About Online Therapy in the Time of Corona Virus
As the news surrounding COVID-19 (Corona Virus) evolve rapidly, my main priority continues to be the same — to walk alongside my clients in optimizing their well-being. During times like this limiting social interactions in large groups of people, social distancing and good hygiene is crucial in slowing down and/or avoiding the spread of the disease. COVID 19 is a type of virus that spreads quickly and puts certain populations such as the elderly or those with breathing or immune issues at heightened risk.
Telehealth or online therapy is a convenient way to stay committed to your goal of personal growth while supporting community efforts to slow down the spread of the virus by staying at home. This is the perfect option for professionals working from home, people with disabilities and/or vulnerable to the disease, caretakers and stay home parents or individuals wanting to support the global efforts to contain the spread of the virus by avoiding going out. You just need to get comfortable and find a quiet place to talk!
I have been providing online therapy for the past 8 years via a secure and confidential medical platform called Doxy.me. This is a very user friendly, state-of-the-art security, and HIPAA compliant platform that guarantees your confidentiality! Online Counseling is a proven, effective way to receive counseling services from the comfort and privacy of your own home. Here are the answers of questions I get when I talk about online therapy with my clients:
How does online therapy work?I provide therapy through a video platform that's encrypted and secured to protect your privacy and confidentiality. Once you schedule your appointment, I will provide you with a link to this platform to enter the secure space from where we will hold the session.
Is online therapy as effective as face to face therapy?There's a lot of research that demonstrates that online therapy is as effective as in person therapy for a variety of concerns related to anxiety, depression, stress related symptoms, recovery from an eating disorder if weight is stable and other issues that can be affecting you such as life transitions and loss.
Does insurance cover online therapy?As you know, I am an out of network provider and will continue to provide you with a superbill of services you can use to get reimbursement from your health carrier. Some insurance companies cover online therapy or are may be granting special privileges due to our current situation. I highly recommend that you check with your health carrier directly for more details about the types of coverage they provide for online mental health services.
What kind of device do I need to participate in online therapy?You can use your home computer, your iPad or iPod, or your smartphone. I also highly recommend you use a headset or headphones to increase privacy and decrease outside distractions.
What kind of internet service do I need for online therapy?If you are able to watch videos and movies on your computer or other devices, your internet connection will work just fine for online therapy. I have held sessions in Colombia while I was on vacation and my client was in England on a trip! It worked perfectly!
Where do I have to be for my session?You are able to have your therapy session wherever you feel comfortable as long as you have privacy and access to the internet.
I have never participated in therapy, how does it work?Online sessions are completely confidential and all of your records are kept secured by HIPAA regulations. We can have a free online or phone consult to determine if I’m the right fit for you and we will develop a counseling plan together to ensure that we will meet your goals. Sessions can be held once or twice a week depending on your current needs.
I am a new client who is interested in scheduling a session. What do I need to do?Simply call me at 561.305.2497 or email me atcarolinagaviriamhc@gmail.com, and I would be happy to answer any questions via phone or online platform I use for sessions.
I am an English or Spanish Speaker who lives outside of Florida or the United States, can you be my therapist?The laws differ from state to state and country to country. If you contact me, I will research the laws to provide teletherapy in that state or country and let you know the outcome ASAP. I can only provide services in Florida and other states that don’t require additional licensure since I’m a national certified counselor. I am also certified as a psychologist in Colombia and can inquire about specific laws in other Spanish speaking countries.
If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact me directly at 561.305.2497 or email me at carolinagaviriamhc@gmail.com. I will provide a FREE consultationto determine if online therapy is right for you. Online therapy services are available in English and Spanish.
Stay Safe and Healthy!
Warm regards, Carolina Gaviria, LMHC, NCC, CEDS
