What is Teletherapy?
We are very excited about this new option because it means we can meet with people who wouldn’t otherwise have access to maternal mental health services. There is no waiting and travel time, and you won’t have to take time off work or other priorities. Plus, it’s 100% HIPAA compliant and secure.
Through audio and video over the internet, you can meet with your therapist on-the-go from your desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device it’s your choice!
Telehealth allows us to connect anywhere with secure and convenient appointments that save you time and hassle. There’s no need to deal with distance or traffic when you can schedule and attend your appointments directly from a laptop or mobile device.
You’ll be sent a link for the video appointment. Click on it when our appointment is scheduled to start or open it through the Telehealth by Practice Better app (download free in the app store). You can use the camera and audio on your computer or mobile device.
What does a teletherapy appointment cost and how do I pay?
A teletherapy session is $150 plus HST. When you first log into the Client Portal you are required to submit your credit card information and payment will be processed at the end of each session.
Do you bill insurance?
We do not bill insurance directly. Your invoice will be sent to you via email and you can submit to your benefits provider. We do not guarantee that you will be reimbursed by your benefits or insurance for teletherapy as each plan and policy is different.
Is this service covered by my insurance or benefits provider?
Each person’s benefits coverage is different and therefore we can’t make any guarantees that teletherapy services are covered.
To better understand your benefits it is important to call your insurance provider and ask:
- What mental health professionals you are covered to see
- Psychologists?
- Psychotherapists?
- Social workers?
- What amount you are covered for each year
- The percentage covered each visit
- If video telehealth services are covered under your plan
Erica is a registered psychotherapist in Ontario license number #003095. Benefits plans in Ontario that cover registered psychotherapists may get reimbursed if your plan allows for teletherapy. This is up to you to navigate independently with your benefits provider.
Provinces where psychotherapists are not regulated will not be covered by benefits companies.
Where are your services currently offered?
As of right now, HAAM Teletherapy is seeing clients in the Canadian provinces of Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatewan, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland,North West Territories, Nunavut and Yukon.
The day of the call
What equipment do I need?
To participate in Telehealth appointments from your home, you will need one of the following devices:
- Desktop computer with a webcam, speakers, a 2.5 GHz processor, and 4 GB of RAM OR
- Laptop computer with built-in webcam and speakers, a 2.5 GHz processor, and 4 GB of RAM OR
- Tablet device with built-in webcam and speakers, OR
- Smartphone with at least iOS 10 or Android 6.0
- You will also need an internet connection that is at least 10mbps. For optimal results, a reliable, high-speed internet connection with a bandwidth of at least 10 mbps will minimize connection issues and provide the best quality.
Note: We recommend using the Pre-call Tool to check your internet connection.
Using a desktop or laptop computer
If you plan to use a desktop or laptop, there is nothing to download prior to your appointment. Here are the steps to join:
- Approximately 10 minutes before your appointment, you’ll receive an email appointment reminder.
- Note: If you have already consented to receiving text and/or email reminders, you will continue to receive them for Telehealth appointments as well. For new clients, make sure you have provided your email and or mobile phone number so that I can enable email or text reminders.
- Click the unique link embedded in the reminder. You may have to copy and paste the link into your web browser if clicking the link does not work. Your video call screen will now open in a new tab.
- If I have already joined the call, you will see my face on the screen. If I have not, you will see yourself.
- You will also see the Welcome prompt. Click Play test sound to test the your camera and microphone settings.
- When you are ready, click Join Video Call. This will take you straight into the video call.
Tip: For information about enabling camera and microphone access, please see: How to enable camera and microphone access for Telehealth.
Using a smartphone or tablet
If you plan to use a mobile device, here are the steps to join:
- Download Telehealth by SimplePractice (for iOS or Android) in the app store. Approximately 10 minutes before your appointment, you should receive an email appointment reminder.
- Open the reminder email on your device and click the unique link. This will open the Telehealth by SimplePractice app.
- If I have already joined the call, you will see my face on the screen. If I have not, you will see yourself.
- When you are ready, click Join Video Call. This will take you straight into the video call.
Note: There may be a slight delay for me to join the appointment if I am finishing with a previous appointment. Please be patient and I will join momentarily.
How do I schedule/request an appointment?
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<div class="better-inline-booking-widget" data-url="https://my.practicebetter.io" data-booking-page="" data-hash="5e2902432a982303443d6875" data-hide-branding="false" data-theme="d0b6c9" style="max-width:550px;height:800px;" data-scrollbar-visible="false"></div>
<script type="text/javascript" src="https://my.practicebetter.io/assets/js/booking.widget.js"></script>
<!-- Practice Better Booking Widget: end -->- Visit our client portal to book an appointment.
What should I do if I didn’t get the reminder with the link?
- Contact me if you did not get the link so I can send it to you via email or secure messaging.
What telehealth software do you use? Is it HIPAA compliant?
- Practice Better is my practice management software for scheduling, case management, and Telehealth, and therapy notes. Practice Better, uses a HIPAA compliant software so your information will be securely kept and data is stored in Canada.
What can I do to improve the quality of the connection?
If you live in an area with slow internet, this can really affect the speed of your connection. Here are some basic steps that can improve the overall quality:
- Use wired Ethernet instead of wifi whenever possible. Wifi will work, but you may experience a lag and interference, which can make your video and audio choppy. If you experience a lag or interference while using Wifi, we recommend moving closer to your router. However, wired internet will give you a much smoother, more consistent experience.
- Test your internet connection speed. Google provides an easy way to test your internet connection directly from the google homepage. Simply search: internet speed test. Click the blue button that says Run Speed Test. If it is under 10mbps and you’re using wifi, try using a wired internet connection or restarting your router.
- Close other programs. If you have several programs running in the background, closing them will almost certainly improve the quality. Also, make sure you’re not downloading any large files.
- If you are unable to connect, please contact me as soon as possible to see if I can help you troubleshoot.
How should I prepare my space for a Telehealth appointment?
- Identify a suitable room that is quiet, private, and free of distractions.
- To keep background noise to a minimum, make sure to close any doors, shut windows, turn off the television, and keep loud pets in another room if possible. Consider hanging a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door to avoid interruptions.
Is Telehealth private?
- Just like a face-to-face appointment, your Telehealth visit will be private and confidential. To insure your confidentiality, make sure you are aware of your surroundings and log on to your session from a private space.
Will the appointments be recorded?
- None of our appointments will ever be recorded or stored.
