Teletherapy may be
the best choice for you if:

  • Are uncertain how you would find the time and energy to pursue psychotherapy

  • Want to take care of your mental health, but find yourself daunted by barriers

 

Some barriers you might be struggling with:

  • Stay-at-home childcare

  • Stay-at-home care of elderly parents

  • Busy professional life

  • Travel-to-therapy time and cost

  • Travel through urban congestion

  • Disabilities or Chronic illness

  • Multiple doctor’s appointments

  • Lack of mobility

  • Lack of local therapists available in your area

You also might simply prefer the comfort of your home or office to that of a therapist’s office. Or perhaps you like using your computer, tablet, or phone for communicating. Whatever the reason, as a teletherapy client, you would be joining a growing movement of clients and therapists who are using everyday technology to participate in psychotherapy. Teletherapy is not a passing trend but a large part of the future of mental health care.

 How is teletherapy conducted? Is it private?

At Forward Wellness, we use a HIPAA-secure video platform you can access easily by clicking on an application. No downloads, no special equipment—just your computer, tablet, or mobile phone and an internet connection. (HIPAA stands for “Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996” and it requires all health care providers to protect your privacy.)

A teletherapy video call using this secure platform is just like a FaceTime or Skype video call, except that it is encrypted and safe. Your therapist will give you some pointers to help you feel more comfortable, in terms of your video experience and your use of technology, and both of you will be located in quiet, private rooms during the session.

Is teletherapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Yes! A large body of research conducted over decades shows that teletherapy is just as effective as in-person therapy. Teletherapy is strongly supported by the US Federal Government and it is regulated by mental health boards. Thorough clinical guidelines and procedures are in place to ensure you receive the best care possible.

At Forward Wellness, many of our clinicians offer teletherapy in addition to in-person treatment. They use teletherapy as another resource for your needs.

One of our clinicians offers only teletherapy: Michelle Mounts, LSW, BC-TMH (Board Certified in TeleMental Health). BC-TMH credential holders have met nationally established telemental health criteria and are uniquely trained in best practices for delivering traditional psychotherapy/counseling through technological means.

Where do I need to be located for our sessions?

As a client, you need to be a resident of Pennsylvania or physically residing in the state to receive teletherapy from one of our PA-licensed clinicians.

Will insurance cover teletherapy?

In Pennsylvania, UPMC and Highmark cover teletherapy, and there are no limits to self-pay for the service. It is always best to contact your insurance provider and ask, “Am I covered for teletherapy?”

How do I know if teletherapy is right for me?

If you are extremely uncomfortable with technology, teletherapy might not be for you. Otherwise, there are very few mental health contraindications for the service.