Avalon Counseing, LLC is committed to continuing to provide services during this challenging time. As the situation related to COVID-19 develops we are closely monitoring guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization. Informed by public health information, Avalon Counseling is now holding all therapy sessions via teletherapy.
Telepsychology is approved by Medicaid, Medicare, and most insurance companies. Insurance companies that approve Telepsychology reimburse at the same rate as an in-person session. It is my experience deductible and co-pays are handled by most insurance companies similar to an in-office session. As always, it is a good idea to check with your insurance company.
The web-based service I use is called Doxy.me, a HIPAA, American Psychological Association (APA), and American Counseling Association (ACA) approved conferencing service.
There are some privacy issues relevant to telepsychology that are addressed in my “Telepsychology Consent” form you will be receiving prior to your first telehealth session.
We have all had to adapt to the current environment. Some much, much more than others. I apologize for adding one more issue to your plate. I believe you will find this change has many more pluses than minuses.
If you would like to try a mini-session to see how telepsychology works, we can arrange that at no cost.
Warmly,
Dr. Stapp
New Patients Only
1. Please call my office (208) 366-5053 to schedule an appointment
2. A Welcome Package will be sent to you via secure email. The package will contain:
- Welcome Letter
- Patient General Information form
- Consent to Treatment
- Credit Authorization form
- Telepsychology Consent form
3. For your convenience, these forms are designed to be completed online and returned via the secure server to your counselor prior to your first session.
4. Your questions, comments, and suggestions are always welcome.
FAQs (for established Avalon Counseling patients)
Q: How can I be sure my sessions will be confidential?
A: To assure confidentiality, I subscribe to Doxy.me, a web-hosted service that is approved by HIPAA, the American Psychological Association (APA), the American Counseling Association (ACA), and my professional liability company.
Q: Do I need to buy a new computer?
A: Probably not. If you purchased a PC, MAC, tablet, or have a smartphone or Android it most likely has a built-in microphone for audio and a video camera. More on this later.
Q: How are the sessions scheduled?
A: Continue to schedule your sessions via your client portal or by calling or texting my office (208) 366-5053 ask for Emily.
Q: How do I join my session?
A: Click on this link for a 00:35-second introduction video https://doxy.me/en/patients/
Q: What are the session fees?
A: For the most up-to-date fee schedule click on: https://graymattercounseling.com/rates-insurance/
Most insurance companies cover telehealth claims similar to an in-office session. I highly recommend contacting your insurance carrier directly. Note: There is a 25% discount for self-pay patients.
Q: Late cancellations and “No-Shows.”
A: In almost three years of providing online counseling five days a week, I have had only a handful of cancellations due to acts of nature (i.e., power outages, telephone coverage interruptions, Internet routers meltdowns). With the previously mentioned special circumstances in mind, all of the office policies contained in the “Patient General Information” and “Consent to Treatment” forms apply.
TIPS for a Smooth Online Session
Things to consider:
- Is the space private?
- Can you lock the door?
- If not, will others who have access to the space respect your request for privacy and not enter the room?
- Can you/have you had a conversation with them?
- Were they receptive?
- If not, will others who have access to the space respect your request for privacy and not enter the room?
- Can others outside the room hear you talking?
- If so, can you create white noise with a fan or other form of background noise? (Preferably placed outside the doorway of the room you’re in)
- Consider using headphones or earbuds so that your provider’s voice is kept private and is only hearable by you
If you have a hard time finding confidential space, here are some examples that others have used. These are not ideal but should be considered secondary choices if an ideal setup is not available. If you use any of these, please make sure that the space is comfortable for you. Being comfortable is also highly important.
- Laundry Room
- Walk-In-Closet
- Basement
- Attic
- Actual last resort: your car parked in a safe, private spot. (We want to emphasize that private does not mean secluded. Please do make sure you are in a safe location.)
Technical Setup:
- A laptop or desktop computer are ideal — preferably the biggest screen size that you have available to you (that you can also have in a comfortable, confidential space)
- If you’re using a tablet or phone, please prop up the device so that it is stable and that the camera is about level with your eyes
- Whatever device you’re using, please make sure that the camera is about level with your eyes. It may require propping up your device or monitor on other items, such as books.
- Please make sure that you’re well lit and don’t have a bright light source directly behind you
Clear Your Internet
Be sure to move your computer as close as you can to your WiFi router (the box that makes the WiFi.) Or better yet — plug your computer into the router with a cable!
After that, you’ll want to close out of any programs you don’t need which use your Internet connection. Please visit Person Centered Tech for a video that will show you some examples of doing that and an article that will explain it.
You can also read more about online therapy at https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/online-therapy.aspx.