Reaching you where you are

Psychotherapy via telepsychology or telehealth utilizes a telephone, a smart phone, a laptop or a PC with a camera and microphone to provide virtual treatment services. This approach enables you to access therapy from a distance, connecting with me and benefiting from my assistance. Here are some ideas to determine if telepsychology is right for you.

1. Accessibility: If you reside in a remote area or face transportation difficulties, telepsychology eliminates geographical barriers. The playing field is leveled creating more equal opportunity to access therapy. 
2. Convenience: You can engage in therapy sessions from the comfort of your own home, reducing the need for travel and saving time.
3. Overcoming barriers: Telepsychology helps overcome obstacles created by a health condition, limited travel budget, or a mobility challenge.
4. Consistency of treatment over time: If either you or I are temporarily away from home, telepsychology ensures consistent access to therapy sessions.

1. Equipment: Reliable internet access and a computer with a camera and microphone, or a smartphone or a simply a telephone. Do you have the skills necessary to set up the video sessions successfully? Using the telephone is the easiest and least technological form of telepsychology.
2. ID: You need to provide some identification, such as a driver’s license, to verify your identity and location. I can only work with residents of British Columbia. My credentials can be verified through the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC website found on the LINKS page.
3. Emergencies: You should disclose your location at each session. We need to exchange phone/text numbers or email addresses for immediate communication, and in case of emergencies, contacting 911 is crucial. 
4. On-going check-in: As therapy proceeds, we will discuss whether telepsychology is working and effective for you. 

1. Limited visual cues: Absence of or limited visual cues during virtual sessions may lead to potential misunderstandings, requiring additional efforts to seek clarification.
2. Boundaries and communication: Establishing clear boundaries for communication between sessions is crucial. We will discuss appropriate content for different technology platforms, expected response times and emergency management between sessions.
3. Technological complications: Time delays, malfunctioning equipment and slow internet speeds may arise. If on-line sessions aren't working, we can use the telephone as a back up.
4. Security and confidentiality: While efforts are made to provide secure services, transmitting information via the internet poses some risks. Concerns include potential breaches of confidentiality, the possibility of others discovering online participation and cybersecurity threats.
5. Compliance with privacy laws: Only specific video-conferencing platforms compliant with Canada and BC’s security and privacy laws should be used to ensure client confidentiality. MS Teams, FaceTime or WhatsApp can be used for sessions.
6. Privacy and security measures: I will actively monitor and respond to any privacy or security breaches promptly. The College of Health and Care Professionals of BC and my liability insurance carrier will be notified when necessary.