About Teletherapy

Dr. Karen Carlson

I am meeting with clients on line from my virtual office, physically located in Shrewsbury Massachusetts

Teletherapy includes ways in which providers use technology in their work with clients. It includes electronic means of holding treatment sessions (phone or video platforms) as well as other transactions such as scheduling appointments, client records and billing. Talking on the phone with me for any reason is considered teletherapy. Emails we exchange are also teletherapy.

Teletherapy has been an accepted and effective practice for decades, but most people have just become aware of it because of Covid-19. Research has shown that virtual therapy sessions can be just as, if not more effective as face-to-face sessions. There are more acceptable ways to do telehealth now than ever before. This has become part of our new normal.

The benefits of teletherapy include:

  • Easy to schedule appointments, exchange documents, and make payments.

  • Saves travel time for clients, making fitting therapy into a busy life easier.

  • Allows clients to work with me in familiar environments that feel safe to them.

  • There are fewer distractions - no noise from the waiting room or passing cars.

  • Allows me to work with clients who need my help outside my geographic area. This gives clients greater choice as well.

  • Is more private - no running into someone you know in the waiting room.

  • Allows clients to get the treatment they need while observing social distancing for Covid 19.

Some of the challenging aspects of teletherapy include:

  • Electronics and internet connections can and do fail.

  • The provider and client are unable to detect subtle physical cues such as changes in body posture. Some people feel disconnected when they aren’t talking to someone in person.

I use platforms for video, email and phone that comply with HIPAA requirements and are generally safe and secure. However, privacy and confidentiality cannot be completely insured.

Teletherapy may not be right for everyone.

Part of our initial virtual meeting will be used to test equipment, make sure the connection works well on both sides, and see if you are comfortable meeting on line. I will also assess whether teletherapy is right given your specific profile and situation. Effectiveness of teletherapy does rely heavily on the verbal skills of the therapist and the client.

Tips for a successful teletherapy experience:

  • Find a place in your home that is quiet, well lit and private. Let your family members know you are in a private meeting so that they don’t interrupt you.

  • Silence cell phones.

  • Make sure you have a secure internet connection. A hard-wired connection is more reliable in some instances

  • Your car is a good place to do teletherapy if you don’t have a private indoor place. However therapy sessions will not be conducted if you are driving.

  • If you doing teletherapy outside of your home, you must be at or near a physical address and provide this address to the therapist. This is important so the therapist knows exactly where you are in case of emergency during the session.