What is Teletherapy?

Teletherapy is a way for individuals to access mental health care when they are unable to attend psychotherapy sessions in person. Teletherapy can be conducted through different technological means. The form of Teletherapy that I practice is through videoconferencing, which is as close to face-to-face therapy as available. The bare minimum requirements for Teletherapy are a smartphone on which the HIPAA-compliant app Telehealth by SimplePractice can be downloaded. This app can also be used on a tablet. When using a PC, the unique link emailed directly to you from your patient portal will take you directly to your session.

Are you a good candidate for Teletherapy?

The answer to this question is based on what specific needs and goals you have for counseling. Teletherapy is a relatively new medium for Mental Health professionals to be able to expand how services are provided. There are certain mental health diagnoses that are more difficult to treat with this process. Doing any kind of therapy requires commitment on the client’s part. There are additional requirements, procedures, disclosures, and consent agreements for clients to utilize Teletherapy services. My Informed Consent Agreement is shared below. Please take the time to review, and feel free to contact me directly with any questions you may have.

Informed Consent Agreement for Teletherapy Services

I currently reside in the state of Texas and agree to participate in teletherapy with Jessica A. Garrett, M.A., NCC, LPC-S. I further attest that I will participate in all of my online therapy sessions with Mrs. Garrett while physically present in the State of Texas.

I authorize information related to my medical and mental health to be electronically transmitted in the form of images and data through an interactive video connection to and from Jessica A. Garrett.

I represent that I am using my equipment to communicate, and not any equipment owned by another individual—specifically not using my employer’s computer or network. I understand that using “auto-remember” features for usernames and passwords could compromise my confidentiality. I agree that all teletherapy sessions will be conducted in a private location where the risk of interruptions and being overheard is minimized. I understand that if the teletherapy connection fails during a session, therapy may continue by telephone. I understand that while using a cell phone, I should disable Bluetooth technology and use wired headphones if needed. I also understand that using phone service over a VoIP line is not always secure. I recognize that texting and email are not secure means of communication for private information, and I agree to use the Secure Messaging System through my client portal to communicate written private information.

I understand that I will be informed of all parties who may be present during a therapy session, including the purpose of their presence. I also agree not to have any other parties present during my therapy sessions without signed, written consent on file for their attendance.

Mrs. Garrett has explained why videoconferencing is her preferred method of telehealth and how it differs from in-person services, including—but not limited to—potential emotional reactions that may occur by using technology.

I understand that my provider will not be physically present. Instead, we will see and hear each other electronically. I recognize that certain information my provider would typically observe in an in-person session may not be accessible via teletherapy. I understand that missing such information could, in some cases, make it more difficult for my provider to accurately assess my concerns or offer effective treatment. My provider will be unable to touch me or render emergency assistance.

I understand that teletherapy is a relatively new format of treatment and is still being validated by research. There may be potential risks, including some not yet fully recognized or understood. Known risks include potential technology failure before or during sessions, transmission of unclear information, or interception of data by unauthorized individuals.

I understand that I do not have to answer any questions I feel are inappropriate or that I am not ready to answer. I acknowledge that accurate diagnosis relies on the information I provide, and treatment depends on that diagnosis. If I choose to withhold information, I accept that a diagnosis may be inaccurate or incomplete, which could affect the success or effectiveness of treatment.

I understand that teletherapy can be terminated at any time by me, by a designated representative, or by my therapist.

I also understand that, under applicable law, and regardless of the form of communication used, my therapist may be legally required to report to authorities if there is reason to believe that I am engaging in—or am about to engage in—behaviors that may endanger others.

The alternatives to teletherapy have been explained to me, including their risks and benefits, as well as the risks and benefits of foregoing treatment entirely. I understand that I may choose to pursue in-person therapy or to work with another provider at any time. I understand that teletherapy may not eliminate the need to see a specialist in person and that no guarantees have been made regarding the effectiveness of teletherapy.

I understand that Mrs. Garrett does not record teletherapy sessions, nor does she consent to me or anyone else recording sessions without prior approval and a signed consent form specific to that session.

I understand that progress notes, assessment results, disclosures, and records of text, email, SMS, and phone calls will be kept confidential, in accordance with state and federal law. Under HIPAA, I am entitled to access my records and may request copies in writing. However, I also understand that if, in the therapist’s professional judgment, releasing the records would pose a risk to me or another person, she may decline to release the full records and instead provide a summary of treatment. If records are released to me, I understand that I am solely responsible for their confidentiality and may be charged a reasonable fee for copies.

I have received my provider’s contact information, including her name, phone number with voicemail access, email, and fax. I have also received information about how to verify Mrs. Garrett’s professional license.

I have received and had the opportunity to discuss Mrs. Garrett’s social media policy.

I have participated in creating and have a copy of a list of local emergency support services. I acknowledge that if I am facing—or believe I may be facing—an emergency that could result in harm to myself or others, I will not contact my therapist. Instead, I will seek immediate assistance through a local healthcare provider, hospital emergency department, or by calling 911.