Online Counseling in Washington State
a Convenient and effective way to receive mental health care
What Is Telehealth or Online Therapy?
Telehealth is defined as psychotherapy services as well as other health services delivered via information and communication technologies, such as phone, internet and videoconference application.
Research shows teletherapy is effective and comparable to in-person services for most mental health concerns.
Not all clients and concerns are suitable for teletherapy (e.g. in crisis, active suicidal ideation with intent and plan, active homicidal ideation with intent and plan).
We will discuss this in the consultation to see if you might be a good match for services online.
Benefits of Online Therapy
Effective & Evidenced Based
Research shows teletherapy is effective and comparable to in-person services for most mental health concerns.
Convenient & Flexible
High quality therapy, conveniently online from the comfort of your own home.
All you need is a comfortable space, good internet connection, and your phone or laptop.
No commute and no traffic.
Confidential & Secure
I use a HIPAA compliant online client system and offer online scheduling through Simple Practice.
Commonly Asked Questions
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I use a platform called Telehealth by SimplePractice. There’s an app you can download or you can access the platform through your computer as well.
Telehealth by SimplePractice is HIPAA compliant to ensure that our sessions are safe, secure, private, and confidential.
If video therapy is not feasible, we will have sessions via phone.
Prior to our first session, please review the following FAQs.
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As of January 2021, Washington healthcare professionals offering telemedicine services are required to complete telemedicine training.
The purpose of the requirement is to inform practitioners of telemedicine definitions, regulations, and best practices.
The Washington State Telehealth Collaborative has created and made publicly available a “Washington State Telehealth Training” to ensure all health care professionals can fulfil this requirement.
I have completed multiple teletherapy training as of November 2020.
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No, I am licensed in Washington state and can only provide services to clients residing within Washington state.
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A computer, tablet, or phone (download the Simple Practice app if you are using your phone or tablet)
An external or integrated webcam
An external or integrated microphone
An internet connection with a bandwidth of at least 10 MBPS. I recommend an Ethernet cable over Wifi when possible to ensure you receive the best possible connection through your internet provider. You can check your internet speed here.
Shut down all background applications to ensure Telehealth receives the majority of your internet’s bandwidth, especially applications that use your camera.
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You will receive a link via email 2 days (48-hours) prior as well as 15 minutes prior to our session via email.
Click on the link in your email to join our session.
When you first join the session, you will be in the virtual waiting room.
This is where you will enter the name you want me to use, as well as check your settings to make sure you are using a strong internet connection and have good video and audio connectivity.
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Find a quiet place free of noise and distractions. This may be in a bedroom, home office, basement, or even in your parked car.
Make sure the device you are using (a computer, tablet, or smartphone) has a working camera and microphone and is fully charged.
Consider using headphones or earbuds plugged into your device to improve sound quality and maintain privacy.
If you live with others, ask that they don’t disturb you during your session time and that they refrain from using the Wi-Fi so that your connection is not slowed down.
Arrive a few minutes early before session starts.
Committing To Therapy Is An Investment
Starting therapy can be overwhelming.
I’m here to make it as easy as possible to get help.