What is TeleHealth? Information and FAQs for clients

What is Telehealth?

Through audio and video over the internet, you can meet with your clinician on-the-go from your desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device (iOS or Android) - it's your choice!

Telehealth allows us to connect anywhere with secure and convenient appointments that save you time and hassle. There's no need to deal with traffic when you can schedule and attend your appointments directly from a laptop or mobile device.  

What equipment do I need?

To participate in Telehealth appointments from your home, you will need one of the following devices:

1. Desktop computer with a webcam, speakers, a 2.5 GHz processor, and 4 GB of RAM OR

2. Laptop computer with built-in webcam and speakers, a 2.5 GHz processor, and 4 GB of RAM OR

3. Tablet device with built-in webcam and speakers, OR

4. Smartphone with at least iOS 10 or Android 6.0
   (Note: To use a smartphone, you must first download Telehealth by SimplePractice - available for iOS or Android in the app store.)

5. You will also need an internet connection that is at least 10mbps. For optimal results, a reliable, high-speed internet connection with a bandwidth of at least 10 mbps will minimize connection issues and provide the best quality.

Note: We recommend using the Pre-call Tool to check your internet connection.

The day of the call

How to join on a desktop or laptop computer

If you plan to use a desktop or laptop, there is nothing to download prior to your appointment. Here are the steps to join:

1. Approximately 10 minutes before your appointment, you should receive an reminder.

   • Note: If you have already consented to receiving text and/or email reminders, you will continue to receive them for Telehealth appointments as well. For new clients, make sure you have provided your email and or mobile phone number so that I can enable email or text reminders.

2. Click the unique link embedded in the reminder. (Note: You may have to copy and paste the link into your web browser.) Your video call screen will now open in a new tab.

3. If I have already joined the call, you will see my face on the screen. If I have not, you will see yourself, as shown below.

4. You will also see the Welcome prompt. Click Play test sound to test the your camera and microphone settings.

5. When you are ready, click Join Video Call. This will take you straight into the video call.

How to join on a smartphone

If you plan to use a mobile device, here are the steps to join:

1. Download Telehealth by SimplePractice (for iOS or Android) in the app store. Approximately 10 minutes before your appointment, you should receive an email appointment reminder. 

2. Open the reminder on your mobile device and click the unique link. This will open the Telehealth by SimplePractice app.

3. If I have already joined the call, you will see my face on the screen. If I have not, you will see yourself.

4. When you are ready, click Join Video Call. This will take you straight into the video call.

Note: There may be a slight delay for me to join the appointment if I am finishing with a previous appointment. Please be patient and I will join momentarily.

Tips for success

• I recommend joining the video appointment a few minutes early to test your settings.

• If you can connect to the Internet, but are having trouble joining the video, you can use our recommended Pre-call Tool.

• To use a smartphone to join a video chat, you must first download the Telehealth by SimplePractice app available in the app store for iOS or Android.

• If you need to cancel or have questions about the appointment, please contact me.

FAQs

What should I do if I didn’t get the reminder with the link?

Contact me if you did not get the link so I can send it to you via email or secure messaging. 

What is SimplePractice?

SimplePractice, LLC is my practice management software for scheduling, case management, and telehealth, and therapy notes. SimplePractice, LLC, uses a HIPAA compliant software so your information will be securely kept.

What can I do to do improve the quality of the connection?

If you live in an area with slow internet, this can really affect the speed of your connection. Here are some basic steps that can improve the overall quality:

• Use wired Ethernet instead of wifi whenever possible. Wifi will work, but you may experience a lag and interference, which can make your video and audio choppy. If you experience a lag or interference while using Wifi, we recommend moving closer to your router. However, wired internet will give you a much smoother, more consistent experience.

• Test your internet connection speed. Google provides an easy way to test your internet connection directly from the google homepage. Simply search: internet speed test. Click the blue button that says Run Speed Test. If it is under 10mbps and you’re using wifi, try using a wired internet connection or restarting your router.

• Close other programs. If you have several programs running in the background, closing them will almost certainly improve the quality.  Also, make sure you’re not downloading any large files.

If you are unable to connect, please contact me as soon as possible to see if I can help you troubleshoot.

How should I prepare my space for a Telehealth appointment?

• Identify a suitable room that is quiet, private, and free of distractions.

• To keep background noise to a minimum, make sure to close any doors, shut windows, turn off the television, and keep loud pets in another room if possible. Consider hanging a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door to avoid interruptions. 

