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Telemental Health in Child and Adolescent Therapy

3/9/2020

19 Comments

 
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In light of the recent coronavirus there has been so much talk in the therapy world about using Telemental Health/Telemedicine as a back up plan should clients become ill or quarantined. 

I started my Telemedicine journey a little over a year ago as I began my plan to relocate my practice across the state from the twin cities metro area of Minnesota aallll the way “up north” to Duluth.  I wanted to give my clients more options for what might be right for them as I transitioned.  Some clients used it as a way to bridge the gap between in person sessions and when their new therapist had openings for service.  Other clients found that it was their ideal way to engage and receive therapy – so they stated on permanently as Telemedicine clients.

Now there are a TON of terms for what we know basically as the therapist being at one location and providing services to clients at a second location – Telemedicine, Telemental Health, E-therapy, virtual therapy, online therapy – wheew! I have chosen to call what I do Telemedicine, as it is the larger umbrella of services that Telemental Health falls under AND it is what my state statute uses to describe this service.

After diving into to Telemedicine, I have to let you know...I LOVE it! I often find that clients can be more relaxed in their home and it can be easier to get into the tough stuff more quickly as clients are surrounded by an environment that is known and comfortable to them.  I also find that it is super helpful for homework and prompts.  There is no more barriers such as leaving a project in their bedroom, or if there is something I am wanting them to do (like put a quote on their mirror or post-it on their door) they can do it in real time! 

As I am hearing all this conversation about Telemental Health I honestly started to become a bit anxious.  As a therapist who spent over three months gearing up, researching, training, helping to develop policies and procedures, and helping clients understand exactly what this service was – I was hoping that therapists understood it was SO MUCH MORE than finding a HIPAA complaint online platform, turning on the camera, and having a session. Especially since every now and then you hear a comment like “I can use Skype right?”

So here’s the tip of the iceberg of what you will need to get a Telemental Health practice up and running:
  • The gear
    • Computer platform that is HIPAA compliant
    • Adequate camera
    • Adequate internet speed
  • A specific Telemedicine Informed Consent
  • Insurance company consent (not all insurance companies AND plans allow this type of service and some only allow from specific agencies such as Doctor’s On-Demand)
    • Filling out any insurance company specific forms for Telemedicine(if necessary)
  • Specific policies and procedures related to Telemedicine
  • Understanding insurance modifiers and place of service codes
  • Safety plans and disconnection plans
  • Telemedicine Specific documentation details in charting and for each note
  • Clear understanding of your licensing board stance
    • Home address vs.
    • Feet on the ground
  • Assessed the client as a good fit for Telemedicine

Whoa. Now, if you are like YES! I know exactly what you are talking about and I am all covered for these things – that is amazing! You are so ready!

If this list freaks you out – you probably have some work to do to get your practice ready.  This is why I developed a FREE e-course about getting your Telemedicine practice up and running including a FREE informed consent template, Telemedicine Resource List (complete with a comparisons of platforms that are HIPAA compliant), and a handout I use to explain and orient clients to Telemedicine services.  Does this some like something you need?

Take me to the course!  

Also check out the Lessons From The Playroom podcast episode 32 to get you inspired for how to use play therapy in your work with Telemedicine! 

Lastly, this free mini e-course is for informational purposes only and does not offer any continuing education credit.  It is solely my opinion, which I have gathered through trainings and real world experience providing Telemedicine services. It is to help you understand if Telemedicine could be right for your practice and some of the things that are necessary to have in place before you start.  Imagine curling up with a cup of coffee to chat with one of your friends to see if Telemental Health services are right for you - and that friend just so happens to have a TON of details, templates, and resources for how to get your Telemental Health practice up and running! 
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Let's Connect - click here to join my email list!
19 Comments
Nancy Randall link
3/9/2020 09:04:53 am

I’m interested in information about telemental heslth.

Reply
Christina Lachner link
3/9/2020 07:12:45 pm

I am part of a group that is currently researching options for telehealth.

Reply
Angela Viles-Shop
3/23/2020 11:20:04 am

interested

Reply
Marietta "Wendy" Fitzgerald LMHC
1/30/2021 08:16:37 am

I'm in!

Previously a school counselor.
Had my practice since 2006 and now doing telehealth and supervising mental health interns.
Any help, will be greatly appreciated.
Wendy

Reply
Kimberly
3/9/2020 06:19:31 pm

Add me to email list please

Reply
Arabella Rose
3/10/2020 01:34:27 am

I’m interested in offering Telehealth to my clients and would like more information on it

Reply
Makayla
3/15/2020 10:25:57 pm

Great mini course! A lot of good information to begin the process of starting Telemental health! Thanks!

Reply
Renee Wilson
3/18/2020 05:21:12 am

Add me to your email please.

Reply
Nina Rivenbark
4/2/2020 07:31:13 am

I am interested in more information regarding Telehealth as I will begin this very soon.

Reply
Heba
4/19/2020 03:15:05 am

I am interested about this course so much but it tells me that my email is unvalid

Reply
Sylvia Gonzalez
6/11/2020 03:39:53 pm

I am interested in your Free e-Course - i am a SW in a community health clinic - servicing all ages 8-80.

i am not a Play Therapist so any assistance is helpful.

Thank you.

Reply
Alice Carroll link
8/23/2020 11:55:23 pm

It's interesting to know that telehealth services can be covered by insurance. I'm planning to get a telemental health counseling service for my daughter soon. Due to the quarantine, she's stuck in her apartment in another city and had to live alone without much social interactions so I'd like to make sure that she's still quite fine being alone.

Reply
marilyn
1/4/2021 09:14:45 am

interested

Reply
Ann Meehan
1/4/2021 02:38:44 pm

Hey Marilyn - get access to the course at the link below!

Thanks!
Ann

https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5fb159f62367c711d5293c64

Reply
June link
11/17/2021 04:57:03 am

Interested in ideas for the deaf children I work with virtual

Reply
Ann Meehan
11/17/2021 04:59:54 am

Hi June!! This is such a great question and such a speciality population! I do not have any experience working with the deaf and hard of hearing community BUT I would totally reccomend that if you want to see consultation Alexis Greeves is an excellent RPT-S to connect with and this is one of her areas of speciality!

http://www.hopeandhealingmn.com/about/alexis-greeves/

Reply
Eli Richardson link
10/11/2022 02:00:01 pm

My sister told me she's interested in finding a therapist for her daughter and maybe for her too, but she's worried about how her kid is very shy. I liked what you explained about telehealth and how it helps patients open up with their therapist, so I believe my sister could benefit from hearing this. Thanks for the information on telehealth therapy and how it'd be done from the comfort of your home.

Reply
Ann Meehan
10/12/2022 11:35:36 am

Hi Eli!

I'm glad this helps. The great news is that any therapist your sister or her daughter are connected with can walk you through all of their policies and procedures and what supports they have to connect with kids who tend to be a little bit more shy.

Thanks!
Ann

Reply
Victoria Addington link
11/22/2022 09:20:03 am

I liked it the most when you shared that we should make sure that the telehealth platform is HIPAA compliant. My friend wants to start therapy online. I should advise her to look for a clinic that provides telehealth therapy sessions.

Reply



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    Hi, there!

    I'm Ann Meehan, an LPCC,
    ​RPT-S
    ™, and EMDR Consultant. I help therapists that work with kids and teens go from a place of stress and survival to inspired and thriving.  I give child therapists the resources, tools, and skills they need to be effective and confident in their practice!

    I am organization obsessed, coffee loving, playful therapist who is showing up for life in the north woods of Minnesota. 

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  • Home
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    • The Playful Therapist Blog
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