Virtual Therapy Across Rhode Island

Virtual therapy offers a high level of convenience and flexibility that is not always achievable with in-person appointments. It can be particularly useful for individuals who have busy schedules and can only meet during their lunch break or between meetings/classes.

For example, it may be doable, but inconvenient for clients located in Barrington, East Greenwich, or West Greenwich, Rhode Island to come into the office. For those located in Jamestown, RI, the drive is too far.

A woman smiling while doing a video session on her laptop in Jamestown, Rhode Island.

Additionally, it can be beneficial for clients who have health concerns, such as a high risk of contracting COVID-19 or other illnesses, or those who face transportation issues or bad weather. Virtual therapy can also help make specialized treatment more accessible to people across the state, and can provide greater privacy for clients who are worried about running into people they know during their sessions. Exposure therapy sessions may also be more effective in relevant environments through virtual therapy. Studies have shown that virtual therapy is just as effective as traditional in-person therapy.1

However, there are also downsides to virtual therapy. Some people may struggle to connect with others through video, or may not have enough privacy at home for virtual sessions. Distractions from family members or other interruptions can also be a problem. Video telehealth is limited in its ability to assess nonverbal cues, such as body language, compared to in-person therapy. For clients with more severe mental health issues or who require more intensive treatment, in-person therapy may be recommended. Lastly, getting out of the house can also be very beneficial for some clients.

Is virtual therapy in Rhode Island safe?

I use a HIPAA compliant platform for virtual counseling appointments (sessions by Psychology Today). It is critical that you have privacy, a reliable internet or data connection, and are alone during your sessions. I have some clients who attend telehealth therapy in their parked car in a safe, private location (in Rhode Island) for their sessions if they do not have another private space to use.

Setting up for success with virtual therapy in Rhode Island

Here are a few important guidelines that will prepare you for virtual sessions:

  • Bookmark the telehealth link on your device for quick and convenient access to the website for your appointment.
  • It is crucial to have a robust and dependable internet or data connection.
  • Maintaining confidentiality is of utmost importance. You should be alone during your appointment, unless we have previously discussed and agreed upon someone else joining for a specific reason. Even if you don’t mind if friends, family, or significant others are present or can overhear your session, it is irrelevant. I cannot ensure or protect your confidentiality unless you are in a secure and private location by yourself. Even if you are comfortable with the presence of others, you won’t be able to fully engage in your session or open up completely if you are concerned about the opinions or comments of those around you.
  • Please refrain from participating in the session while driving or being in a vehicle with others. Some clients who lack privacy at home may opt to conduct video sessions from their parked car in a private and secure location with a strong, reliable data connection.
  • Ensure that your smartphone, tablet, or laptop has a functional microphone and camera. If you are using a smartphone, it’s a good idea to have headphones on hand in case of audio feedback issues.
  • Position yourself so that you have adequate natural and/or artificial light in front of you, rather than behind you.
  • Close any other programs, apps, or windows to minimize distractions and prevent poor video quality or audio lag.
  • Verify that your device is not set to update its software during or around the time of your appointment.

Are you ready to begin virtual counseling in Rhode Island?  Contact me to get started!

Still not sure if virtual therapy in Rhode Island is right for you?  That’s okay!  We can talk through this together during your phone consult to determine what may be the best fit for you. I also provide video telehealth therapy to clients living in Massachusetts, and in-person counseling in North Attleboro, Massachusetts.

References

  1. Spotts-De Lazzer, A., MA, LMFT, LPCC, CEDS-S. (2021, December 6). 10 Essential Points About Online vs. In-Person Therapy. Www.psychologytoday.com. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/meaningfull/202112/10-essential-points-about-online-vs-in-person-therapy