+ What is telehealth?
Telehealth is the delivery of remote support via telecommunications and digital communication technologies. In the mental health industry, we utilize telehealth to provide the online delivery of mental health counseling services via two-way video conferencing. Online therapy sessions are very similar to traditional therapy sessions, the exception being that instead of sitting in the same room, clients and therapists interact via live video conferencing using the same techniques and materials as traditional onsite services. The platform we use at Where You Are Counseling was designed specifically to deliver online therapy services.
+ Is video counseling as effective as face-to-face counseling sessions?
Online therapy is face-to-face counseling - research studies have demonstrated teletherapy being as effective as traditional counseling, and leading professional organizations recognize the benefit of therapy delivered online. In addition, state governments have recognized the value of teletherapy services, adopting laws regulating the industry. Mental health counseling in any form always has limitations in what it can accomplish, and there is no guarantee that therapy will be successful in helping you to achieve your goals. It is important for you and your therapist to discuss your therapy goals and determine together whether or not teletherapy is helping you accomplish these goals.
+ Is video counseling appropriate for all individuals?
Online therapy is less effective for those who struggle with chronic suicidal thoughts, significant trauma history, significant mental health history, or are recently out of a higher level of care. Individuals dealing with these circumstances are almost always best supported by traditional, in-person counseling. During your intake and evaluation, we will assist you in determining if our services are the most appropriate form of therapy.
+ Are my sessions and personal information secure and confidential?
Your privacy and confidentiality is of the upmost importance to us. Where You Are Counseling currently contracts with TheraPlatform - a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant, fully integrated telehealth and practice management software platform - to provide our teletherapy sessions. Security features of this platform include:
- Unrecorded Video connection encryption.
- Website connection encryption (SSL) with 2048 bit SSL with a 256 bit encryption.
- Data transfer encryption.
- Encrypted database backups.
- Server drive are encryption with a data key using the industry-standard AES-256 algorithm.
- High availability architecture.
- Web application firewall.
- 24 hour monitoring.
- Detailed logging and auditing.
- Data encryption at both rest and in transmission.
- Database encryption using 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES-256).
+ What geographic locations do you serve?
Where You Are Counseling currently serves the states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania and we are expanding to more states as new telehealth laws go into effect. While telehealth allows the convenience of being able to participate in online counseling sessions from wherever you are, state laws and regulations currently require clients to be physically located in-state at the time of your session.
+ What level of qualifications do you possess?
Our founder and lead counselor Hollie O’Keefe is a highly qualified, state-licensed and certified mental health professional with over 15 years of experience. In addition, Where You Are Counseling meets and exceeds standards developed and established by the American Telehealth Association. For more information, please visit the Our Team section of our site.
+ What equipment do I need to participate in online therapy?
Once you have completed your scheduling and intake, simply access your session by clicking on the Log In link under the Clients menu located on the upper left hand corner of this site using the credentials we provide to you, no download required. Our platform supports both individual and group sessions, and can be accessed using the following devices:
- A computer with a webcam and internet access; or
- A mobile device or tablet with a webcam and internet access.
Before scheduling your first appointment, we will be happy to work with you to test your set-up to ensure a working, reliable connection.
iOS Users: Please utilize Safari browser for sessions on mobile and tablet devices.
+ How do I communicate and interact with my therapist in between online therapy sessions?
Use the Log In link under the Clients menu located on the upper left hand corner of this site using the credentials we provide to you to conveniently contact your counselor via HIPAA compliant, secure messaging. It is also used to remind you of upcoming appointments as well as to submit intake and consent forms.
+ What forms of payment do you accept?
Where You Are Counseling is an in-network for some insurances, and out-of-network for others. Please check under Services > Rates to see if oyu are covered.
We accept all major credit and debit cards, and payment is submitted through our client portal using the Log In link under the Clients menu located on the upper left hand corner of this site.
Should you choose to use Where You Are Counseling as an out-of-network provider, you may be able to submit a claim to your insurance provider for reimbursement. We highly recommend that you contact your insurance company prior to requesting your therapy session for additional information on if they offer out-of-network therapy reimbursement, at what level this reimbursement amount is, and also verify if you may be eligible to utilize your Medical Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account for your sessions. We will be able to provide you with the proper documentation to submit your reimbursement, however it is the client’s responsibility to manage reimbursement submissions and processing with his or her insurance provider.
+ What is your cancellation/rescheduling policy?
A twenty-four (24) hour advanced notice is required for any session cancellation or reschedule. Cancellations less than twenty-four (24) hours in advance will be charged $30 fee for the session. This will not apply if the sesion is rescheduled witin one week.
+ What is your discharge policy?
Three (3) consecutive missed sessions (wihtout any contact) will result in discharge from the consultation/therapeutic relationship. Life comes up, so if we speak the relationshiyp will continue. All discharges are discussed prior to letter.