Online Therapy: Telehealth | Family Therapy Group of Weston

Why Online Therapy Sessions in Florida?

The option to have therapy through a secure video portal is not a new development. In fact, in the last couple of years it has risen in use due to its convenience for access and its ease in use. As we have recently been faced with COVID-19 and social distancing, this way of doing therapy has become a very important and needed resource to help families, individuals and couples faced with anxiety, stress and turmoil resulting from the pandemic and being quarantined for weeks.

What is Online Therapy?

Online therapy also known as Telehealth is a way to have your counseling session from the privacy of your home or work from your desktop, laptop, tablet or mobile device (IOS or Android)

Online therapy is as effective and helpful as live sessions. For many, being able to have counseling from the safety and warmth of your home is quite appealing. Research now indicates that virtual talk therapy as a result of COVID-19 has become an important way to receive therapy services.

How do I know that my session will remain confidential?

We are able to provide Telehealth through SimplePractice Video portal which utilizes a HIPAA compliant platform to ensure your privacy. HIPAA refers to the Health Insurance Portability Act which means that your personal information must be kept confidential. By utilizing an encrypted video portal, it prevents your session from being hacked or leaked.

Are the sessions the same as live sessions?

While online sessions may not feel the same as live sessions, they can be equally as effective and helpful. For many, being able to have counseling from the safety and warmth of your home is quite appealing as you are surrounded not only by the objects you love but also your pets.

Does Online Therapy for Couples Actually Work?

Absolutely! Online therapy for couple’s therapy and marriage counseling can be just as effective than traditional in-office therapy, especially during difficult times. Online therapy allows us to take away the limitations of timing and accessibility to get you started right away.

How do I get started?

Once, you are set up as a patient in our office, your therapist will email you a unique and secure link to the Telehealth by SimplePractice video portal. At first the process may feel daunting but it is actually quite simple.

You can open the link from the browser on your computer or easily from your phone by downloading the “Telehealth by SimplePractice” app for IOS or Android.

A few things to keep in mind:

Find a place that is quiet and private. Just like in a therapist’s office, the space needs to be private and free from distraction.
The use of headphones/earbuds help with sound quality.
Most wireless networks work well but if you have a wired connection available it is recommended.
It is possible that at times the connection may lag or the video may freeze. All you have to do is disconnect and connect again via the link. If it does not work, the session can be continued over the phone.
Please do not drive while participating in a session

As always, We are here to answer any other questions that you may have. We are looking forward to meeting you in this virtual way until our lives and communities return to their normal state. In the meantime, stay safe, utilize the precautions recommended by the CDC and do your part to keep everyone safe.

** Due to laws set by the Board of National Social Workers, we are only able to provide therapy for clients living in the state of Florida**