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Using Distance Technology for Counseling & Coaching. As we are now over 1/5 of the way into the 21st Century, technology has improved to the point that online video chat/conferencing is a viable option for many people in more and more places. Though using wifi is preferred, 3G and 4G mobile networking also provides enough bandwidth typically to have a stable video chat/conferencing session. There are many popular software programs available now which are free to download and which use this technology, such as Skype, Facebook Messenger, Google Duo, Facetime (for iOS only), WhatsApp, LINE, etc. Most of these can be used across any updated communication device, including a smart phone (running Android or iOS), a tablet, and/or a personal computer. Using these devices and apps for counseling or coaching sessions is a natural outcome of this technology evolution.
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There are many advantages to distance sessions, including the convenience of not having to travel in case you don't feel well or the weather is poor, when you have child/family care issues, and having sessions when you are far apart from your counselor or coach. There are a few challenges which also arise with this choice, however, including call quality, potentially less intimacy or contact, privacy issues, and some possible legal hurdles and insurance reimbursement issues. As long as these issues can be addressed, using distance technology for counseling and coaching can be an excellent choice. More and more insurance companies are recognizing this benefit and are allowing mental health professionals to see clients for distance sessions and bill for them.
Mental Health Counseling (Psychotherapy). Counseling/psychotherapy is a practice regulated in most states by law. Typically, U. S. states only allow their residents to receive therapy from a mental health professional who is licensed in their state of residence (or wherever they physically are, such as when they are receiving therapy in a place where they are traveling). Currently, as I am licensed in North Carolina and Hawaii only, the clients I am seeing would have to live in NC or HI or be here physically to receive therapy from me. Unfortunately, unlike other licensed professions such as nursing, counseling does not typically share reciprocity between states. For international clients, the laws of their country would determine whether they could receive mental health counseling from a professional licensed in another country but not theirs.
Further, most insurance companies require face-to-face distance technology sessions (not phone/audio only) and also require the use of a HIPAA compliant video chat/conferencing app, such as VSee. Most of the popular video chat apps mentioned previously are not HIPAA compliant and cannot be used when billing insurance. VSee is my app of choice for insurance counseling sessions and can be downloaded for free. I have executed a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with their company to agree to HIPAA compliance standards.
Finally, not every client/case is appropriate for distance technology. For example, some clients may not prefer it. Client who are suicidal or have serious mental health issues with significant instability can typically benefit more from working in person with a mental health professional who can help them escalate their support and care if and when needed. Distance sessions may be appropriate with these clients if they are also seeing another local professional who can provide that support.
Life or Health Coaching. Coaching is typically not a practice regulated by state law, so there are few if any restrictions on using distance technology for this service. Clients and coaches are free to use the technology of their choice, and geographic boundaries are virtually unlimited. I personally prefer to use VSee but also will consider using Telegram, Skype, Jitsi Meet, or Zoom if you request one of these. Video is not required but is preferred, for a more meaningful exchange, since facial expressions and body language, which represent up to 80-90% of communication, are not shared on a phone call.
Getting Started With Distance Sessions. If you are interested in doing distance sessions with me, please follow these steps:
A Final Note on Privacy & Distraction. Privacy and non-distraction or interruption are most important for the success of your counseling or coaching. Please insure that you are in an undisturbed place where no one can overhear your session. Set aside this time to work on yourself without distraction. Please dress appropriately and do not have TV, media, or music playing. Ambient background music might work if you are wearing a headset which cancels it. Outdoors might work, again likely only if you have a noise canceling headset. I recommend Bluetooth, so you don't have to deal with a cable. Please do not conduct your session while driving. Avoid eating a meal during your session. Of course, I will insure the same privacy, professionalism, and non-interruption on my end, always.
Click [HERE] to schedule your distance counseling or coaching session with me today!
Mental Health Counseling (Psychotherapy). Counseling/psychotherapy is a practice regulated in most states by law. Typically, U. S. states only allow their residents to receive therapy from a mental health professional who is licensed in their state of residence (or wherever they physically are, such as when they are receiving therapy in a place where they are traveling). Currently, as I am licensed in North Carolina and Hawaii only, the clients I am seeing would have to live in NC or HI or be here physically to receive therapy from me. Unfortunately, unlike other licensed professions such as nursing, counseling does not typically share reciprocity between states. For international clients, the laws of their country would determine whether they could receive mental health counseling from a professional licensed in another country but not theirs.
Further, most insurance companies require face-to-face distance technology sessions (not phone/audio only) and also require the use of a HIPAA compliant video chat/conferencing app, such as VSee. Most of the popular video chat apps mentioned previously are not HIPAA compliant and cannot be used when billing insurance. VSee is my app of choice for insurance counseling sessions and can be downloaded for free. I have executed a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with their company to agree to HIPAA compliance standards.
Finally, not every client/case is appropriate for distance technology. For example, some clients may not prefer it. Client who are suicidal or have serious mental health issues with significant instability can typically benefit more from working in person with a mental health professional who can help them escalate their support and care if and when needed. Distance sessions may be appropriate with these clients if they are also seeing another local professional who can provide that support.
Life or Health Coaching. Coaching is typically not a practice regulated by state law, so there are few if any restrictions on using distance technology for this service. Clients and coaches are free to use the technology of their choice, and geographic boundaries are virtually unlimited. I personally prefer to use VSee but also will consider using Telegram, Skype, Jitsi Meet, or Zoom if you request one of these. Video is not required but is preferred, for a more meaningful exchange, since facial expressions and body language, which represent up to 80-90% of communication, are not shared on a phone call.
Getting Started With Distance Sessions. If you are interested in doing distance sessions with me, please follow these steps:
- If you are a mental health counseling client,
- We can have distance sessions, if you live in North Carolina or Hawaii or are traveling here, or if you live in another country which does not require you work with a professional who is licensed in your country.
- Please review with me your appropriateness for distance sessions.
- NOTE: VSee has recently changed their New Client policy and now requires that I send you an invitation to install the software and setup your account, in order for us to connect. Check your email for that invitation.
- Install the software on your PC, Android phone, or i-Device, setup a login email and password, and verify that I am added as a Contact.
- Wait for me to call you at your designated appointment time.
- If you are a coaching client, please indicate in your appointment booking which software you'd like to use. If not VSee, I prefer Telegram, Skype, Jitsi Meet or Zoom).
- If you are either a counseling or coaching client, consider purchasing/using a headset to improve the quality of video chat sessions. I recommend a wireless Bluetooth headset, though line/wired headsets also work. This will prevent reverb from coming out of your speakers and going back into your mic as well as making your sessions more private.
A Final Note on Privacy & Distraction. Privacy and non-distraction or interruption are most important for the success of your counseling or coaching. Please insure that you are in an undisturbed place where no one can overhear your session. Set aside this time to work on yourself without distraction. Please dress appropriately and do not have TV, media, or music playing. Ambient background music might work if you are wearing a headset which cancels it. Outdoors might work, again likely only if you have a noise canceling headset. I recommend Bluetooth, so you don't have to deal with a cable. Please do not conduct your session while driving. Avoid eating a meal during your session. Of course, I will insure the same privacy, professionalism, and non-interruption on my end, always.
Click [HERE] to schedule your distance counseling or coaching session with me today!