Is Telehealth private?

Just like a face-to-face appointment, your Telehealth visit will be private and confidential.

Will the appointments be recorded?

None of our appointments will ever be recorded or stored.

A High Street Psychotherapy clinician featured in publication ~ Dr. Regan King

Recently, Dr. Regan King was featured as a part of the Psychosocial Oncology Team at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center (HFGCC) in Christiana Care Health System's publication Cancer Update.  As a part of his doctoral training in Health Psychology, Dr. King spent one year (2012-2013) as a trainee helping cancer patients and their families deal with any mental health concerns during the diagnosis, treatment or post-treatment of cancer.  Dr. King also helped families grieve the loss of loved ones to cancer.  Two years ago, he was asked to come back and support the team for a brief period during one of the Psychologist's leave of absence.  Three months turned into one and a half years!  In addition to resuming the responsibilities stated above, Dr. King provided support to cancer patients and their families who were admitted to Christiana Care Hospital for treatment.  He also consulted with newly diagnosed patients with varying cancers and their families at the HFGCC's Multi-Disciplinary Centers in an effort to provide comprehensive, integrated care. 

Cancer psychology can often be helpful for newly diagnosed cancer patients who have pre-existing mental health difficulties, individuals who experience emotional distress as a result of the cancer diagnosis, and/or for families of patients who are not quite sure how best to help their loved one.  Often individuals who experience life-threatening illnesses benefit from having a confidential relationship with a mental health professional who is familiar with the impact of cancer.  Patients sometimes appreciate having an outlet to explore their many thoughts and feelings that accompany this health challenge.  

If you feel as though you or someone you may know would like more information, click on the "Meet the Therapist" tab and contact Dr. Regan King at (443)420-8655.  Check out the Cancer Update feature below!

One Word for the New Year

I don't particularly like nor do I recommend my clients set New Year resolutions.  If we haven't addressed the underlying reasons making it difficult to make a change, a resolution can create pressure and then shame if not achieved.  However, picking one word that represents a focus, hope or change that you desire in your life is a way to set an intention for your growth. A word such a JOY, WELLNESS, SELF-CARE, PEACE or BOUNDARIES are examples of words that might encapsulate the change you wish to make in your life.  So, think about what you need and want in order to improve your life experience.  Then choose your WORD for 2018.

Happy New Year, 

Barb

Coping During the Holidays

The holidays are quickly approaching.   We can find enjoyment and meaning during the holidays by connecting to our faith, spending time with family, and taking part in festive activities.  However, the pressure to create a special holiday experience for ourselves and others can cause stress and tension.  It is important to actively make choices to create a holiday season that is grounded in meaning and joy, rather than obligations and stress.  Keeping the following tips in mind can help you decrease your stress and find more meaning in the holiday season.

1)      Ground yourself in your values

Determine what you truly value about the holiday season.  Whatever your values, bring yourself back to them when making choices about the holidays.  If your values are clear and you stay connected to them, the holidays will feel more meaningful.  

2)      Be flexible with traditions

Forcing traditions when they no longer fit can create tension and disappointment. Adjust your expectations to reflect your current life circumstances.  All traditions started with a new idea so be open to new activities.

3)      Acknowledge losses

The holidays often highlight losses experienced through death, divorce or distance.  Building in ways to acknowledge your losses can be helpful. This active mourning is necessary in the healing process and will help you cope during the season.  If you anticipate feeling isolated or lonely, determine how you can create connection instead by planning gatherings or activities with others.  With a little thought and creativity, you can also create connection with family and friends who live far away.

4)      Recognize you have choices 

It is important to remember that how we participate in the holidays is a CHOICE.  It’s easy to go on autopilot and do things we feel obligated to do even though it doesn’t hold meaning and pleasure. So, take the time to reflect on which activities you want to continue and which you prefer to let go.  There will always be some obligations we have to keep, but by making conscious choices these obligations can be minimized.

5)      Talk with others about your expectations and wishes

Initiating a conversation with family members, friends or co-workers about your expectations and wishes is important.  If you want to make a change, an early discussion with others allows them to process and adjust to the change rather than build up expectations.  

By clarifying your values and wishes and pro-actively communicating with others, your holiday season can be more pleasurable.  I hope these tips help you take charge in creating a holiday season that is meaningful and enjoyable to you.