Connecting with Telehealth

To aid in the goal of slowing the spread of Coronavirus, we are seeing clients almost exclusively via video, or telehealth, sessions.

You will need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with video capability, a private place to conduct the appointment, and internet access.

How do I access the video appointment?

We use Simple Practice, a HIPAA compliant telehealth platform.

After our staff or your provider has confirmed your video session, you will get an email with a link reminding you of your appointment. The subject of the email will be “Video Appointment Reminder”. The link embedded in the email will connect you to your provider at the time of your scheduled appointment.

 If you are using your computer, there is nothing to download — simply click on the link at the time of your appointment, confirm the camera and microphone, and put in a name, and you will be connected.

If you want to use your smartphone, you will need to download the application “Telehealth by Simple Practice.” At the time of your appointment, you can use your email with the link to connect you to the session through the app.  The following link will take you to the how-to guide provided by Simple Practice: Telehealth Guide

Does my health insurance cover video sessions?

95% of our clients’ health insurance will cover video sessions, including those on Oregon Health Plan and Medicare. The Oregon Health Authority along with the regulatory board for health insurance companies has put forward recommendations that most insurers have signed on to that allow for telesessions to be covered at the same rate as in session appointments until at least June 2021. The main exception are employer self-funded insurance plans, who may or may not cover telehealth.

What are factors to consider before deciding to use video sessions?

• There are potential risks of video-conferencing that differ from in-person sessions. These include:

  • urgent or crisis services are generally not well served with video sessions.

  • even though we use a HIPAA compliant, encrypted video program, video sessions include a risk of releasing private information over the internet.

  • there is a risk of being overheard by a person near you if care is not taken to find a private place for the appointment.

• Confidentiality still applies for telepsychology services, and nobody will record the session without the permission from the others person(s).

• You will 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, please notify the clinic in advance.

• In case there are technology difficulties, you will need a back-up plan (e.g., phone number where you can be reached) to restart the session or to reschedule it.

• In general, we will need a safety plan that includes at least one emergency contact and the closest emergency room 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 telepsychology sessions.

• We may determine that due to certain circumstances, video sessions are no longer appropriate.

What can I do to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has information about how to protect yourself and what to do if you think you are sick.