Telehealth Therapy in California
Hi there! I am pleased to offer telehealth therapy to people in California. Why only California? Because that is where I am licensed to practice. (There are other locations I can provide therapy based on local laws but that is beyond this article.)
So what does online/virtual therapy entail? It is much like an in person therapy session in structure, except via technology. The client can use a computer or smartphone to access the webpage or app provided in order to have a HIPPA compliant, secure session.
Does online therapy work? Yep! Honestly, I was hesitant at first to offer online therapy; believing not being in the same room, or not having a in person connection would take away from the therapeutic experience. But it hasn’t! When we are “virtual” we are actually right there, face to face and it works just fine. Yes telehealth therapy works! If you go to google scholar and look up the outcomes for telehealth you can read all the studies about how it works. More research is needed but here is a nice research study for veterans with PTSD.
What’s good about online therapy? The client is in their environment. We are talking about the calming exercises right there where they will be practicing them. We are doing grounding exercises where the client will be grounding themselves. People seem to be more comfortable in their own space. Some people really feel the stigma of seeking mental health services, Doing so online can help reduce the stigma. The commute to my office is 0 minutes 😉 with online therapy. Which is great for those wanting a session on lunch break. And my favorite part of online therapy: meeting the client’s pets!
Is online therapy right for me? I do screen clients for online therapy. Why? Safety first. If a client is having suicidal thoughts or has a history of suicide attempts there are other options to get them help right away. I do not specialize in this type of crisis management anyhow. (If you are having thoughts of hurting yourself you can always call 911. They will know what to do). Also if a client has a dissociative disorder online therapy may not be the best match. We need to ensure the client in safe and a local therapist is a better idea. Last but not least the client needs to have a safe space to do therapy. If home or work is not safe and a confidential space is not available in office help is needed.
Can EMDR be done via telehealth? YES! Who would have thought? Thanks To COVID-19 quarantine EMDR protocols are now in place for EMDR. We sometimes need to get creative with technology depending what is available to the client. But it actually works! This is something I am really excited about, because not everyone lives in an area with a certified EMDR therapist. And now this type of therapy will be easy to access. I am in the process of recording videos with training tips for EMDR therapists and EMDR at home set ups for clients to make the eye movements easier.
Will my insurance reimburse for Telehealth? In California they MUST! Cool right? This is not true everywhere so if there is an out of state insurance company call them and ask how they reimburse for telehealth if provided a superbill. If met with resistance state California has a “parsimony law” and they have to reimburse at the in-office rate. I have written an article here about if insurance will cover therapy with in-depth information on how superbills work and how to contact your insurance company.
Sound good? Are you located in California? If yes and you are ready to book an appointment click here. And I look forward to meeting you online!
Kelly Burris is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California (#86688) specializing in trauma, anxiety, depression, and now coronavirus issues. Kelly is EMDR certified and offers other clinicians EMDR consultations via the EMDRIA consultant in training program. Appointments and more information at calicounseling.com
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