Teletherapy services for patients living in Princeton and all across New Jersey.
In March of 2020 we all shared the experience of being confined to our homes because of the Coronavirus pandemic crisis. For everyone’s safety, and upon the advice of our professional organizations, therapists closed their offices to in-person sessions and many of us began meeting with our clients through teletherapy.
I miss seeing my clients, my office-mates, and conducting my practice the way I used to. But I believe teletherapy can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy and is much needed in these challenging times of isolation and uncertainty. It is not exactly the same as in-person, human interaction and connection, and teleconferencing might take some getting used to, but I am happy to provide it as a way to continue serving my clients.
Here is some information about what to expect when teleconferencing with me at your first appointment.
- After we have established a time to meet, I will email you an intake form. This form can be filled out completely online and will be sent back to me for my records.
- You will need to use one of the following devices to teleconference with me from your home: a laptop, or a desktop computer with a webcam and speakers, or a tablet or iPad.
- My video conferencing software through TherapyNotes is secure and HIPAA-compliant. After you fill out your intake form, I will send you a welcome email and you can join my patient portal. The email address we have on file for you will receive a link prior to your scheduled appointment. Just click “Start Telehealth” when it is time to begin your appointment.
- Please make sure you are in a private location that allows you to have the same level of concentration and openness you would show in an in-person session. Try to make sure your whole face shows on my screen so that I can see your reactions and facial expressions. Feel free to use headphones to cut down on distractions.
- Relax, we are in this together. You will feel more comfortable with teletherapy as you gain more experience with it.
In unprecedented times like these we need to be flexible and resilient. Although they might have felt uncomfortable meeting on a screen for therapy at first, my clients typically make the transition to teletherapy quickly and continue and grow and improve just as they would have during in-person therapy. Some even find it more convenient than driving to my office for weekly appointments.
Although there might be a few limitations and challenges in teleconferencing for therapy, I am confident that it is the best way for me to be connected and available to therapy clients during this time of urgent need when much of the population is feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and isolated.
Please feel free to reach out today.