I continue to offer remote sessions for those clients who otherwise would not have access to my office in Northborough, MA. As a client of my practice, telehealth links are provided once a session is scheduled.
Currently there are two platforms for video sessions. Depending on where you are in your treatment, we may use the platform offered by Simple Practice or an EMDR site called remotEMDR.
In each case, a link will be made available to you that is unique to your sessions.
SimplePractice is HIPAA compliant and HITRUST certified. The HITRUST framework is the gold standard of security certifications in the healthcare industry.
remotEMDR is doing everything necessary to ensure compliance with applicable HIPAA rules and regulations as they apply to the services being offered by my practice.
Any device that has the capability to stream video with sound and a reliable and private internet connection is all you need to ensure you can get the most from your session.
You may use any PC, laptop or mobile device that can be connected to a power source should the battery need recharging.
Your privacy is very important to me. I encourage you to plan for remote sessions to be held in a space that is private both for audio and video. Sometimes that is as simple as using your headphones in your parked car.
In addition, licensing laws dictate that you must be in the state in which I am licensed at the time of our sessions. I am currently licensed to provide therapy services in Massachusetts only.
One solution to a lack of private space is to use a white noise recording on your phone or another device placed outside the room or on the other side of a shared wall to create a wall of sound that will mask your voice from anyone outside the room. Use of headphones will mask mine. Please avoid using bluetooth over your vehicle's sound-system as this does not provide enough privacy from the outside of your car. Feel free to contact me ahead of your scheduled session to discuss any barriers to maintaining your privacy.
No, you can join a session by simply clicking the link provided in the reminder emails or texts you will receive from Simple Practice. Each session with Simple Practice has a different link that can only be used once.
remotEMDR sessions use the same unique link for each session which can be opened in any browser. Please request a link if you are unable to locate the one provided at your first session using that platform. No password or login is necessary for either platform.
If you prefer to use a mobile device, Simple Practice offers an app that can be downloaded in the App Store of your mobile device.
I will work with you to address any technical difficulties we may experience. Often the issues are quickly and easily resolved. If the issue cannot be resolved in a timely manner, I will call you and we can complete our session by phone. Apps such as FaceTime and Messenger video calls are not HIPAA compliant and will not be used for sessions.