With the rise of COVID-19, mental health practitioners everywhere are undergoing a change. Many are shifting their services from in-person sessions to online sessions.
And while Technology Assisted Counseling (TAC) has been available for a while, for many therapists, this means embarking on a whole new territory.
As you’re adjusting to the “new normal,” consider these helpful tips for working remotely as a therapist.
1. CREATE A DEDICATED WORKSPACE
Setting up your dedicated workspace with the right equipment is essential for teletherapy.
The environment you conduct sessions in needs to be as professional as possible.
Ensure you have a reliable computer, camera and microphone that will provide clear video and audio during your session.
Additionally, ensure your Wi-Fi network is secure by:
- Change default passwords for wireless routers.
- Encrypt home wireless router traffic using WPA2-AES.
- Encrypt and password protect any personal devices.
2. KEEP INTERRUPTIONS MINIMAL
While working remotely offers more flexibility, it offers opens the doors to more interruptions.
To minimize disruptions while working from remotely, be sure to define a quite workspace with a door in your home. Also, you can try:
- Hanging a sign outside your door to minimize your spouse, child, or roommate from entering.
- Use earbuds to prevent anyone else from listening to the session.
- Secure and lock files and other documents of information away from plain sight.
3. KEEP COMPLIANCE AT THE FOREFRONT
Now more than ever is your patient’s privacy important. Therefore, you should invest in a HIPAA-compliant teletherapy software to provide your services.
While the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Civil Rights has offered leniency on HIPAA enforcement for telehealth provided during the crisis, American Psychology Association still recommend that practitioners use a telehealth platform vendor that’s HIPAA compliant.
4. GIVE NOTICE OF YOUR UPDATED POLICIES
Having clear, well-documented office policies and procedures is essential to running a successful practice. This will help set clear expectations for you and your staff.
Evaluate how you’ll handle scheduling, payment, and cancellations to help reduce any likelihood of misunderstanding.
Once you update your policy, be sure to announce it in your email, website, or any other digital formats.
5. MODIFY YOUR TREATMENT TO ACCOUNT FOR LIMITATIONS
Many of your clients may easily adapt to teletherapy sessions, while others may still prefer in-person sessions.
As you embark on your teletherapy journey, it’s important to be transparent with clients and ensure their level of comfort is kept in mind. At the end of sessions, be sure to ask for feedback as you plan for the next session.
PARTNER WITH ANCHOR POINT BILLING SOLUTIONS
Need help adapting your mental health insurance billing in the time of COVID-19?
Many of our clients enjoy the convenience of having mental health specialists supporting their practice management needs. We’ll help handle patient onboarding, account management, and all aspects of your billing.
Contact Anchor Point Billing Solutions today to learn how your practice can benefit with the help of a mental health billing partner.