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, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. States with pending legislation include: Arkansas, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. In addition, I have re-activated my New York license. The map below illustrates the PYSPACT states (updated October, 2021).
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, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. States with pending legislation include: Arkansas, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. In addition, I have re-activated my New York license. The map below illustrates the PYSPACT states (updated October, 2021).
For Existing Clients
If you are an existing client, all you need to do to schedule a telehealth session is reach out to me by email. 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).
For New Clients
If you are a potential new client, 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. Then we will follow the steps outlined above.
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.
