The approval of behavioral care services via specific HIPAA approved online web-based platforms by state legislatures, state licensing boards, professional organizations, Medicare, and Medicaid, in lieu of, or in addition to, traditional face-to-face methods has made counseling from a licensed counselor available to thousands of folks where small towns often make it difficult to maintain anonymity, are burdensome to the disabled or those who fall into lower socioeconomic status.
Types of services and answers to frequently asked questions are listed below for interested patients who are considering telepsychology.
While telepsychology is not widely understood by the general public, but it has been used for over 20 years in delivering therapy to soldiers, sailors, and marines around the world. This has allowed researchers to collect abundant evidence as to the efficacy of telepsychology. Like anything else, telepsychology is not for everyone and is not appropriate in the treatment for all issues. Some of the issues telepsychology has proven effective in treating include:
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder/Social Anxiety Disorder
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Depression
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Panic Attacks
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Medicine Compliance
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Substance Abuse/Dependency
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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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Eating Disorders
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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
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Smoking Cessation
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Gambling
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Sexual Addiction
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Sleep Wake Disorders
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Mindfulness
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Sexual Dysfunction
What types of technology are used for telepsychology?
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Technology may include phone, email, webcams, mobile apps, webpages or adaptive and assistive equipment.
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Working with a therapist may take place in real-time (via webcams or phone) or it may be time delayed (via email).
Why would I want to use telepsychology?
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Increased access to therapy for individuals with physical, medical and/or mobility disabilities.
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Increased access to disability specialists regardless of geographic area.
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Increased access to services in areas with few mental health resources.
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Increased access to a therapist with disability training and experience.
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Increased access to therapy for individuals who may have difficulty attending therapy on-site (e.g., those with post-traumatic stress disorder or agoraphobia).
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More time to collect information about thoughts, feelings, and behaviors outside of the sessions.
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Flexible scheduling and reduced fees
What should I ask myself about telepsychology?
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Will it work for me?
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Will I feel connected to my therapist?
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Will using telehealth make me feel more isolated?
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Do I feel comfortable using technology to receive services?
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Do I have the technology?
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Can I access the technology?
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Am I comfortable receiving services if I cannot see and/or hear my psychologist?
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Am I comfortable if I have to see another professional in an emergency?
What should I ask my psychologist?
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Are you licensed in the state where I live?
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Are there laws or guidelines in my state regulating telehealth and telepsychology?
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Will my insurance cover telepsychology services if I work with you?
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Will Medicaid cover telepsychology services if I work with you?
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Have you worked with individuals with disabilities?
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Have you worked with people with my type of disability?
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What technology will I need to work with you?
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Will this technology be accessible to me?
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Will I use the technology already in my home or will I go to another location (telecenter)?
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Will another location (telecenter) be accessible for my service animal, my wheelchair, my scooter, etc.?
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Is the technology available at another site free of charge?
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Are you willing to work with my adaptive/assistive technology professional or rehabilitation engineer if necessary?
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What if I need a family member, caregiver or home health provider to assist me during our sessions? How will that work?
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I need an interpreter to communicate. How will we do this?
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I use typing or pictures to communicate. I will need to use these to communicate with you. How will we do this?
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What should I do if we experience technical difficulties?
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What should I do in case there is an emergency and I cannot contact you?
As of March 20, 2020, the following insurance companies have authorized Telepsychology sessions (it always recommended that the insured call their insurance company directly).
- Medicaid
- Amerigroup
- Community Health Plan
- United Behavioral Health
- Premera Blue Cross
- Molina dual coverage plans
- PacificSource
- Regence Blue Shield of Idaho
- Blue Cross of Idaho