WHAT IS TELETHERAPY ?
Increasingly, healthcare professionals are using technology as part of their practice, offering telemedicine, telehealth and teletherapy options to patients and clients.
Teletherapy, also known as online therapy or telehealth therapy, refers to the delivery of mental health services remotely through technology-enabled platforms. It allows individuals to receive therapy and counseling services from licensed professionals via video conferencing, phone calls, or online messaging.
How does teletherapy work?
- Through your phone, tablet or computer — any device with an internet connection; if you have ever used Skype , Microsoft Teams, Zoom on your computer or FaceTime on your iPhone, you have used the same type of technology that teletherapy uses.
- Appointments are the same length as your in-person sessions and are scheduled in the same way.
- You choose a quiet, private spot free of distraction, interruptions and background noise and connect with your therapist via a safe, secure online platform.
Privacy & Security
We respect your privacy and confidentiality during all sessions with Kampala Counseling Services. As such, it is important that you have a private space from which to meet your therapist for teletherapy sessions.
- Arrange for a quiet, private environment for your therapy session. Your therapist will confirm that they are in a private location.
- Due to the sensitive material covered in each session, be alone in the room, unless agreed upon with your therapist.
- Use a secure/private internet connection for your session. You cannot use a public or unsecured wi-fi network.
- Do not video/audio record your session unless directed by your therapist.
- To confirm your identity in your first session, your therapist will ask you and anyone participating in treatment for your date of birth.
- At the beginning of each session, please verify your current location.
Preparing For A Teletherapy Session
Treat your teletherapy sessions as you would a regular appointment at one of our locations.
- Test the link provided for the first session ahead of time to ensure you have the necessary software and updates.
- Be on time. The Kampala Counseling Services’ late cancelation and no show policy applies.
- Be in a private location. If possible, it helps if the space is well lit, with minimal backlighting.
- Put your device on a solid surface at eye level vs. holding it during the session to reduce distractions. Your entire face, and ideally your body from the chest up, should be visible on camera.
- Wear proper attire.
- Conduct the session sitting upright, in an alert position.
- Refrain from eating or smoking.
- Do not attend sessions while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Do not drive during your sessions. If you are in your car, park in a safe location.
- Do not engage in other activities during sessions (e.g. driving, cooking, cleaning, caring for children or pets, etc.).
- Remove all distractions. Turn off or mute notifications on your phone and computer, turn off televisions, radios and other electronics.
- If a child under 12 years of age is receiving treatment, a parent or legal guardian must be present at the location during every session. Your therapist will let you know when you will be part of the session or not.
- If a child is participating in treatment, help them to prepare for the session by reviewing expectations with them.
- Make sure that your computer, tablet or phone has a camera and reliable internet connection
- Test your camera and audio before your session begins; ensure that both your camera and microphone are “on”
- Make your Zoom window “full screen”
- Be “present” for your session as if you were in your therapist’s office.
Teletherapy encompasses various therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions. It can effectively address a wide range of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship difficulties. While the format may differ from traditional in-person therapy, teletherapy maintains the same level of professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical standards as face-to-face sessions.
It has become increasingly popular and widely accepted as a valuable tool in mental healthcare, offering individuals a flexible and accessible means of receiving therapeutic support. Please Call + (256) 741 056164 or email [email protected] to schedule a teletherapy session at Kampala Counseling Services.