Secure Online Therapy Services

Online Options

Ron has been using online options for many years and was one of the first California-based therapists to explore telehealth issues for mental health. He has been and will continue to offer individuals phone, Skype, or FaceTime sessions. This has been helpful to clients that are people sick, isolated by distance, without transportation, dealing with young children (and can’t find a sitter), or managing challenging schedules with work and family life.

In addition, Ron is now offering secure, HIPAA-compliant online therapy through his client portal SimplePractice. All data is secured with bank-level encryption, your calls are anonymous, and none of your information is stored to meet the most up-to-date Telehealth guidelines.

What exactly is Telehealth?  Telehealth involves using electronic communications to enable clinicians to connect with individuals using live interactive video and audio transmissions. Telehealth includes psychological health care delivery, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, referral to resources, education, and the transfer of medical and clinical data, all from the comfort of your home or office.

Technology is never perfect. Here are some simple tips to help “connect”:

• Ron recommends joining the video appointment 5-10 minutes before the scheduled time so you can make sure that everything is set up correctly. 
• Restart your computer every day for it to run as efficiently as possible.
• Close any unnecessary programs and applications on your computer before joining a Telehealth call. These take away from the resources needed for your computer to run efficiently.
• Keep your software and operating system up to date. Install recommended updates only from sources you trust. 
• You may need to adjust the volume or mute/unmute your speakers to prepare for the call. We also recommend keeping a pair of headphones nearby in case you need to use them for improved audio/voice. 
• If you have questions about the appointment before the start time, be sure to email or call/text Ron Huxley.
• If you can connect to the Internet but are having trouble joining the video, you can use our recommended Pre-call Tool.

Stay Informed: Sample of our New Telehealth Privacy Policies

CONSENT FOR TELEHEALTH CONSULTATION

(New clients will receive this consent form in addition to our standard forms).

1. I understand that my health care provider wishes me to engage in a telehealth consultation.
2. My health care provider explained that the video conferencing technology used to affect such a consultation will not be the same as a direct client/health care provider visit because I will not be in the same room as my provider.
3. I understand that a telehealth consultation has potential benefits, including more accessible access to care and the convenience of meeting from a location of my choosing.
4. I understand this technology’s potential risks, including interruptions, unauthorized access, and technical difficulties. I know that my health care provider or I can discontinue the telehealth consult/visit if it is felt that the videoconferencing connections are not adequate for the situation.
5. I have had a direct conversation with my provider, during which I had the opportunity to ask questions regarding this procedure. My questions have been answered, and the risks, benefits, and practical alternatives have been discussed in a language I understand.

CONSENT TO USE THE TELEHEALTH BY SIMPLEPRACTICE SERVICE 

Telehealth by SimplePractice is the technology service we will use to conduct telehealth videoconferencing appointments. It is simple to use and no passwords are required to log in. By signing this document, I acknowledge:

1. Telehealth by SimplePractice is NOT an Emergency Service, and in the event of an emergency, I will use a phone to call 911.
2. Though my provider and I may be in direct, virtual contact through the Telehealth Service, neither SimplePractice nor the Telehealth Service provides any medical or healthcare services or advice, including emergency or urgent medical services.
3. The Telehealth by SimplePractice Service facilitates videoconferencing and is not responsible for delivering any healthcare, medical advice, or care.
4. I do not assume that my provider has access to any or all of the technical information in the Telehealth by SimplePractice Service – or that such information is current, accurate, or up-to-date. I will not rely on my health care provider to have this information in the Telehealth by SimplePractice Service.
5. To maintain confidentiality, I will not share my telehealth appointment link with anyone unauthorized to attend the appointment.