than ideal or illness and physical disabilities prohibit in-person contact, teletherapy provides a valuable alternative for maintaining consistency and quality treatment.  

In addition, research studies have reliably documented teletherapy as equally effective in treatment outcomes as in-person therapy for many common disorders and concerns.

Although teletherapy offers several advantages, there are disadvantages. Due to the reliance on technology, teletherapy poses risks of technological disruptions or dropped connections. There is also the disadvantage of missed non-verbal cues due to poor video/audio quality or due to the limitations of screen space. With teletherapy, the client is responsible to ensure there are limited to no distractions which may pose a challenge for some settings. And counselors have limited ability to respond to crisis situations. 

It is recommended to use a device no older than 3-4 years with internet speeds of 10mbps or faster. If connectivity is slow, it is recommended to disconnect other devices from the wifi network to free up bandwidth. (See PDF handout for more details on how to ensure a seamless set up.)