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.
I exclusively use a Telehealth platform developed for EMDR therapy called remotEMDR.
Prior to your first Telehealth session, a link will be made available to you that is unique to your sessions.
RemotEMDR acknowledges and addresses the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and its regulations, which govern the handling of Protected Health Information (PHI). They achieve this through attention to implementing reasonable security measures involving the handling of client PHI.
They also offer a BAA on their website, which is a key component for HIPAA compliance when a covered entity (like a therapist) uses a business associate (like RemotEMDR) for services involving PHI.
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. remotEMDR sessions use the same client specific 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 this platform.
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.
Copyright © 2020 Amanda Dafoe, LICSW - All Rights Reserved.