Can I do therapy virtually?
The answer to the above question is probably - here's why:
Pre-Covid, it was unethical for me to see clients when they were not physically located in a state in which I was licensed. Covid has forced states to adapt new laws for telehealth, so that I can now see clients when they are physically located in many states. This may seem backward, but all the states have slightly different rules about who is qualified to practice as a clinical psychologist. I now have what is called an interjurisdictional telepsychology license through PSYPACT which allows me to see clients physically located in the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Indiana and Washington will join this summer. States with pending legislation include: Massachusetts, Michigan, South Carolina, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. In addition, I have re-activated my New York license and obtained a Michigan license. The map below illustrates the PYSPACT states (updated March 2022).
Pre-Covid, it was unethical for me to see clients when they were not physically located in a state in which I was licensed. Covid has forced states to adapt new laws for telehealth, so that I can now see clients when they are physically located in many states. This may seem backward, but all the states have slightly different rules about who is qualified to practice as a clinical psychologist. I now have what is called an interjurisdictional telepsychology license through PSYPACT which allows me to see clients physically located in the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Indiana and Washington will join this summer. States with pending legislation include: Massachusetts, Michigan, South Carolina, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. In addition, I have re-activated my New York license and obtained a Michigan license. The map below illustrates the PYSPACT states (updated March 2022).
For New Clients
First we will schedule a short phone conversation to make sure that I have the right expertise to support you and that telehealth lends itself to your needs. I will send you a telehealth consent that outlines the potential benefits and risks of telehealth sessions. I am using a HIPAA compliant telehealth platform through Simple Practice. You will recieve an email link to the session and you can click on this link at the time of the appointment. Please reference my blog post for tips for setting yourself up for a successful telehealth session. It is clear that teletherapy is here to stay even after Covid is behind us. One upside of all of this is that I'm enjoying being able to continue seeing clients when they go off to college (if it is in one of the approved states).
Will my Health Insurance Cover Teletherapy?
Health insurance coverage of telehealth sessions depends on your plan. I am out-of-network, so you want to check with your insurance company about whether or not you have any out-of-network benefits first, and then inquire as to whether or not telebehavioral health is currently covered on your plan.
